Things You'll Need
Large balloon
Large plastic bowl
2 oz. school glue
3 cups water
Scissors
2 to 3 old newspapers
Clear tape
Tempura paint, in black and white
Paint brush, size medium
Permanent marker, black
Orange construction paper
Black construction paper
Paper hole punch
18 inches heavy duty string
Candy for pinata filling
Pinatas, a staple at Mexican festivals and parties, are traditionally star-shaped and filled with fruit, small toys and candy. Children take turns hitting the pinata with a stick to break it open and release the goodies inside. Today, pinatas come in all shapes and sizes and no birthday party is complete without one. If penguins suit the theme of your child's party, with a bit of time and creativity you and your child can make your own penguin-shaped pinata.
Step 1
Blow up the large balloon. Make sure you have a surface with plenty of space for your work.
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Step 2
In the large plastic bowl, gradually mix the 2 oz. of school glue with 3 cups water.
Step 3
Using the scissors, cut the newspapers into strips approximately 1-inch thick and 6-to 8-inches long.
Step 4
Dip the strips of newspaper into the glue and water mixture one at a time. Spread them onto the balloon leaving an inch or two of space at the top. When the balloon is removed, this will create a hole at the top in which to place the candy. Cover the balloon completely with strips of newspaper and allow the layer to dry. Repeat until the balloon is covered in three layers of newspaper strips and allow to dry completely. This may take 12 to 24 hours.
Step 5
Using the paintbrush and black and white tempera paint paint the body of the penguin. The penguin's body and face are white and together will resemble a peanut shape. Paint the rest of the body black and allow the paint to dry.
Step 6
Using the scissors cut a large triangle out of the orange construction paper to make a beak shape. Use the tape to attach the beak to the penguins face. Use the black permanent marker to give the penguin eyes.
Step 7
Using the scissors cut two more large triangles out of the orange construction paper to serve as the penguins feet. Cut to large triangles out of the black construction paper to server as the penguin's wings. Use the tape to attach both the wings and feet to their respective positions.
Step 8
Pop the balloon and remove it from the inside of the pinata. Fill the pinata with the candy of your choice.
Step 9
Use the paper hole punch to make three to four holes around the top rim of the pinata. Thread the string through the holes and tie the ends together securely leaving several inches of slack to create a loop to hang the pinata from.
Step 10
Set the pinata aside until it is time to play the pinata game.
Tip
By changing the colors and features of the pinata you can create other animals with this basic pattern. Some other animals to consider include: pigs, bears, cats, dogs and sheep.
Warning
Be careful not to make the layers of newspaper too thick or the pinata will be difficult to break.
This project may take two days depending on the humidity level where you live or your personal time constraints. Plan accordingly.
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