Things You'll Need
Paper mache paste
Moist towelette
Hair dryer
Newspaper
Pinatas are created by covering an inflated balloon with several layers of paper mache to make a hollow and breakable container for candy or small toys. Martha Stewart recommends applying three layers of paper mache to your pinata and drying each layer of paper mache overnight before you begin to apply the next layer. This process requires a minimum of three nights just to form a basic pinata, without taking into account the time necessary for painting and decorating. Fortunately, you can reduce the drying time of your pinata with a few simple techniques.
Step 1
Wipe off any excess paper mache paste from the surface of the pinata with a moist towelette or a wet wipe. A thick coat of paper mache paste will take much longer to dry than a thin coat.
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Step 2
Dry the paper mache with a hair dryer on the highest setting until the surface of the pinata no longer feels sticky.
Step 3
Apply additional layers of paper mache paste-covered newspaper, if necessary, to strengthen your pinata. Wipe each completed layer with a moist towelette and dry it with the hair dryer.
Step 4
Continue to dry the pinata with your hair dryer until the pinata feels hard and dry.
Tip
Place the pinata outside in direct sunlight or in front of a fan if you do not have time to stand next to the pinata with a hair dryer.
Make paper mache paste by mixing wheat-paste powder with water to create a thick paste.
Dip the newspaper into the paper mache paste and then pull it through your fingers to remove excess paste. Reducing the amount of paste on each strip of newspaper will help the pinata dry faster.
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