How to Make a Pinata

In the following steps I will show you how to create a very versatile pinata. You're welcome to change the decorations and colors, but I decided to recreate the instructables mascot.

• 2c Flour
• 2c Water
• 1 12" Balloon
• Newspaper, cut into strips
• Tissue Paper
• Glue
• Bowl
• Measuring cups
• Spoons
• Scissors

Decoration for pinata:

• Construction Paper
• Markers
• Pipecleaners
• Tape

Don't worry if you get all the lumps out, it won't really matter unless they are huge.

Blow up the 12" balloon. If you are worried about it popping, slightly under inflate it to 10" for more flexibility.

To start the paper mache process, first have all your newspaper strips cut. Then take the newspaper strips and dip them in the flour mixture to cover them completely. Squeeze off excess liquid with your fingers. Apply strips all over the balloon. Let the layer dry completely. I hung my balloon on a bird feeder to dry in the sun quickly. Apply 3-4 layers to create a nice thick shell.

Take tissue paper, cut into strips. Take the strips and make cuts to create a nice garland. Once you have several strips of garland, start applying strips in a spiral shape around the balloon. Use glue every few inches to tack down the paper.

After you have applied the garland all over the balloon, you are ready to pop the balloon. First, push down on the top of the balloon to release it from sticking to the inside walls. After you see it release nip a small hole near the nozzle of the balloon to deflate it. Remove balloon pieces.

Now that you have a nice shell, stuff it full of candy.

After you have the goodies inside, poke two holes on either side of the opening. Take a pipe cleaner and wrap it inside the holes to create a sturdy hook to hang the pinata from.

Apply leftover garland pieces to the top to conceal the hole, and to also contain the contents.

At this point you're welcome to decorate your pinata with whatever you want. I used construction paper to add all of the decor to my simple pinata shape, and it held together very nicely. I used a tape/glue combo to hold everything down. I also used a pipe cleaner for the ears of the robot. With a bit of drawing and some paper the sky's the limit!