How do you make a pinata?

You can make a pinata out of paper mache strips.

Start with an inflated ballon of the size you like, then layer newspaper strips soaked in a glue mixture over the top. After a few complete layers, tie a strong string or ribbon around it and knot it securely. This will be the hanging point. Build up enough layers to make a good solid structure, and let it dry until it hardens enough to handle without squishing. This may take several hours or overnight, so plan ahead!

Now you can cut a flap in the top of the pinata large enough to put the goodies through. If the balloon didn't pop when you cut the flap, pop it with something sharp. Take the balloon out and throw it away. Put all of the treats into the opening, and then seal the flap securely with large paper mache strips.

Next it's time to decorate the outside. You can use whatever materials you think would look cool, but make sure it is something that will not prevent the pinata from breaking eventually. Small pieces of curled colored paper can be used for the traditional look.

Depending on what you use to glue the paper mache, and how many layers you paste on, you can make it stronger or weaker. The glue mixture can be made out of ordinary flour, corn starch, or some kind of water soluble paste glue, like white Elmer's glue. Flour is probably the weakest, and the paste glue would be the strongest, especially if you mix a minimal amount of water into it. The mixture has to be runny enough to soak into the paper, but not watery. Try to get it about the consistency of gravy.

Make sure it has time to dry completely before you hang it up so it doesn't just squish on the first whack.

To hang it, usually a good quarter inch thick rope or clothes line strung across a large open space about 8 to 10 feet off the ground is best. Then tie a shorter length of string or rope so that the pinata hangs by it above the heads of whoever is going to shake a stick at it. For added fun, tie a long string off to the side so someone can yank the main line while the contestant is trying to hit the pinata. Just make sure the string is a lot longer than the stick being used as a weapon!

I hope that wasn't too much detail for you, but I thought maybe someone else might want a complete set of instructions if they find this page later on. Have fun making your pinata and enjoy the party!

Blow up a perfectly round balloon! Mix some water and flour to make a pasty solution Use it to stick newspaper all the way around the balloon and let it dry and get hard. Buy white and black paint to make it like a soccer ball. Cut cut a flap in the back and fill it up with candy and/or prizes.