How to Make a Pinata
A Pinata for Every Party
No need to visit the party store; you probably have on hand the supplies you need to paper mache a clever, homemade piñata. Step-by-step, we show you how to create a basic piñata using a balloon, strips of newspaper, and some flour and water. Along with the basics, there are instructions on forming three seasonal piñata characters that are sure to be a hit at your parties this fall: a spider, a pumpkin face, and a football.
Basic Pinata Steps
1. Blow up the balloon.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 part flour to 2 parts water to make the paper mache paste. The mixture should be a thin paste resembling thick glue. If necessary, whisk in more flour or water.
3. To paper mache, Wet strips of newspaper with the paste, scraping off the excess between your fingers. Place on balloon, leaving 2 inches of the knotted balloon end exposed. This first layer should cover the balloon completely, up to the exposed edge. Place the balloon on a wire rack and allow it to dry 24 hours.
4. Cover the balloon with 2 layers of newspaper strips, allowing it to dry 24 hours between layers.
5. Pop the balloon and pull out the balloon bits. Fill the cavity with candy and/or small toys, and finish the piñata character as directed below:
Spider Pinata1. Crumple a piece of aluminum foil to make a head. Wrap strips of tape all around the piece to make it smooth and compact.
2. Use strips of tape to attach the head to the paper mache body to close the opening and form the spider.
3. Paper mache the head to the body. On the top of the spider, tape down both ends of a long piece of string. (This is to hang the piñata.) Wet strips of newspaper with the flour paste, scraping off the excess; wrap head and body together, and paper mache over the entire spider with 2 to 3 layers of newspaper strips. Allow to dry 24 hours between layers. You will paper mache over the tape at the top which will secure the string for hanging.
4. Paint the spider black. Glue on the wiggly eyes.
5. Make legs for the spider: Cut eight 1 foot x 1 1/2-inch wide strips of black construction paper. Hold 2 strips so they make a corner. Then fold, one piece over the other, until you make an accordion-folded leg. Tape both ends so they do not unravel; glue on the legs.
Football1. On top of the balloon shape, tape down both ends of a long piece of string. (This is to hang the piñata.)
2. Fit 2 small, cone-shaped, plastic funnels or funnel-shaped crumbled pieces of aluminum foil on the balloon shape to form 2 ends of the “football”, taping them securely and covering the funnel shapes completely.
3. Paper mache the ends to the piñata, covering the entire piñata with 2 to 3 layers, and allowing to dry 24 hours between each layer.
4. Paint it brown, and allow to dry. Paint stripes and stitching to form a football.
Pumpkin1. On top of the balloon shape, tape down both ends of a long piece of string. (This is to hang the piñata.)
2. Crumple a piece of aluminum foil or newspaper to form a stem. Wrap it completely with tape, and tape the stem securely to the balloon shape.
3. Paper mache the stem to the piñata, covering the entire piñata with 2 to 3 layers, and allowing to dry 24 hours between each layer.
4. Paint the pumpkin piñata orange; paint the stem green. When the pumpkin is dry, draw a face using black paint or a marker.
