by WriterGirl

Created on: September 17, 2008

Making a pinata isn't for everyone, so before you start make sure you have the time and energy to put into it. Also you should remember that if this is your first attempt it's not necessarily going to look as good as one you would find at a party store. So with that in mind let's start.

Step 1: Pick a shape and design.

Grab some paper and draw out what you would like the pinata to look like. Like any other design this will become your guide to how to make your pinata so make sure you make it as detailed as possible. This will also help you figure out what materials you'll need to buy.

Step 2: The materials

Depending on how you want your pinata to look you'll need to buy paint, or if you're feeling fancy crepe paper to decorate and define the outside.

Since most piatas are made from paper mache you'll need to buy balloons to make the main body of the pinata. More detail can be added by using cardboard formed into the shapes you need then attached and covered by paper mache too.

If you don't have any you'll need to collect newspapers to rip into strips. Also flour to mix with water to make your paste.

Kids can be messy so you may want to grab some garbage bags to lay down on under the pinata making area to collect any drips.

Step 3: Start creating.

Rip the newspaper into strips. Mix enough flour with water that it's about the consistency of paste, but don't make too big of a batch at once. You can always make more but if you make too much it can harden or turn moldy if left too long.

Start covering the balloon with strips of newspaper covered in the paste. Make sure the strips aren't too wet because it can cause problems as your begin to layer the strips on top of each other. Just keep going until your pinata is a good strong thickness. The let it dry completely then you can do all your decorating.

Step 4: Fill it.

This should be done by an adult. Take a knife and cut a flap into your pinata. This will also pop the balloon, it will probably just shrivel up and should be easy to remove. Then just fill the pinata with candy or toys and tape the flap closed.

Also if you're hanging the pinata from a tree you will want to make a couple holes and put your hanging material ( ribbon, string, etc.) through the holes.

After all the hard work you can hang your pinata and enjoy. Just remember that children will be wearing blindfolds and swinging a bat so you might want to have ice on hand in case of any injuries.

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