HOW TO MAKE a PINATA
A Piñata is a brightly, coloured container made of cardboard or similar material that is used to hold candy, toys or trinkets. It is usually suspended from a rope while blindfolded children try to burst it by beating it with sticks in order to get whatever is inside. This custom is associated with Mexico but has become very popular around the world at birthday parties and other celebrations. If you are planning a party especially one for children, the following instructions will guide you into making one of your own.
Materials:
- Newspaper
- 2 cups flour
- 3 cups water
- Balloon
- 2 bowls (1 big enough to hold balloon)
- Spoon
- Blank sheets
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- Paint
- Crepe paper
- Markers
- Candy, toys, trinkets
- string
Tools:
- Knife
Instructions:
- Prepare work surface with a layer of newspaper as this is a rather messy project.
- Tear several pages of newspaper into strips.
- Mix the flour and water in the bowl until it forms a thick glue-like paste.
- Inflate the balloon and rub on a little cooking oil so the balloon will be easily released from the paper later on when you pop it. Place the balloon in a bowl to prevent it from rolling while you work.
- Soak the newspaper strips in the flour mixture.
- Place the strips all over the balloon leaving just a hole at the top.
- Set the balloon aside to dry.
- After that layer has been dried, add another layer of newspaper and allow to dry.
- After this layer has been dried, add yet another layer but this time use blank sheets so as to facilitate better paint coverage for decoration. Let it dry until it is stiff and no longer wet or sticky to touch.
- Pop and remove the balloon through the opening at the top.
- Paint the piñata with vibrant colours. Use markers to draw a face on the piñata. Glue colourful crepe paper and let them hang from the piñata to make it more appealing.
- Fill the piñata with candy, small toys, trinkets or any other fun surprises.
- Use a knife to make two holes at the top of the piñata.
- Run a piece of string through the two holes which will be used to hang the piñata in the air.
- Tie your finished piñata in the air and let the fun begin!
TIPS:
- It is best to tear the paper that you will be using than to cut with scissors as the torn edges will adhere to the balloon and give a smoother finish.
- Each layer may take up to 24 hours to dry so always cover your left over flour paste and place in the refrigerator to prevent spoiling. If it gets dry, add a little hot water.
- It is best to use a round balloon to make a piñata.