In current times pinatas have grown very well-known objects for children’s birthday and Christmas parties. Pinatas have surely come a long way from the initial pinatas which were clay pots unlike the paper mache structures that are so popular today. They are fairly simple to make and can provide quite a few hours of entertainment for you and your kids. So if you are up for the challenge of building one, here is all you have to know to make a paper mache pinata on your own.
Required Tools
Newspapers
Large Bowl
Scissors (optional)
Required Materials
Candy
Balloon
Masking tape/clear tape
Flour
Water
Crepe paper and streamers
Paint
String/yarn
Instructions
1. Especially if you are working along with small children, be sure to cover your work area meticulously as making a pinata can be a very messy task. Tear or use scissors to cut several strips of newspaper about 1-inch wide and 6-8 inches long and set them aside. Blow up the balloon and set it aside too.
2. Next move on to the paste; in the bowl mix a paste using the water and flour, heat the paste over medium heat for 3-6 minutes. The paste must proceed to thicken however, if it is too thick it will not work well therefore watch it carefully. You need the paste to be thick enough to stay in position without dripping all over the place however, at the same time it has to be workable.
3. Dip the newspaper strips you made into the paste and cover the balloon with them leaving a small hole around the area where the balloon is tied so that you can pop the balloon and remove it later on. Apply 3 newspaper layers to the pinata and when it is dry, deflate or pop the balloon and take it out.
4. Next, paint your pinata in bright colors and decorate it with crepe paper, streamers and whatever else you choose. Finally you need some way to hang your pinata. Punch 4 small holes in the pinata around the hole you left for the balloon and run string/yarn through the holes and tie them together at the top. Now all that is left is to fill the pinata with candy and other treats, stuff or tape the hole shut and your pinata is ready for use.
Tips
When you are gluing the newspapers to the balloon it may be hard to hold the balloon so rest the balloon in a bowl that is covered with plastic wrap to keep it in one place.
Make the surface of the newspapers as level as you can so the pinata is easier to decorate and looks smoother.
Check out a couple of the tutorials available on the internet for tips on making your pinata in various animal shapes.
Use individually wrapped candy to fill the pinata. Although bulk candy may be cheaper and more convenient, keep in mind that when the pinata bursts all the candy will spill onto the floor so individually wrapped candy is best.
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