Piñatas are fun no matter what age you are, and you can try your hand at making one by simply coating a balloon with paper mache. You can fill it with candy and toys for kids, or lip glosses and spa packets for teens—anything your heart desires (however, be sure not to select anything too heavy). Once the piñata is filled, try decorating with leaves, or tissue paper for a modern green look!
Photo and Inspiration Courtesy of Danny Seo.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Flour
- Water
- X-Large Balloon
- Plastic Wrap
- Leaves or Tissue Paper
- A pin
- Tape
- String
- Goodies!
Directions:
Tear newspaper into strips about 1-inch wide and 6 to 8 inches long. Set them aside.
Combine 1 part flour to 2 parts water and mix until you have reached the consistency of smooth, thick glue.
Blow up the balloon to a size large enough to hold your goodies. Tie the balloon closed and hold the balloon in place, you may want to consider getting a helper for the next step.
Dip the newspaper strips into the glue mixture. Run the strips of paper through your fingers to remove any excess glue. "Paste" the newspaper strips all over the balloon leaving only a small
hole where the balloon is tied. Let the balloon dry completely before adding another two more layers.
Once all 3 layers are completely dry, pop the balloon and pull it through the opening where the tie once was.
You should now have a hollow newspaper
ball. Fill it with your goodies and then you can decorate it with tissue paper or leaves, even paint if you so desire!
To hang the piñata, poke 4 holes near the opening and thread the string through the holes (be sure to secure the holes with tape so the paper doesn't rip).
Finally hang and let the whacking fun begin!
