DIY Star Piñata

May 2, 2013
DIY,Entertaining

I love piñatas. There’s something really satisfying about smashing a colorful sculpture to pieces as heaps of candy scatter everywhere. It’s been years since I’ve been to a party where a piñata was the highlight so this year, I’m determined to incorporate it into my Cinco de Mayo festivities. Although a piñata is not the easiest thing to make from scratch, I will say that the process was so much fun – I can’t wait to make more!

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You’ll need:

  • fine crepe paper (cut into 2 inch strips and 1.5 inch strips)
  • newspaper (cut into 1.5 inch strips)
  • 7-8 sheets of thick cardstock
  • punching balloon
  • tacky glue
  • flour
  • water
  • containter
  • masking tape
  • utility knife
  • thick rope
  • twine
  • scissors

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The first step is create the core of the piñata using paper mâché . Blow up the punching balloon and tie it into a knot. Take off the rubber band on the opposite side and place a piece of tape over the protruding section.

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The paper paper mâché paste is made up of one part flour to one part water – I used about 3 cups of flour and 3 cups of water for this project. Mix thoroughly. The paste should be a rather thick consistency since it’s the flour that will help bind the newspaper together.

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Soak the newspaper strips into the paper mâché paste and remove the excess paste before placing it onto the balloon.

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It helps to add the newspaper while the balloon is hanging. Tie twine around the end of the balloon and suspend it from ceiling. Continue adding newspaper strips, making sure to overlap the strips. Allow to dry before adding a second and third layer. Dry completely overnight.

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As the core is drying, the next step is to create the cones to attach to the piñata. Use this downloadable template, from Oh Happy Day, to cut out the shape. Or you can purchase pre-made paper mâché cones here.

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Form the cone and tape the edges.

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Pierce a hole into the balloon to deflate it. Place one of the cones over the hole and trace a circle around it.

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Using scissors, cut a hole within the traced circle – but don’t cut it all the way around. Leave one side attached. Reach in to remove the balloon and shake out any dried paste.

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Take a utility knife and pierce a small hole opposite of the opening. Tie the end of thick rope into a double knot and thread it through the small hole.

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Fill the pinata with plenty of candy. Close the hole and reinforce with tape.

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Cut several 1/4″ tabs into the bottom of the cone. Fold them in, add glue, and attach it to the piñata.

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Reinforce with tape. Suspend the piñata before adding the rest of the cones.

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Continue adding cones.

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Take the 2″ and 1.5″ crepe paper strips and cut 3/4 of the way up into a 1/4″ wide fringe. It’s easiest to cut them while folded. Place a very thin line of glue onto the top of the crepe paper fringe.

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Wrap the fringe around the base of the piñata, with the fringe facing downwards. Overlap the fringe as each layer is wrapped.

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Continue wrapping. Cut the fringe as necessary to avoid the cones.

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Once the base of the piñata is covered, use the smaller strips of fringe to cover the cones.

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Trim and patch up any unruly areas.

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Your piñata is done and ready to hang!

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Step back and get ready to give it a good whack!

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(images by HonestlyYUM)

Conversation

The rope keeps breaking through my piñata and I don’t know why

You don’t have enough layers of newspaper, it needs to be fairly thick so it can hold the rope + take several good hard whacks before it breaks open

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Wow! That looks amazing! And pinatas are SO expensive to buy in Australia. Will defintley keep this in mind for a kids party. Thanks.

Made the pinata and it looked amazing. Painted it black once finished paper Mache and that made a great contrast against the pink and red fringe which I did half and half. Also used streamers instead of crepe paper and that worked out well. Thanks for a brilliant tutorial! My friends loved it.

Also in desperate need of the cone template for a bunch of pinatas I am making with my elementary school Spanish students for a Posadas party this week! Please email!

Hello. I need the template, please. My daughter’s birthday is in two days. Thank you.

Dear Erica- Would you be able to send me the template for the cones? I couldn’t find it in your instructions above.

Thanks,

Jess

P.S. My daughter’s birthday party is in 6 days from now and we just finished the papermâché paste and newspaper step so tomorrow we want to do the cones and finish off the pinata. Thanks.

Where can I find the downloadable template for the cones. Thank you!
Beautiful By the Way!

SO cool! I’d love to make my own pinata! Though after all that hard work, I’m not sure I’d actually want to hit it to pieces. OK, I totally would ruin my homemade pinata to get the candy out. Thanks for the tutorial!

i love this tutorial. it’s so lovely.

myfavoritecolorisshiny.blogspot.com

I loved the tutorial and the pinata, awesome job!! Makes me want to paper mache something right now 🙂

AMAZING!! The pictures look gorgeous:) Can’t wait to make another one!

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