There aren’t a lot of sure things when it comes to planning your child’s birthday party, but a pinata is one of them: competitive whacking and candy. Make your own with this fun, only slightly messy craft that kids will love.
Instructions:
- Make the paper mache mixture: Mix 1 part flour with 2 partswater until you have a thick glue-like mixture. Squeeze out all thelumps and add a tablespoon or two of salt to keep your pinata frommolding.
- Blow up your balloon. If you’re an accomplished balloon artist,you can try to twist balloons into an animal shape for a moreinteresting final product.
- Spray a light coating of oil. This will keep the balloon fromsticking to the newspaper when you pop it at the end.
- Dipping the newspaper strips into the flour mixture to coat,apply them to the balloon overlapping the edges until the entireballoon is covered. Leave a small hole at the top to pop andremovie the balloon and fill the piñata. Let the first layer drycompletely.
- Wait at least 24 hours for the layer to dry, then repeat twicemore, waiting 24 hours between each layer. Cover your leftoverflour mixture and put it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Use the white computer paper for the third layer. This allowsfor easier painting.
- When your project is completely dry, pop the balloon and removeit through the opening at the top.
- Time to decorate! Paint (or gently color in using markers) andbe creative! You can tie streamers on the bottom for an authenticlook.
- Fill with candy and get whacking!
Materials:
- a large balloon
- newspaper, torn into strips measuring about 1 inch by 6inches
- White paper, torn into strips measured about 1 inch by 6inches
- Flour and water mixture
- Salt
- Vegetable oil or no-stick spray (aerosol can works best)
- Paint
- String or yarn for hanging
