How to Create a Piñata

Choose a shape for your piñata. You can make a piñata in any shape you like. The easiest option is to create a long balloon-shaped piñata, but you can also opt for any other shape you prefer.

• To make the shape more intricate, glue colored paper and cardboard onto the balloon.
• Traditional piñatas are made in the shape of a clay pot, but this method can be messy and dangerous. Stick to making a piñata with paper glued onto a shape that is easier to mold.

Keep your workspace clean. Making a piñata can get quite messy, so it's important to have ample space to work. Cover your work surface with several layers of newspaper or disposable plastic sheets. This will help maintain a clean workspace and make it easier to clean up once you're done. You should also wear old clothes, an apron, and latex gloves to avoid getting dirty.

Make the glue. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of water, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. Don’t worry if some lumps remain; you want the mixture to be thick and smooth, but it’s fine if there are a few lumps of flour left.

Prepare the paper for gluing. Tear some newspaper into strips about 2.5-5 cm wide and 15-20 cm long. This way, the strips will adhere neatly to the balloon. You’ll need a lot of these strips to cover the balloon with several layers.

Inflate the balloon. This will be the shape of your piñata, so inflate it to your desired size. A round balloon is ideal as it provides ample space to fill with candy. Alternatively, you can use a box if you want a square piñata. You can also add shapes like legs, arms, a tail, beak, or a hat using cardboard, newspaper, or stiff paper. Attach these shapes to the piñata using clear tape.

Apply glue to the paper strips. Dip the paper into the glue and use your fingers to remove any excess or press the paper against the side of the bowl.

Attach the paper to the balloon. Layer the paper strips diagonally over the balloon until it is fully covered. Be sure not to glue over the knot of the balloon so you can easily remove it later. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times, allowing the first layer to dry before adding another.

Let the piñata dry. Once all layers of paper are applied, let the piñata dry completely and harden. The drying time will vary depending on factors like the thickness of the paper, humidity, and temperature. Generally, it could take a few days.

Paint the piñata. Use a single color to paint over the paper and create a smooth surface. You don’t need to make it look perfect, just ensure that the entire paper surface is covered evenly. Choose a color that matches your decoration or represents the animal or character you’re creating.

Apply crepe paper to the piñata. This gives the piñata a more traditional appearance, adding a festive and familiar vibe. Cut or tear the crepe paper into long strips and glue them to the piñata. You can either leave the strips long or bunch them together and attach them as clusters.

Finish decorating the piñata. After adding the crepe paper, you can add some extra details to complete the piñata. Use cupcake liners or brightly colored paper to make fringes. If you're making an animal, you could also create large eyes for a fun, playful look.

Cut a hole in the piñata to add candy. If the balloon hasn't popped yet, burst it and remove it. Since you didn’t glue the paper over the balloon's knot, you’ll already have a small hole to work with.

You can enlarge the hole if necessary. If the candy doesn't fit through the hole, simply cut around the edges to make the opening large enough to easily add the treats.

Make two small holes next to the large hole. Tie a string or ribbon through the holes to create a loop. This will be helpful in the next step when you need to hang the piñata.

Fill the piñata with your favorite items. You can add candy, ribbons, stickers, tissue paper, small toys, or anything else you like.

• Avoid putting unwrapped candy inside.
• Also, avoid adding fragile toys that might break easily.

Seal the hole. Use some crepe paper or clear tape to cover the hole. The goal is to keep the contents inside the piñata until you're ready to break it open.

Hang the piñata. Tie an additional string, ribbon, or rope to the loop you made earlier and hang the piñata wherever you like.

• Don't just use crepe paper for decoration! Feathers, glitter, and artificial flowers can also be used to embellish the piñata.
• Use a thick rope if your piñata is heavy to ensure it hangs securely.
• Choose candy that won't melt before you break the piñata.
• Avoid using fabric tape for making the piñata, as it will be difficult to break.
• Use a large balloon if you want to create a big piñata.
• Opt for candy that won't spoil inside the piñata.
• Instead of flour paste, you can mix glue with a little water, but be sure the glue isn't too diluted.
• Create a piñata that matches your party's theme. For example, you could decorate a fish with foil scales or make flowers using large pieces of crepe paper.
• If you don't have a balloon, you can use a cardboard box. Just make sure it's not too stiff, so it can be broken easily.
• You can easily make a heart-shaped piñata by gluing the ends together and using tape to secure the edges (for a firmer piñata, start with a first layer of cardboard from a cereal box).
• Avoid using candy with peanuts as you won't know if anyone is allergic.
• Use a cork or stone to seal the piñata. This method works better when you stick a stone or cork into the piñata to close it off.

• Balloon
• Newspaper
• Water, flour, and salt or starch (for the paste)
• Scissors
• Paint
• Crepe paper (and other decorations if desired)
• String or ribbon (for hanging the piñata)
• Candy (to fill inside the piñata)
• A wooden stick about 45cm long, a large bat, or a baseball bat to break the piñata.