1980
Make Your Own Party Piñata
December 1980


“Make Your Own Party Piñata,” Friend, Dec. 1980, 23

Make Your Own Party Piñata

To make your own colorful party piñata you will need: balloons of various sizes and shapes, newspaper, wheat paste (a thick mixture of flour and water for making papier mache), several packages of solid-color tissue paper, glue or rubber cement, scissors, cardboard, and masking tape.

Blow up balloon to size desired for head of piñata. Cover balloon with at least four layers of papier mache made by tearing pieces of newspaper, dipping them in wheat paste, and overlapping them on balloon surface. Dry thoroughly (at least twenty-four hours). Cut small opening in papier mache form then pop balloon and remove it. Use cardboard or wadded newspaper to form other facial features such as ears, noses, beaks, cheeks. Attach features securely with masking tape. Body parts can be made from lightweight cardboard shapes or papier mache over balloon forms. For instance, two oblong balloons taped side by side form a body. All parts of figure should be taped together securely.

Without unfolding package of tissue paper, cut into strips 3″ to 7″ wide. Unfold strips and fold in half again lengthwise. Make cuts every 1/2″ along folded edge, cutting about 3/4 of the way through strip. (Be careful not to cut all the way through strip.) Separate into single tissue sheets and turn inside out so that fringe puffs out, then glue long cut edges together with thin line of glue. Cover papier mache form completely with tissue fringes by gluing them one at a time in an orderly fashion, overlapping the rows so that only the puffs show.

When completely dry, fill your piñata with candies, nuts, dried fruits, or small gifts. Punch holes near top of head and hang with several strands of strong string.

Photos by Marilyn Erd and Eldon Linschoten