interested in learning how to make pinatas.

United States
August 16, 2006 9:30pm CST
I'am interested in learning how to make pinatas. I've been searching the internet but nobody seems to be able to help. Everybody wants to sell but nobody wants to teach.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@swolecat (1277)
• United States
27 Aug 06
Pinatas are basically cardboard boxes filled with candy that hangs from a rope... you can put fabric on the boxes to make them look fun and cute
1 person likes this
@rebelann (114247)
• El Paso, Texas
25 Dec 19
Who would have thought it was something that simple, thanks.
@ssh123 (31073)
• India
27 Aug 06
This following printout I took it for one of our relatives and since your asked the same question, I am just forwarding it. I haven't done pinatas any time. 'Make Pinata' Project: How to Make Pinatas on Your Own! An important tip before you start: This Make Pinata project may be very messy so either spread many newspapers all around or do it outside… And get ready for great family fun! What you'll need for the Pinata body: A big sturdy balloon (14 inch or bigger would be best), a 10-inch bowl, old newspapers, papier-mache paste (at the bottom of this page is an excellent papier-mache recipe), thin cardboard, tape, Crayons or markers, tissue paper or construction paper, string or yarn. Make Pinata Shapes: If you're feeling very ambitious, you can sculpt some really cool pinata shapes. The best way to start is by looking at some really cool pinatas HERE to get an idea. Then, in order to sculpt a shape, follow the directions below for creating the pinata body and use a small balloon for the head with a cardboard neck and cardboard tubes for the legs or make an abstract shape with all kinds of balloons together. You can also get cool ideas to make pinata shapes by looking at some of these existing Pinatas. But let's start out with the pinata body… Make Pinata: Step One Blow up a balloon and tie a knot at the end. Then, place the balloon on the 10-inch bowl for stability while working. Take newspapers and tear (don't cut) into strips about 1 inch wide and about 6 inches long (you tear so the strips have fairly rough edges and that helps to make a smooth overall surface). Pour papier-mache paste into a disposable bowl and dip the newspaper strips into the papier-mache paste. Then, spread them at an angle (and overlapping) onto the balloon thoroughly covering it. Continue doing this until the balloon is completely covered with one layer of paper. It'll take up to 24 hours to dry. Cover your leftover papier-mache with saran wrap so that it won't dry out. If it does, then add some warm water. Make Pinata: Step Two After your first layer has dried, take a long piece of strong yarn or string, double it so that it is even stronger, and wrap the midpoint of the sting around the bottom of the balloon, pulling the ends up to the top. Then tape it to the balloon in a few places and knot together the ends of the string 6 inches above the top. Make Pinata: Step Three Now, with strips of comics, cover the balloon (including the string) placing the strips at a different angle from the first layer (using different colored strips lets you distinguish one layer from the next, ensuring a uniform overall thickness - that's why we've changed to comics :-). Again, allow the second layer to dry. Make Pinata: Step Four After the second layer is dry… Guess what? Yup! A third layer - remember that the kids are going to be hitting on it so it must be strong. Cover the balloon with newspaper strips (we're back to newspaper…), covering in yet another angle. You should smooth over any rough edges that might come about. Make Pinata: Step Five This is where you cut a 2-inch square hole on the top. But don't cut all four sides of the hole - only three sides so that it will be like a flap and you'll be able to close it later. Make Pinata: Step Six This is where you start decorating! You can decorate however you like. Choose colors that suite your theme, add different colored tissue squares and glue them all around, add streamers, etc. Have fun with this step! Make Pinata: Step Seven Make sure the inside of the pinata is completely dry before you fill it (so that the candy won't stick to the sides). Fill it about halfway with all kinds of candy, trinkets, little gifts etc. After filling the pinata, tape the flap that you made and cover with more decorations. Make Pinata: Step Eight And here's the best and favorite step of all!!! Let's play!! You can hang the pinata up from the ceiling, or on a tree branch in the yard. Each kid (blindfolded of course) takes a turn trying to break the pinata with a stick (a broom handle works well). Turn the kid around in a circle 2 or 3 times and point him or her in the direction of the pinata. The kid gets to swing the stick two or three times. Make sure everyone else stands clear of the swinging stick, including the grown-ups!!! Then another kid gets a turn. When someone breaks the pinata, all the children get to gather the goodies. Often young kids can feel that this method is unfair because all of the children don't get the same amount of candy. To avoid hurt feelings, you can put aside a small bag of candy for each child with their name on it. This, will not only keep the party people happy, but will give kids a place to empty their pockets and take home their loot! Papier-Mache Paste: This is the recipe for a smooth, light paste that is very easy to work with. Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 2 cups cold water in a bowl. Add this mixture to a saucepan of 2 cups boiling water and bring it to a boil again. Remove from the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of sugar. Then, let it cool (it will thicken as it cools). Once it cools, the paste is ready for use. (Try to make only the amount of papier-mache paste you need. Even in the refrigerator, paste spoils quickly.)