At celebrations and birthday gatherings, pinatas are a beloved game-style activity. If you would like to make one at home, you have a few do-it-yourself options, including paper mache and paper bag techniques. You may be surprised by how simple the process is. Creating your own pinata also lets you design it in whatever size or form you prefer.
Meaning
A pinata is a receptacle packed with sweets and little toys. It is commonly decorated in vivid, colorful designs and can be created in many different shapes and dimensions. You can suspend it from a tree limb or another elevated spot.
In the traditional version, participants take turns being blindfolded, turned around several times, and given a stick or bat to swing blindly at the pinata. Their goal is to crack it open and release the candy and toys inside. Once it breaks, everyone rushes to the floor to collect as many treats as they can.
Making It Yourself
You can make a homemade pinata in two different ways. One option involves paper mache techniques. Although this approach can be untidy and may require several days, it produces a sturdier, more classic, and probably more attractive pinata. To build its foundation, you will need a balloon, newspaper, and paste. After that, gather materials for decorating the exterior.
Another option is making a basic pinata from a paper bag. It takes less time and creates less mess, making it a practical choice when you are in a hurry. However, a paper bag version may not split as smoothly as one made with paper mache. For a smaller pinata, choose a lunch-size brown paper bag, or use a larger brown grocery bag. You will also need tissue paper to place inside and help the bag retain its form, along with decorations for the outside.
Whichever technique you choose, be sure to prepare treats to place inside the pinata.
Decorating
A paper bag pinata can be decorated in nearly any manner you choose, but the paper mache approach calls for a bit more imagination.
When using paper mache, an inflated balloon serves as the starting foundation, giving the pinata a rounded form. Once the balloon or another lightweight object becomes the base, you can build out the details with cardboard, masking tape, and household materials such as food boxes, egg containers, or toilet paper tubes.
Suppose you want your pinata to resemble a fish. Begin with a large balloon to form its rounded body, then cut tail and fin pieces from thin cardboard. To add extra volume and definition, cover the cardboard with newspaper. Next, use masking tape to secure the fins and tail to the fish. Finally, cover the fish framework with fringed tissue paper to add a bright, colorful finish to the design.