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Making pinatas

The steps outlined below are meant to guide you in making a very simple minature pinata ONLY. By no means are we implying that using regular household items and school supplies will result in production of professionally made pinata like the ones in our catalog. With lots of practice and patience, perhaps one day you can learn to create real authentic pinatas (although, that probably won't happen using these materials and directions :-)

REMEMBER: This is a craft project should only be done under direct supervion of a parent, guardian or teacher. Make sure your parents understand that this project will be messy so that they take the appropriate measures to protect their furniture and floors from paste, markers and anything else you're liable to mark, scratch or ruin while being creative.

Ok, are you ready? Let's begin! All you really need are the following household items and some patience (this project typically takes about 3 days complete the process-- theres a lot of gluing and drying).

What you'll need:

• some old newspapers (maybe a couple of days worth)
  
• large round balloons
  
• non-toxic paste (perhaps parents or teachers would like to use flour and water to make their own eco-friendly paste)
  
• masking tape
  
• very thin cardboard
  
• markers, crayons, poster paint etc.
  
• Tissue paper or construction paper
  
• string/yarn
  
• regular school scissors (preferably non-pointy ones)
  
• your favorite candy to put inside your finished pinata

Step ONE:

First, since this can get pretty messy, spread pleny of newspaper around your work surface/area (hopefully you're doing this in the garage or some safe work space far away from your Mom's precious pristine living room. Second, blow up a large balloon with air and tie a knot at the end. With your hands (and not the scissors) rip some newspaper into 1" X 6" strips (1 inch wide by 6 inches long). After you have plenty of newspaper strips, Now you're ready to coat the strips with the non-toxic paste and spread them onto the balloon. Next, cover the balloon completely leaving a small hole at the top to remove the balloon and fill the pinata. You're done for the day. Let this dry over night and tomorrow you'll be ready to continue with a second coat of newspaper strips.

Step TWO: Repeat step ONE two more times so that you've got a nice thick paper mache coat of newspaper. You may need to give it another day to dry up.

Step THREE - Now it's time to make a 2 inch hole across the top of the oval. If scissors don't work you may want to have mom or dad use a knife. DO NOT use a knife without an adult present!

Carefully, pop the balloon (if it's not already popped) and take it out. Cut two more very small holes in the body on each side of the big hole. Place the hole for the front a little closer to the big hole than the hole for the rear so your pinata will balance well. Cut two pieces of string or yarn about 18 inches long. Tie a knot at the endof both string and bring up through the holes. Tie the ends of the strings together with a secure knot. (You can save tying the endstogether until you have finished decorating if you wish.)

How to:: fill the pinata : hang the pinata : play the game

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