How to make a pinata

Step 3 The pinata core

The next step is to cut our newspapers into squares or rectangles about 3 inch wide.

Now the balloon: find a place where you can hang it, then cover it with a layer of glue (make sure your balloon is well tied and not very swallowed to avoid it to burst)

Now start to adhere the newspaper squares on the balloon (you will notice that the ones in the photos were made with shreds; this is because I already had newspaper shreds so I wanted to use it, but believe me: is easier to do it with squares and you obtain the same results)

Add glue to the balloon when you need it, the rule is: one layer of glue, one layer of paper, one layer of glue, one layer of paper and so on. Continue like that until you have covered it with at least 15 layers of newspaper (you'll notice that you balloon is heavy, this is why you have to tie up well: to avoid it falling).

If you are making a big one or want a really hard to break pinata, then add at least 20 layers or as many as you want until you feel is thick enough (just let it dry some hours between each 10 layers to avoid it to fall o burst before you are done and do not exagerate, when it dries it become hard)

Let it dry (It will take about 24-48 hours to dry)

Comments

[Tezcumpapa]

I make the "star" almost every year, but I use a mix of plain flour and water until it looks like library paste. So, far I've have had no problems with it but then I have never used it overnite. Also, I use recycled shirt buttons to tie a wire/string/twine to the pinata in order to hang it from the backyard swingset. The buttons add a little extra strength so the wire won't rip through the paper. Also, for safety sakes, we use a whiffle bat...the kids can get wild. Thank you for your instructable, it brought back so many lovely memories!

[psychic wombat]

Wonder if you could use a stuffed animal wrapped with saran wrap or a trash bag, instead of a balloon?You know, giver it a teddy bear shape or something?

[Nachoman]

The balloon is used because it has its own shape, inner pressure and because it's easy to remove once your base is dry. Now, for more complex shapes you start making limb-shaped tubes (the technique is the same), then you attach them to your base. Believe me, this basic technique can grow a lot: I once saw a life-sized pit bull piñata.