Homemade piñata was a happy byproduct of a fun mess with the kids; getting crafty with recyclables. Win-Win!

Supplies

large flat cardboard
scrap paper
toilet paper rolls
masking tape
flour
paint
fishing line

Step 1: Plan

Project planning with a draft sketch a la my 5 year old.

Step 2: Pen to Paper

Outlining the shape (coloring in the lines).

Step 3: Cut

Cut it out.

Step 4: Side 2

Use this as a guide for the second shape of the form.

Step 5: Toilet Paper Rolls, Unrolled

These end up being the perfect width for the structure. Cut along the seam of the rolls to unravel them.

Step 6: Structure Building

Masking tape the rolls to the shapes. Then, tape both sides together to make the form.

Step 7: Liquid Starch

Boil water, add 1:1 water and flour until congealed into a thick mixture.

Step 8: Paper Mâché

Cut/rip paper strips to dip into the starch mixture. Reminder that if it’s too wet, the structure may collapse and/or have a ridiculously long drying time. Once you dip the strips, squeegee the strip with your fingers to remove excess starch, lay around the form like a bandage, wrap it all over. Almost there… paper mâché dried, and ready for paint.

Step 9: Paint

More messy fun! We used acrylic for this final step.

Step 10: Final Product

Cut a door at the top for candy install, and string fishing line through the top. (I reinforced the holding point with some hot glue.) Let it Swing! Batter’s up!

Introduction: Piñata for the Pint-sized People