How to Make a Valentine's Day Pinata

A Valentine's Day pinata is sure to be a hit at any Valentine's Day party. Creating a Valentine's Day pinata can also be a fun craft project for kids at home or in the classroom. Teachers can use this craft project idea for a Valentine's Day class party and parents can assist children with this fun Valentine's Day craft project. A Valentine's Day pinata is fairly easy to make, and the simple steps are ideal for most children, with some parental supervision.

Supplies Needed

-Heart shaped balloons

-Flour

-Salt

-Water

-Newspapers

-Scissors

-String

-Tacky Glue or Elmers Glue

-Tissue or Crepe paper

-Additional decorations of your choice

-Small Valentine's Day candies or toys

First Steps

To start your Valentine's Day pinata, gather all the necessary supplies and create a covered area with newspapers for a work station.

Mix 3 cups of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt in a bowl. Stir in 2 cups of water, and add additional water until the mixture forms a gooey paste. The paste should have the consistency of a thick pancake batter when finished.

The next step involves cutting newspaper into 2-3 inch strips. After strips are cut, dip each strip into the flour mixture and coat enough to stick to the balloon. Paste strips until the balloon is covered with 2-4 layers of newspaper strips.

Set balloon aside for 24 hours to dry. When dry, the pinata should feel hardened. If the pinata still feels damp, allow additional time to dry.

Decorating the Valentine's Day Pinata

The most basic decorations can turn your Valentine's Day pinata into a work of art. Decorating can begin when the pinata is completely dry.

Start by cutting one inch deep slips on a long roll of crepe paper. Tissue paper can also be cut to create a fringed look. Cut each strip into 6-12 inch pieces and begin gluing to the Valentine's Day pinata. Tacky glue or Elmers glue works well. Apply a light layer of glue to the pinata where you plan to glue each crepe paper strip.

Once the first layer of crepe and tissue paper is glued, you can add additional layers to add more fringe. Small decorations or stickers can be applied at this time. Tie a piece of string or thin wire through the top of the pinata for a hanger.

The Finished Valentine's Day Pinata

When the Valentine's Day pinata is fully dry and decorated, puncture a small hole in the pinata and fill with small toys, Valentine's Day novelties, and small Valentine's Day candies.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to create a pinata for a party, craft project, or Valentine themed birthday party. Small novelties and heart-shaped balloons can be found in lots at www.oreientaltrading.com. Other stores such as Party City and the Dollar Store also sell Valentine's Day supplies for use in the Valentine's Day pinata.