Make Your Own Pinata for Cinco De Mayo

Pinatas have been a part of almost every Mexican celebration for generations. The traditional pinata was in the shape of a six pointed star, but any shape is acceptable. With enough imagination, time and effort, your pinata could look like anything or anyone that you want. I'm using the basic process to make a head shaped pinata, but it would be easy to add legs and a snout to form an animal. To do so, add more blowed up balloons or several layers of newspaper stripping.

You will need a few things before you start to make your own pinata. Newspaper cut into one inch strips, two cups flour, three cups water, a balloon, colored crepe paper, crayons or markers, and string.

To begin, blow up the balloon and tie it. Mix the flour and water in a large bowl until it is pasty. Now dip the newspaper strips into the mixture and use them to cover the balloon, making sure to leave a hole at the top. This hole is the entry point for candy and toys. Let dry thoroughly and repeat the balloon covering process two to three times more. Since I am making a head shaped pinata, I will place some extra strips for a nose. However, you can make many things and use extra stripping where needed.

When the pinata is dry, pop the balloon through the hole and gently pull out.

Now it is time to decorate the pinata. Since I am making a head shaped pinata, I will be drawing and coloring a happy face. The nose I will just add some color to because it already has a shape. The rest of the head shaped pinata will be decorated with either red or yellow crepe paper for hair. I could use thin ribbon and make it curl, but crepe paper can be looped and folded to resemble different hairstyles. I might take some ribbon though to add a decoration to my decorating crepe paper hair tomake it more realistic looking.

You will need to punch two small holes near the opening and run the string through. Fill the pinata with candy and toys and then close the hole by stuffing it with newspaper strips. Now it is ready to hang. Enjoy.