Paper Mache Crafts - Make a Pinata or a Candy Dish

Here you will find two variations of the same crafting technique, paper mache. I will help you learn how to turn simple paper mache into a fun summertime piñata or into a practical candy dish. Both of these crafts will require some homemade paper mache paste which is very simple to make.

You will simply need to mix one part all purpose flour with two parts water in a large bowl, stir this mixture until there are no lumps, you can also add two tablespoons of salt to prevent mold.

To make a piñata you will need the following supplies

A Balloon

Newspaper

Paper mache glue

Paint

Optional decorations

Tissue paper

Cardboard tubes

First you will need to inflate the balloon to whatever size piñata you want, if you would like to make it into an animal shape, simply use cardboard tubes to add legs and tape them to the balloon. You can also use additional balloons and attach them to each other with tape to create other designs.

When you are ready to begin make sure you cover your workspace with newspaper and even wax paper as this is a very messy project. Tear your newspaper into strips that are approximately one inch wide and six or seven inches long. Make sure you tear plenty because once you start dipping the strips your hands will be gooey and it will not be easy to tear more.

Dip each newspaper strip into the paper mache glue and using your index and middle finger slide your fingers down the strip to remove the excess glue. Place the strips on the balloon, to make this easier you can place the balloon on the rim of a bowl to keep it steady. Make sure you leave a hole at the top of your piñata so you can pop the balloon when you're finished and fill it with candy and other goodies. Once you have the first layer on let the piñata dry.

Repeat this process letting each layer dry before adding another. The number of layers you add is up to you, the more difficult you want the piñata to be to break the more layers you should add but you should use at least three of four layers.

After all of your layers have dried you can decorate it, painting it is the easiest way but you can also glue tissue paper or crepe paper on the outside to create a more unique design. When you're finished, pop the balloon and pull it out if you can, if you can't get it out it really isn't a big deal. Poke two small holes near the opening and tie string or yarn through it so you can hang your piñata and enjoy!

Another craft that uses the same basic techniques is a paper mache candy bowl. To make this project you will need the following materials

Bowl to be used as a mold

Plastic wrap

Paper mache glue

Newspaper

Paint

The first thing you will need to do is find a bowl that you want to duplicate and cover the outside of it with plastic wrap. Cover your workstation with newspaper and wax paper since this will be another messy project.

You will use the same techniques as with the piñata, turn the covered bowl upside down and start covering the outside of the bowl with newspaper strips, one layer at a time until you have added four or five layers. Once it is fully dry slowly peel the plastic wrap from the bowl and then separate the plastic wrap from your new paper mache bowl.

Now all you have to do is decorate the inside and outside of the bowl. You will not be able to get this bowl wet so be careful as to what you put in it. They typically make great candy dishes and can make a cute gift.