First Project Post: How to make a pinata

If  your child has a summer birthday, this project is PERFECT! My son and I did this for five years straight, and we ALWAYS looked forward to it.  Be sure and start about a week and a half before the party. Here is what you’ll need:

Large balloon

A few day’s worth of newspapers

a large bowl

cardboard shapes (like toilet paper rolls)

Acrylic Paints

Grubbies (clothes that you can get messy)

Bag of pinata candy

Flour

Did I mention that this is an excellent “onabudget” project?

By the way, if you are one of those parents who like to throw the big,expensive birthday parties, then you shouldn’t be reading this blog. If you are keeping it real, then lets get started.

Step 1: Tear up the newspaper into 4 -5 inch strips that are about 1.5 inches wide. Exact measurements are not necessary.

Step 2: Blow up that balloon

Step 3: EVERYBODY gets their grubbies on

Step 4: Pour the flour in the bowl

Step 5: Stir in water until you have a paste about as thick as pancake batter.

Step 6: Dip a strip of newspaper into the batter long enough to cover it, but not long enough so that it falls apart.

Step 7: Wipe off excess by running strip through your fingers.

Step 8: Apply wet strip to balloon

Repeat until balloon is covered in one layer of strips. Leave a hole around the tie about the size of your fist. Let dry overnight. Repeat until you have three layers of strips and paste on the balloon. If you want to add cardboard shapes (like a snout, if you want the pinata to look like a pig) The shapes can be taped or glued on after the second layer, but you’ll need at least two more layers afterwards. After ALL the layers are dry, its time to paint it how you want it. When the paint is dry, pop the balloon and add the candy. Now you see why we left the fist-sized hole!

There are many creative ways to hang it up, see what works for you.

Reasons why this is an awesome project:

Its CHEAP!

Kids LOVE participating

Quality time with your kids that will not be forgotten

Its EASY!