How to Make a Paper Mache Pinata

Construction and Decorating Instructions

Face of a colorful pinata.

Elise Donoghue / Getty Images

While pinatas are often associated with Mexico, they actually originated in China, where it is believed Marco Polo first encountered paper figures of animals filled with seeds. When the structure was hit, the seeds would fall out, the paper would be burned, and the ashes would be collected to bring good luck. Reportedly, Marco Polo brought the idea back to Italy, where it became associated with the celebration of Lent and took on the name "pignatta," or pot. The tradition traveled throughout New Spain—which included Mexico—and the United States, where it remains a classic birthday party or Christmas amusement.

Tip

Paper mache can be very messy, so take measures to protect your work surface and anything else the paste might come in contact with.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 2 Large bowls

Materials

  • Large, round balloon
  • Newspaper
  • Paper mache paste
  • Paint
  • Crepe paper
  • Tissue paper
  • String, yarn, or fishing line
  • Masking tape

Instructions

  1. Blow up the Balloon

    Blow up your balloon as large as it will go. Grab a bowl that your balloon will fit on top of and cover it with plastic wrap. Set the balloon on top of the bowl.

  2. Rip up the Newspaper

    Tear several newspaper pages into strips. Tearing, rather than cutting, allows the strips to lay flat on the balloon. The strips should be about 1 inch wide and 6 to 8 inches long. Set these aside next to the balloon.

  3. Mix up the Paste

    Choose a paper mache paste recipe, the simplest of which is no-cook paste. Make the paste in a glass or metal bowl (it's harder to wash the paste off of plastic).

  4. Adhere the Newspaper to the Balloon

    Dip the newspaper strips into the paste you made. Remove any extra glue on the newspaper piece by running it through your pinched fingers. Spread the newspaper onto the balloon.

    Repeat the process, making the strips go in all different directions until your balloon is completely covered. Leave a small hole where the balloon is tied, so you can remove the balloon and fill the pinata. Let the first layer dry.

  5. Add More Layers

    Add two or three more layers of paper mache to your balloon. Allow each layer to dry completely before putting on the next layer. Once it is dry, pop the balloon and remove it through the opening you left.

  6. Decorate the Pinata

    The fastest to decorate your pinata is to paint it with bright designs. After the paint is dry, hang some crepe paper streamers from the bottom. Consider wrapping strips of crepe paper around your pinata and cutting fringe along the edge. You can also decorate your pinata using squares of tissue paper.

  7. Hang the Pinata

    To hang your pinata, poke four small holes evenly spaced around the larger hole in the top. Thread a piece of string, yarn, or fishing line through each hole and tie them together at the top. Cover the holes and secure the string further using pieces of masking tape. Tie a longer piece of string onto these, and use it to hang up the pinata—just remember to stuff it with candy or small party favors before you play!