I have no idea how we are already celebrating Cinco de Mayo! Where does the time go?!? Our family loves a celebration and with the 5th of May coming up we’re joining our friends and family in their celebration commemorating the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. This weekend in preparation for our party we each made a Mini Pinata. We also picked up some decorations to go with our pinatas and some great snacks. Thanks to Pepto-Bismol for sponsoring today’s How to Make a Mini Pinata post and for offering relief from digestive symptoms (from our oh so tasty snacks) so many times.
How to Make a Mini Pinata
Supplies for Pinata Shell:
- 1 Cup Flour
- 1 Cup Warm Water
- Balloons
- Newspaper Cut Into Strips
Instructions:
Begin by blowing up your balloons to the desired size.
To make the shell of the pinata you are going to make a pretty basic paper mache. Mix together equal parts flour and water to create a thick paste. I used a fork to stir it together. It will be very sticky!
Begin coating your newspaper with the flour paste. Both sides need to be covered and the newspaper needs to be fairly wet. Wipe off any extra though as you don’t want it to be too wet. The paper may tear and that is okay. Smooth the newspaper strips over the balloon, overlapping until the balloon is covered.
Leave a small area at the top of the balloon uncovered where you will later pop the balloon and fill the pinata.
Allow the paper mache to dry well between layers (Several hours or over night. It is very important that the layers are completely dry and hard before adding more. For children, only one to 2 layers is needed for the pinata.
Once your paper mache is dry use scissors or a pin to pop the balloon. Let the balloon deflate and remove it from the shell.
Supplies to Decorate Pinata:
- Bright Colored Tissue Paper
- Craft Glue
- Paint Brush
- Hole Punch
- Scissors
- Ribbon
Decorating Instructions:
Cut 2 small squares of tissue paper for each pinata. These squares will cover the tops and bottoms of the pinatas.
Next cut several strips of tissue paper approximately 2″ wide. Carefully cut small slits into the strips to create a “fringe.
Use glue to paste a tissue paper square to the bottom of the pinata shell.
Next begin gluing the tissue paper fringe strips onto the shell. I used a paint brush to spread the glue more evenly on the shell.
Continue layering the strips onto the shell, overlapping them just a little until the shells are 3/4 of the way covered.
Next use your hole punch to place a hole on 2 sides of the opening.
Fill the pinata with goodies like candy, toys, and other fun prizes.
Now cover the opening with another square of tissue paper. You can either put your string through the holes for hanging before you put the tissue paper top on or you can feed the string through later. I put mine through later because I used some of these mini pinatas for center pieces.
Finish layering the tissue paper fringe onto the shell until you’ve reached the top.
These can be hung or they make great centerpieces and table decorations for a party like Cinco de Mayo, or any celebration!
You can fill them with candy and treats for your guests or even fill some with Pepto-Bismol to help make sure your guests are comfortable even if they overindulge! It’s good to have Pepto-Bismol on hand just in case- that wonderful Pink Relief is good to have at the ready especially on holidays like Cinco de Mayo! When those digestive symptoms start to make their presence known, you don’t want to be caught unprepared! No matter which of the 5 symptoms of overindulgence you are experiencing, Pepto is ready to offer you relief!
Jessica says
What a lovely diy project Racquel. When I told about this to my elder son to help make one for his little sister’s birthday he was so enthusiastic he said “mom I would like to try to do it alone by myself”. Such an easy yet so lovable project to do. Thank you so much for sharing!
Deborah Cruz says
Firstly, as a Mexican-American myself, I truly appreciate you informing your readers about what Cinco de Mayo is really about. For some reason I think people think that is Mexican Independence day. The truth is most of us don’t even celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it’s more of a regional holiday. That being said, I love your mini pinatas. I remember making pinatas with my uncles when I was little.
Lynndee says
Wow! That is so cool! That would be perfect to make for my niece’s birthday. Kids always enjoy a pinata.
Kate | Life of a Ginger says
What a fun project! Haven’t used paper mache since I was in grade school! What a fun project!!
sara says
This mini pinata is so cute! I also have no idea how we are in May already. Time goes by way too quickly for me. I am definitely trying to make this pinata with my daughter.
Martine - MeUnfinished says
I love the step by step pinata! I think I will try this project with my family 🙂
HilLesha O'Nan says
How adorable! I have never made anything like this before, but I know that my children would love something like this.
Jennifer G says
What an adorable idea. Totally going to have to try this out with my wee ones for their birthdays this year.
Victoria Heckstall says
These were so fricking adorable! I love this and your creativity is amazing! I had so much fun making these!
Natalie says
A piñata from scratch? Now that’s pretty cool! Doesn’t seem to complicated either!
Brett says
we don’t do complicated! we have too many kids!
Echo says
This is so awesome! My friend makes pinatas for her kids’ on their birthdays and they are always a big hit! Thanks for the tutorial!
Jesica h says
My kids would love to make a pinata!!! I actually can’t believe we haven’t made any paper mache yet!
Lian says
This DIY would be great to make for my younger children’s birthday parties this year. They love pinatas and would find it fun to crack it open. They would also want to get in on creating it as it is so colourful.
uprunforlife says
This is a cool idea. I might have to make one of these pinatas for my son’s birthday coming up. He would enjoy busting it open.
Michelle Waller says
I didn’t know that is was this easy to make a pinata! This is the perfect thing to do over the weekend.
Kathy says
I didn’t know you could just use flour. I’m glad to know this now. I can finally make my girls one for their birthdays!
TIm B says
I don’t remember the last time I was at a party and saw someone break out a pinata. They used to have them all the time at children’s parties when I was a kid but don’t recall my own kids ever hitting one for some candy.
Melissa Dixon says
This is a fun way to make a pinata. I love this and have to try this method now!
Sarah Bailey says
I’ve always fancied making a pinata, and this one sounds so easy – I think even I could manage it 🙂
Dogvills says
What a cute idea. I love that this is so easy to make. Making this with the kids would be super fun.
Michelle says
This is the cutest!! We just started planning my daughters birthday, I need to make mini-pinatas for decorations, these would be great.
Tamara says
This is SO awesome! I absolutely love the idea. Pinatas can be expensive and a little daunting for kids. This is much more my speed.
Karissa @WithOurBest (@withourbest) says
So little! Those are just adorable! A perfect timing for the holiday – Cinco De Mayo – this week! Love this!
Claudia Krusch says
This is such a great idea. My Son is going to have fun making one with me. I will have to get the supplies I need to make a few this weekend.
Mandee says
That looks simple enough! I keep saying I need to just make our own pinatas! I should totally make this a craft day right before one of our birthday parties!
Bill Sweeney says
That is an awesome idea. These look relatively easy to make, and I think they’d make the perfect party decorations.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That is the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen! It is SO super cute! Thanks for the idea.
Joely Smith says
Love it! This is like one we made when my kids were younger. We should do it again for nostalgia!