Piñatas add fun and excitement to birthday parties and
other celebrations and they are fun to make too, especially if you let
the kids get involved! You could make the activity into a learning
experience by discussing the cultural background of the craft and
looking for more information on the internet.
You might be interested to know that there is a debate about where the
piñata originates. While most people believe it descends from native
Mexicans before the arrival of the Spanish in South America, there are
others who believe that it actually comes from sixteenth century Italy
or possibly even China around the time of Marco Polo. The mystery
surrounding its origin may make the craft all the more appealing for
certain youngsters and there's a chance it may even stimulate an
interest in further reading!
Here's a simple way to make a piñata: At least two days prior to the big
event, gather all the necessary materials: a round balloon, old
newspapers torn into strips 1 inch wide and 6 inches long, school glue
poured into a plastic bowl, scissors, tape, crayons or markers, tissue
paper or construction paper, string or yarn, a craft knife and plenty of
candy and small prizes to fill the piñata.
You might want to do this project outdoors or in the garage as it is
very messy. Whether indoors or out, clean-up is made easier by working
on old newspapers spread around the workspace. A little advance
preparation will definitely save you clean-up time later. Children
should wear aprons or old shirts over their clothes.
Here comes the fun part – blow up the balloon and secure it with a knot.
Dip the newspaper strips into the bowl of glue and put them all over the
balloon in one layer. Let dry. Repeat this process twice. It takes time
for it to dry so you will need to be patient .. in fact it is best to
leave it overnight between coats of you can bear it! It’s easiest just
to make a simple round shape that the kids can decorate as their
imaginations inspire them!
Cut a hole on the top of the oval and save the cut out piece. Pop the
balloon and take it out. Cut two small holes on either side of the
opening. Thread a string through them and tie a knot in the end and
you’ll be able to hang your creation from the ceiling later.
Decorate with pieces of colorful tissue paper, construction paper and
paint. You can also try adding other things like buttons, paper egg
cartons cut up, streamers. The possibilities are limited only to what is
able to be glued securely onto the form.
Fill the piñata with goodies and tape the saved piece back over the
hole. You’re ready to play the piñata game!
