Make a Pinata!

Got that party fever? Looking for a crafty distraction for a warm day? Few things are as fun for kids as a piñata, and it's easy-as-pie to make your own!

What You Need:

• Papier Mache Paste (recipe below)
• Flour
• Water
• Disposable container
• Newspaper
• String
• Balloon
• Paintbrush
• Cardboard
• Tape
• Glue
• Colored tissue paper
• Crepe paper
• Paint
• Markers

What You Do:

1. 1. To make a piñata, you need to start with papier-mache paste. The good news is, it's simple to make! Boil six cups of water and ¼ cup of flour in a pot together. Let it cool, then pour the paste into your container (a disposable cake pan works well).
2. Give your child a newspaper and ask her to tear it into long strips. In the meantime, blow up the balloon and hang it from a string, off of a tree branch. Spread some newspaper on the ground below it, because the next step can get pretty messy!
3. Give your child a paintbrush and show her how to attach the newspaper strips to the balloon, by laying a strip on the balloon, then painting paste on top of it to make it stick. Have her repeat the process until the balloon is entirely covered with multiple layers, aside from a 6-8 inch hole on one side, which should be left uncovered. (This is where you'll insert the prizes!)
4. Leave the piñata hanging outside to dry. (This may take a few days.) When it's completely dry, pop the balloon and pour in the prizes. You can use candy, stickers, small toys from the Dollar Store, or whatever else you'd like.
5. Cut fins and a tail from cardboard, and tape (or glue) them onto the balloon. Don't worry if it looks a little messy, you're going to cover it up. Mix up some more papier-mache paste and gather your newspaper strips. Then, with your child's help, cover the opening, fins, and tail with newspaper and paste. Let the piñata dry one more time.

Give your child the markers, paint, tissue paper, and crepe paper so she can add her finishing touches. Once it's dry, it's party-ready. Get out a baseball bat and gather some friends for a celebration!