Q&A for How to Make a Piñata

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Question

If I'm short on time, can I dry the pinata we are making with a hair dryer?

Community Answer

A hair dryer set on "cool" would work, but it might be easier to aim a few fans at it from different angles.

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Question

Can I make a pinata with multiple layers?

Community Answer

Yes. You can stick on more paper mache layers or more layers for decoration.

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Question

Why do you need salt?

Community Answer

It stops the papier mache from getting moldy.

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Question

How many hits can it take before it breaks?

Community Answer

This depends on how many layers of newspaper you've stuck on. The more layers, the harder and stronger the piñata will be so the harder it'll be to break it. I suggest at least 6 layers for a good strong one.

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Question

Do I have to use crepe paper?

Community Answer

It is not necessary. You could have two three coats of color on the base, but it'll take time to dry.

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Question

Do I need to put paste on both sides of the newspaper?

Community Answer

Yes. You need to drown the paper strops in the paste, and then remove the glue by putting one finger on each side of the paper strop and pull down over the paste bowl to remove most of the paste. You basically just need the strip to be wet.

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Question

What is used to put confetti on the sides?

Community Answer

You can use paper-mache paste to wet the strips of newspaper or use Elmer's glue to stick on all the decorations.

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Question

What if I'm making a different shape of pinata?

Community Answer

You can make a frame out of wire to make more elaborate shapes. Or you can simply glue cardboard to the balloon.

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Question

Can I use paper towels instead of newspaper?

Community Answer

No. Paper towels will not hold the liquid correctly and will fall apart when applying.

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Question

Will Mylar balloons filled with helium work?

Community Answer

Yes. You can simply use one from the dollar store. After placing one layer of newspaper on the balloon,it will stay on the ground.

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Question

How long does it take to dry?

Community Answer

It depends on how much flour, water and glue you use; the more glue, the longer your drying time. It should take 20 - 30 minutes for 1 complete layer of paper mache mix.

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Question

Could it take an hour to dry?

Community Answer

Sure, drying time will depend on whether the humidity is high in the room or area where you are doing it. This is not something you want to be doing just a few hours before the party. Plan ahead!

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Question

Can I use another type of paper instead of newspaper?

Community Answer

You could try crepe paper, but newspaper is going to produce the sturdiest pinata.

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Question

Can I use glue instead of the batter?

Community Answer

The paper mache will work the best. Regular glue wouldn't make it structurally sound.

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Question

Do I have to allow each layer to dry before I put on another layer?

Community Answer

Yes. If you do not allow it to fully dry first, the paper mache will not stick correctly.

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Question

How could I make a piñata in just a few minutes?

Community Answer

It is literally impossible to do this in just a few minutes. Between all the steps and the time included for the piñata to dry, it will take at least a few hours.

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Question

I made a pinata for my children using a latex balloon. After each layer, the pinata snapped. Why is that?

Community Answer

If you used a dark colored balloon, they tend to hold more heat so as you put more layers on and leave it to dry, the balloon might pop or get holes in it and deflate.

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Question

How many layers of paper mache are needed on the balloon?

Community Answer

Three or four will do, unless it's a really big pinata and needs to be sturdier to hold the weight of the candy inside.

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Question

Where can I buy papier-mache?

Community Answer

Due to its ease to make at home and the fact that it doesn't keep, this isn't a product that is typically available commercially.

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Question

Can we use all-purpose flour to make the paper mache paste?

Community Answer

Yes, any flour will do.

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Question

Could I make a heart shaped pinata?

Community Answer

Yes, just buy a heart-shaped birthday balloon and just cover it with newspaper.

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Question

What should I bash the pinata with? If it's a baseball bat, what kind?

Community Answer

A wiffle ball bat is best as they are light enough for little children to handle and get an opportunity to swing, but they are strong enough to break the pinata when the older kids start swinging. But mainly because an accident with a wiffle ball bat is easily shrugged off versus an accident with a wooden or aluminum bat.

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Question

Where can I buy crepe paper?

Esmeralda Alejandro

Community Answer

You can buy it anywhere that sells party supplies, like in a dollar store.

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Question

When I made a pinata like this in the past, I had trouble with the two holes that are tied with string. They broke before my pinata did. I even tried reinforcing them with masking tape. Suggestions?

Community Answer

I placed pieces of thin cardboard around the top during the papier mache process to make it stronger for the string.

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Question

What type of glue is used to secure the crepe paper?

Community Answer

You don't need to use glue, the paper mache paste will make it stick. I use liquid starch. You can make it with or without flour. I've made it both ways and it came out great.

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Question

What kind of bag do I use?

Community Answer

You can use any bag that is plastic or latex, anything that glue can be peeled from. You can use plastic containers if you want, too.

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Question

Does the balloon stay on the pinata? And how can I make a could-shaped pinata?

Community Answer

You would use the balloon as stated and follow the directions as stated. When it comes to decorating, you will use cotton balls or pillow stuffing and hot glue to create the cloud look.

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Question

What could I use as a replacement for the newspaper?

Community Answer

Any other paper would do. I used A4 sized paper. It turned out great! The stronger the paper, the stronger the piñata.

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Question

Does the balloon need to be in the middle?

Community Answer

No. You can make any shape you like. The purpose of the balloon is just to create a surface on which the wet newspaper can rest and dry.

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Question

Do I have to use a latex balloon?

Community Answer

No, any balloon will work.

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