Looking for a simple, multi-age craft project that costs next to nothing to do with your family? A homemade paper mache pinata is a fun and easy craft project your kids are sure to enjoy. When their pinata is finished, fill it with individually wrapped candy, hang it up outside and let everyone take a turn trying to crack it open with a stick while blindfolded! Turn a kid's craft project into a pinata party!

Before your kids start complaining that they are bored send them to the recycling bin to gather the most important material they will need to make this project - paper! Newspaper, magazine, or catalog pages all make great materials for a paper mache pinata. Tear the paper into 1" strips (torn paper works best!).

This post was written in partnership with Zulily. Check out The Find by Zulily for more awesome crafts, recipes, and parenting tips to help out all busy moms! 

While they gather up the paper you can start whipping up the no-cook paste for the project. Follow these simple instructions to make the paste:

Easy Paper Mache Paste Recipe

1 part water 

2 parts flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon all-purpose glue (optional)

In a large plastic bowl combine all the ingredients. Use a whisk to stir until all the lumps are gone. Add more water or flour if needed to create a "soupy" paste. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

For more paper mache paste recipes check out this post I wrote for The Find by Zulily! 

Gather up the following supplies to get started making your own paper mache pinata: 

Supplies:

• 1 large balloon per person
• plastic tablecloth
• paper mache paste
• torn strips of paper
• stand for balloon (small bowl or round cut section of an oatmeal container work well)
• duct tape
• crepe paper (optional)

How To Make A Paper Mache Pinata

Instructions:

This project can get messy so be sure to cover a large table with a plastic tablecloth before you start. Then have each child blow up a large balloon to the size they want their pinata. The balloon will be the base shape for the pinata. 

Step 1 - Set the balloon on the stand. If it falls off consider taping it down gently to the stand. Dip strips of paper one at a time into the paste then run the strips between two fingers to wring off any extra paste. Apply the paste-covered paper strips all over the balloon in a random overlapping fashion. 

Step 2 - Allow the first layer of paper strips to dry completely. Refrigerate the extra paste in a sealed container. 

Step 3 - Apply a second layer of paste-covered strips of paper over the balloon covering it completely. Then allow the second layer to dry. 

(OPTIONAL - if you think your pinata needs a third layer of paper repeat the steps once more then let it completely dry.) 

With a pin or pair of scissors pop the balloon and allow it to deflate. Remove the balloon. 

Step 4 - Time to decorate! Paint the surface of the pinata with acrylic craft paint - be as creative as you want! Glue on strips of crepe paper around the pinata for more added texture and fun. 

Step 5 - Once the paint is dry, remove the paper mache pinata from the stand. Place a strip of duct tape along the top open edge of the pinata to give it extra strength. To hang the pinata make two holes just under the taped edge then string a thin piece of rope through the holes. Fill the empty core with candy and small prizes then hang the pinata about 4 feet off the ground.

Party Time

If your kids thought making the paper mache pinata was a blast wait until they get to crack it open! Invite all their friends over for a pinata party. 

Line up the kids by age (or size) and have them stand a safe distance away from the pinata (so they don't get hit by the person swinging a stick). Each child when it is their turn is blindfolded, spun in a circle three times, given a long stick (or plastic baseball bat) then gently directed towards the pinata where they get three swings to hit the pinata. 

If you have big kids you might consider giving them one swing each so everyone gets a turn. Once the pinata bursts open everyone gets a chance to gather up as many prizes as they can!  

I guarantee this fun craft project and paper mache pinata party will become an annual event because it is just so much fun!

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How did your paper mache pinata turn out? I'd love to hear from you so please leave a comment and make sure to follow me here or on Pinterest for more great kid's craft projects. 

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