How To Create An Authentic Pinata - (Post 1 of 3)

In this post I will show you step-by-step how to create an authentic paper-mâché piñata. As promised in the right hand column for several weeks, I will demonstrate this with a Mario piñata.Now because this is a multi step process, I will break this down into several posts. So be sure to check back to see the whole thing from start to finish. Once the piñata is finished I will list it for auction, if anyone is interested in it I will include more info pertaining to the auction in the final post of this three part post series.

In order to make your own Mario piñata you will need all of the following:

• 1” Strips of newspaper & plain newsprint paper.
• One Punch Balloon about 45” in circumference - used for the head.
• One Punch Balloon 37” in circumference - used for the hat.
• One standard balloon 22” in circumference - used for the cheeks.
• One small balloon 14” in circumference - used for the chin.
• One small balloon 12” in circumference - used for the ears.
• One small balloon 11” in circumference - used for the nose.
• Paper-mâché mixture (1 cup flour mixed to  11/2 cups warm water).
• Mason Line String (about 130”).
• Wax paper (about 12”).

I like to use newspaper for the first couple base layers. Begin by dipping a strip of newspaper into the paper-mâché mixture. Use the inner edge of the bowl to work off any excess mixture. You want the paper strip to be fully emerged in the mâché, but no need for the strip to be dripping heavily when moving to apply the strip onto the balloon. Apply the first strip at the belly button of the balloon. Continue following around the balloon in the same direction, slightly overlapping each strip. Once you complete the entire circle, turn the balloon around and repeat in the opposite direction. Use the balloons belly button as your start and end reference point. The balloon now has one single roughly even paper-mâché layer.

Next, repeat the paper-mâché process using the plain newsprint strips. Again, use the belly button of the balloon as a reference point. Apply strips, working all the way around the balloon, keeping the strips layered in the same position parallel to one another and slightly overlapping. Turn the balloon around and repeat in the opposite direction. The balloon now has two layers of evenly laid paper-mâché. Set aside to dry.

Now for the smaller balloons, starting with the cheeks. Since the balloon is smaller, the 1” strips won’t lay quite as well. The edges of the paper strip need to be flush with the balloon in order to dry as a smooth result. The 1” paper strips will need to be divided. I find this easiest after the paper has been submerged in the paper-mâché mixture. Once the paper strip is wet, split it in half and then down the center. Apply plain newsprint strips, working all the way around the balloon slightly overlapping. Turn the balloon around and repeat in the opposite direction. Repeat process, and apply a second layer. The balloon now has two layers of evenly laid paper-mâché. Set aside to dry.

Repeat the paper-mâché process to all the smaller (ears, nose, chin) balloons. For the smallest (nose) balloon, I recommend splitting the paper strip even smaller. Remember, keep the edges smooth and flush with the curvature of the balloon.

For this next step you will use the 37” punch balloon. Repeat the Paper-mâché process, except this time only cover half of the balloon with the paper-mâché strips. Try to apply the layer as evenly as possible. Add a second, even paper-mâché layer. Set aside. Now take the wax paper and lay it flat. Lay paper-mâché strips onto the wax paper. Repeat process several times laying two or three times. Set aside somewhere flat to dry.

Allow all paper-mâchéd balloons to fully dry. Make sure to turn balloons every half hour while drying, this allows the paper-mâché to dry evenly. Allow sufficient time for all the balloons to dry, this could take several hours. This will conclude step 1 of 3 on how to create an authentic piñata.

Be sure to check back to see the next step in creating a Mario piñata. In the upcoming post you will see how to take all these paper-mâché pieces and construct them together to form the head of Super Mario.

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Click to read the next post: How To Create An Authentic Pinata (Post 2 of 3)

Click to read next, next post: How To Create An Authentic Pinata (Post 3 of 3)

Comments

[Lisa]

My son wants a Mario party for his 8th birthday. We did a search for pinata designs and he is in love with yours. You did such a wonderful job. Where do you find your large balloons? I have been on a search all day and the largest I can find is a 24 inch.

[Carie ~ Cool Party Blogger]

Tell your 8 year old I appreciate his comment. I always think that kids are the best critics. They will let you know if your pinata resembles who your trying to create. :o)
As far as the big balloons, they are punch balloons. I put a link in the supplies list at the top of this post. This will help take the search out of finding the balloons.
Hope this helps. :o)

[Peach]

This is awesome!! I can't wait to try to make it this weekend! :)
Thank you SO much for sharing!!

By any chance would you happen to have instructions for the Luigi one as well? My son would be ecstatic if he had his 2 favorite characters at his party!

[Carie ~ Cool Party Blogger]

Sorry I don't have posted instructions for the Luigi pinata. But I suggest the same process, but make sure you have an image reference nearby so that you can make the nose, ears and chin within the size reference of the Luigi Character. :o)

[Nicole]

I absolutely love your pinatas. I am going to attempt a Bowser for my son's Mario themed birthday. He thinks it is only appropriate to beat on Bowser, not Mario. Any tips or advice to get a great looking Bowser, like your own? Thanks for the great blog and all the wonderful Mario stuff you've come up with.

[Carie ~ Cool Party Blogger]

I suggest that you have an image reference nearby so that you can make the snout, horns and chin within the size reference of Bowser. When it comes to resemblance, proportion is everything!!!!
Don't use anything dangerous, but for those ferocious teeth that he has I suggest white foam. :o) Good Luck! Would love to see how your Bowser pinata comes out, Send some pics if you get a chance.

[mama]

I tried this pinata and it came out great. However how did you find plain news paper? I had to paint mines instead. Thanks for showing me the step by step instructions. You are a great crafter