Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

June 19, 2004 - Issue 115

Make Your Own Pinata

How To Make It

• large ballon
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup water
• white glue
• newspaper strips-ton
• colored tissue paper
• string
• rope
• goodies

• Blow up a large balloon, tie it with string and hang it up outside (or somewhere you won't mind getting messy). Make papier-mâché paste with about 1 c. flour, ½ c. water, and a little white glue. Soak torn (not cut) newspaper strips in the paste, squeeze off excess, and lay them over the balloon. Continue adding strips, slightly overlapping them, to cover the entire balloon, except a small opening at the top. Add a second layer, and let dry 24 hours.
• The next day, add two more layers of papier-mâché, then let dry 24 hours.
• Now it's time to decorate your piñata. Let your kids glue on pieces of colored tissue paper in any pattern they desire.
• If the balloon is still inflated, pop it. Punch a hole on either side of the opening that you left at the top. Loop a piece of string through the holes and tie it in a knot. Tie a rope to the sting. Finally, insert candies, fruit, small toys and books through the opening.
• Hang your piñata on a hook or over a tree branch. Blindfold a child, spin him around once or twice, and let him or her whack at the piñata with a long stick. Have an adult pull on the rope to move the piñata around to make it more difficult.
• When the piñata breaks, everyone gets to share the goodies!

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