A dapper papier-mâché pumpkin sports a jaunty black hat trimmed with a green leafy paper garland and sets the tone for fun. You'll need an extra-large balloon to make this grinning guy come to life to hold all the precious goodies little fingers are anxious to grab.
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials: Large balloon; measuring tape; jute twine; masking tape; large mixing bowl or bucket; flour; water; mixing spoon; salt; scissors; newsprint paper; orange spray paint; craft knife; assorted wrapped candies; hot-glue gun; small black hat; green leafy garland; black construction paper; large branch.
1. Blow up balloon and knot end.
2. Cut 3-foot length of twine; fold in half and knot about 10 inches below fold. Tape ends to sides of balloon (knotted loop will form hanging loop for finished piñata; hang piñata if desired when applying paper layers).
3. In mixing bowl, mix equal parts flour and water, stirring to remove lumps. Add about a spoonful of salt and continue stirring.
4. Cut newsprint into 1-inch-wide strips. Dip a strip into flour mixture, then smooth onto balloon, wrapping it vertically around center. Continue dipping and wrapping strips vertically, covering balloon with overlapping layers.
5. Apply next layer of strips in same manner, but work horizontally.
6. Apply a total of about six or seven layers of paper in this way. Let dry.
7. Pop balloon and remove through top of piñata, leaving twine in place.
8. Apply several light coats of spray paint to all surfaces; let dry.
9. Using craft knife, cut a 3-inch circle at top of piñata to remove top. Fill with candy; glue top back in place.
10. Glue hat over top of piñata. Wrap and glue garland around hat.
11. Cut eyes, nose and mouth as desired from construction paper; glue to form face.
12. To play, have children take turns using branch to hit piñata until it breaks.