Pink, Pearls and Prayer: It's Not A Party Without A Piñata!

I adore Piñatas! Who doesn't? They take most of us back to a day where there was excitement in the air and treasures on the ground!

Piñatas are traced back to many cultures and customs, but my favorite is a fiesta! I play a game called "Pokeno" with long time friends and neighbors. Each year we each host a party once. Mine just happened to fall on May 5th this year.. Cinco de Mayo! The Texan in me couldn't resist a fiesta, so where to start? A pinata? Of course!!

It was quite the process, but I loved the results and had so much fun doing it! If you're interested, read on and I'll share the "how to"!

Start by finding a design you like.

What you'll need:

A design idea and/or template
Two Cereal Boxes
Poster Board or Additional Large Cereal Boxes
Two cardboard toilet paper rolls (if creating an animal)
One large Zip Tie or Heavy Duty String
Scissors
Packing Tape
Ruler
Tissue paper or tissue streamers in multiple colors

First, cut apart two super sized cereal boxes and lay them flat. They are the perfect material to work with. Lightweight and easy to cut. If you aren't the "artist" type, you can find many free templates online just by googling the design name and the word template. For instance.. donkey template.

Once you have your design idea, sketch it onto the cereal box. You can mark it up as much as you need to in order to get it just right. No one will ever see your drawing!

After you sketch the design, place the two flattened cereal box sides together and cut. If this is difficult, cut one then use the other as the template so you'll have two identical size and shape sides.

Next, cut a four inch wide strip long enough to go around the entire outside of your design. Tape this strip between the two sides using the packing tape.

Once you have your 3d design, you'll want to cut a 3 sided hole either in the top or the bottom of your design, large enough to place your candy and tokens inside. Leave it open for now.

If you have chosen an animal design, you can easily make ears by cutting a slit in the toilet paper roll and taping it into a pleasing shape. Secure in place with packing tape.

Now, punch two holes in either side of your design. Place a zip tie or heavy duty string through these holes and secure in order to create a hanger. You'll want to make sure it's centered in a place that will hold your design evenly.

You are ready to decorate and fill your pinata!

Create ruffles by cutting strips of tissue paper or using crepe paper streamers. To give it an authentic effect you'll want to cut slits in the strips before applying.

Be sure to pay attention to and cover the underside of your design.

Start at the bottom of your pinata and work your way up the design, gluing strip over strip.

Once you've decorated your design up to the hole, fill your pinata with fun candy or tokens. It's your party, run with it! If you're planning an outside party, how festive would confetti or glitter mixed in with your treats be?! When full, tape securely shut and continue decorating until you have covered the entire design.