How to Make a Piñata

Create this festive piñata using simple materials and brilliant colors. You may not want to smash it after you finish this easy project.

DIY Pinata

Remove all four flaps from cardboard box. Set aside.

Materials Needed:

  • 1 extra-large cardboard moving box
  • 4 toilet paper roll tubes or 2 paper towel tubes cut in half
  • 4 rolls colorful crepe paper
  • 1 white poster board
  • 1 sheet colorful tissue paper
  • scissors
  • box cutter
  • black marker
  • pencil or chalk
  • craft glue
  • masking tape
  • packing tape
  • rope

Draw Donkey Outline

Remove all four flaps from cardboard box. Set aside. With a pencil or chalk, create the outline of a donkey and cut along the outline. Make sure to cut through both sides of the cardboard box.

Draw Donkey Shape

Create Donkey Structure

To create braces for the structure, glue 4 toilet paper roll tubes upright with craft glue. Make sure to space them evenly from head to tail. Apply glue to the tops of the tubes and place second cutout on top. Let dry completely (images 1 and 2).

Cut and Attach Cardboard Strips

Measure the space between two cardboard sides — approximately 5 inches (image 1) — and cut strips from the cardboard flaps previously set aside. Attach strips between both sides of the piñata and secure with masking tape (image 2).

Attach Rope

At the top of the piñata, leave a gate open and attach rope for hanging. Fill with treats before sealing with tape.

Attach Rope on Pinata

Create Cones for Ears

Trace a circle onto poster board using a large bowl. Cut it out and then cut into two halves. Twist to form a long cone (image 1), and secure them with packaging tape. Attach to piñata's head (image 2).

Attach Tissue Paper for Feet

Take two pieces of tissue paper and wrap the bottom of the piñata's feet, securing with masking or packing tape.

Attach Tissue Paper

Make Fringe

Take 2 to 3 feet of crepe paper at a time and fold into fourths. Cut strips, leaving a seam on one side.

Fringed Crepe Paper

Attach Fringe

Apply craft glue on the seam and attach fringe one layer at a time, starting at the bottom of the legs and working your way up to the piñata's neck (image 1). To create a saddle, drape crepe paper along the sides, filling in as needed (image 2).

Change Fringe Direction

Once the piñata is covered up to the neck, change directions and wrap the head starting at the nose.

Attach Crepe Paper

Finish Piñata

Trim any longer streamers under the nose and neck as needed (image 1). Once you reach the top of the head, continue to wrap fringe up the ears starting at the base (image 2). Draw two eyes on remaining poster board and attach with craft glue.

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