How to Make a Piñata
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).
Attach Cardboard Tubes
Pinata Form
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).
Measure Cardboard
Cardboard Pinata Form
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).
Make Pinata Ears
Attach Donkey Ears
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).
Attach Crepe Paper
Attach Donkey Saddle
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.
Attach Crepe Paper
Attach Pinata Ears
