How to Make a Candy Corn Pinata for Halloween

Print and Cut Out Templates

Print 2 sets of templates (8 pages total) and tape them together to make two candy corn shapes. Cut out the shapes and place them both on a sheet of poster board with a few small pieces of tape to hold them in place (Image 1). Trace around the cut-outs and remove templates (Image 2) then cut candy corn shapes from the poster board (Image 3).

Begin Constructing the Form

On another sheet of poster board, measure and cut 2 strips that are 3" wide and the length of the poster board (Image 1). Place the strips end-to-end to create one long strip, securing the seam with tape on both sides of the paper (Image 2). Starting with the point of the candy corn, attach the strip to one of the candy corn shapes. Press the strip up against the edge of the shape and apply tape at 2" to 3" intervals (Image 3). Tip: This is only meant to hold the shape in place until the papier mache is addd. Overlap the ends of the strip at the candy corn's top and secure the overlap with tape.

Fill Piñata

Use an awl or screwdriver to poke 2 small holes in the center of the overlap area (on top of the piñata) about 1-1/2" apart (Image 1). Feed a zip tie through the holes making a loop on the outside for hanging with the closure on the inside or the piñata. Fasten the tie just enough to be secure (Image 2). Next, add all your candy and small party favors to the piñata (Image 3) and tape the other candy corn shape in place, just as you did the bottom (Image 4).

Mix Flour Paste and Add Papier Mache

Make the flour paste by combining 1 cup flour, 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons of salt in a bowl until the mixture is the consistency of thick pancake batter. Dip the torn newsprint strips in the bowl and pull them out, running the strips between two fingers to remove excess paste. Quickly apply the wet strips to the surface of the box, overlapping strips slightly to ensure full coverage. Tip: Apply no more than 2 coats of papier mache — the more secure the edges, the harder it will be for your guests to break the piñata. Once the first side is dry, carefully turn it over and cover the other side. Let dry completely before proceeding.

Cut Tissue Paper and Mark Candy Colors

Cut orange, yellow and white tissue paper into 3" squares (Image 1). Using the template as your guide, mark the spots on the sides of the piñata where the colored sections meet. Join the dots with straight lines all the way around the piñata (Image 2).

Apply the Tissue Paper and Hang

Place about a cup of white school glue in a small bowl. To add tissue to the piñata, make an 'O' with your forefinger and thumb. Lay a tissue square over the 'O' and poke a pencil, eraser-end first, into the hole (Image 1). Holding the tissue paper on the pencil's end, dip the tissue in glue (Image 2). Attach the tissue paper to the piñata about every 3/4" to fill in the sections. Complete the piñata's top and sides (Image 3). Tie a long rope around the zip tie to hang the piñata temporarily so you can add tissue to the back (Image 4). Let the glue dry completely. Hang your finished piñata from a low tree limb (Image 5). Make sure that your piñata isn't too high for small children or too low for eager adults. Everyone deserves a swing at this festive Halloween party favor.