Nothing makes a party like a piñata to bash the hell out of (and maybe some rum). Prop-maker Lizzie King shows us how to pull one together in no time…

Scissors
Cardboard (single-walled)
Craft knife
Glue (Pritt Stick, or similar)
Strong masking tape
String/ribbon
Crepe paper
Sweets, confetti (or other lovely things to fill it – no glass!)

Step 1
Decide on the shape for your piñata (round shapes and hearts work well, as do watermelon or pizza slices) and cut out two matching sides.(Letters work well for birthday parties… We chose an ‘M’: did we mention it’s our birthday?!

Step 2
Cut two strips of cardboard 15cm wide to wind around the perimeter of the shape.

Step 3
Prepare lots of little pieces of tape then use them, one by one, to attach the first strip of cardboard around the edge of your shape. Flip it over and attach the second piece of cardboard to the opposite side, leaving a flap at the top.

Step 4
Cover the edges in crepe paper, sticking it down with glue

Step 5
Pierce two holes in the top, one on either side, and push your string (or ribbon) through one hole, reaching through the flap to meet it inside the piñata so you can pull it up through the second hole. This will be useful for hanging your piñata later.

 

 

Step 6
Fill the piñata with sweets (wrapped ones!), confetti, etc. Seal the flap.

Step 7
Cut your fringing for the front and back, by cutting slits into strips of crepe paper. Secure the fringing with glue, starting from the bottom and working your way up.

Step 8
Head to the park – hang your piñata, gather the kids and let them bash it until it bursts.