Birthday Piñata

Make any celebration colorful and memorable with a handmade paper maché piñata filled with parent-friendly and kid-fun Crayola® prizes.

1. For a crayon-shaped piñata, cut the bottom off three or four lunch-size paper bags. Lay the bags in a row and tape them together to form a long tube shape. Fill the bags with crumpled recycled newspaper. Form a point at one end of the tube and secure with tape. Leave the other end of the tube open.

2. Cut or tear recycled newspaper into strips.

3. Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Combine glue with an equal amount of water in a shallow bowl to make a paper maché glaze.

4. Dip paper strips in the glue, squeeze out excess moisture, and layer them over the filled paper bags to form a crayon shape. At the open end, attach a string for hanging. Cover the whole sculpture with another layer of paper mache. Dry.

5. Carefully remove the recycled newspaper from the open end of the pinata.

6. Paint your piñata with Crayola Washable Kid’s Paint and Paint Brushes. Air-dry the piñata.

7. If you wish, glue streamers, tissue paper, or other decorations to your piñata, to go with your party theme!

8. Fill the piñatas with Crayola Markers, Glitter Glue, and similar items that are not likely to break when the piñatas are broken open.

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

Fall Welcome Window

See-Through Pinwheels

Wizard Words

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Paint Brushes
• Markers
• Washable Kid's Paint
• No-Run School Glue

household supplies

• recycled newspaper
• yarn
• string
• masking tape
• lunch bags
• container(s) of water

"We had the most successful birthday party yet! After breaking the piñata, the kids used their new art products. No more sweets!"
Jeriann K., mom of 8-year-old.

"Instead of just giving kids art supplies, we made this piñata together and broke it open at a party."
Bertram W., religious education instructor.

Although the piñata is usually associated with Mexico, its origins can be traced to China, where it was used to celebrate spring. It is believed that Marco Polo introduced this Chinese custom to Spain, whose people in turn took it to Mexico.