Detailed Guide on How to Make a Paper Maché Piñata

UST College of Science Journal
3 min readDec 27, 2023

By Havoc

Need a party gimmick for a weekend celebration with your friends and family? Look no further! I’ll share with you a step-by-step process on how to make a paper maché piñata, which will make any party livelier than ever!

Step 1. Preparation

Prepare the materials needed to make a paper maché piñata:

  • One large, round balloon
  • One large bowl
  • Used paper/newspaper
  • String
  • Glue
  • Water
  • Plastic wrap

Step 2. Inflate the balloon

Inflate the balloon as much as it can go. Be careful not to over-exert the balloon. It can pop too, even if it’s made out of rubber. After inflating, tie the end of the balloon and cover it with plastic wrap.

Step 3. Tear the used papers

We need paper! Paper is essential to create paper mache (it’s in the name, duh!). To reduce waste, let’s make the piñata from used paper. Tear the used paper or newspaper you have on hand. Why not cut it with scissors, you ask? Well, tearing the paper allows the strips to maintain their flatness on the balloon. Nothing is perfect. Imperfections have their reasons and uses too.

Step 4. Prepare the mache paste and start covering the balloon

Mix the water and glue with a one-to-one ratio. After that, turn all those ripped pieces into something beautiful — the piñata! Dip the ripped paper into the bowl and stick them one by one onto the balloon. Cover the balloon fully, excluding the area where the balloon is tied.

Step 5. Add layers to the balloon

After adding the first layer of paper, let it dry. Remember to be patient because all good things come in time. Continue the work you have been doing. You’re doing great. Once the first layer has dried, keep adding layers until you have about four to five layers on the balloon. When they have all dried, pop the balloon. Don’t keep it in. Know when to open up and let it go.

Step 6. Decorate your piñata

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Step 7. Celebration!

Fill your piñata with candy, use some strings to hang it up, and whack that piñata with friends! Always remember to have fun in the process with the people you love.

Congratulations, you just made a paper maché piñata!

Share this guide with those who you think might need it right now.

Love, Somebody out there with you

P.S. Look in the mirror as if you’re talking to somebody. Read the instructions again out loud, slowly. With heart.

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UST College of Science Journal

The official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas College of Science