Pinatas are very easy to make, especially those that are not highly detailed. A big beautiful flower that is covered with delicate tissue paper petals can be made with a big balloon. Although the finished product is round instead of shaped like a daisy, a rose or another common bloom, it looks far from basic when hung by a long green stem. Use this simple method to make a flower pinata. It will be much more than a typical decoration. It will be the highlight of the party.
Necessary Supplies
To make a flower pinata like the one pictured you will need several sheets of black and white newsprint, sharp craft scissors, one cup of all-purpose flour, a little less than one cup of water, a short piece of string and a big round latex balloon. You will also need art-quality tissue paper in a preferred color, thick clear-drying craft glue, a pencil, a long piece of heavy green yarn for hanging the pinata, a large embroidery needle and several shorter pieces. Look for rug yarn or another strong and bulky variety.
Cutting the Paper
Begin by cutting the newsprint into four to six-inch strips that are two to three inches wide. You will need dozens of strips. The exact number needed will depend upon the size of the balloon. Plan on cutting enough paper to make at least four layers. The larger the balloon, the thicker the paper will have to be to support the contents.
Application Procedure
Next, blow up the balloon and tie a short piece of string or yarn to the knotted end. It will serve as a temporary hanger. Hang the balloon from a wall-mounted plant hook or something similar. It will make working on the pinata much easier. Place a few sheets of newsprint beneath it to protect the work surface.
Thoroughly mix the flour and water together. It should have the texture of thick paste. If it seems too thick, add more water a half teaspoon at a time. If it is too thin, add more flour a half teaspoon at a time until it looks thick enough. Dip the strips into the mixture one at a time, and apply them one by one to the balloon. Place them in various directions to increase the strength. The pieces should always overlap.
After the balloon is fully covered with one layer of paper, apply another one. Continue the process until you have added as many layers as desired. Let the pinata completely harden for at least 24 hours. In the meantime, cut out the flower petals. Design the first petal, and use it as a stencil to make all of the rest. Depending on how sharp the scissors are, you should be able to cut multiple layers at a time to speed up the process.
Create the Hanger
Once the paper dries, use a serrated knife to cut a fist-sized hole in the side of the pinata. It will be used for filling the finished flower with wrapped candy, money and/or small toys. Remove the balloon, and use an embroidery needle to make four holes about four inches from the papered top. Open the flap, and carefully pull out the balloon. If necessary, cut off the knot from the outside.
Next, thread the embroidery needle with the heavy green yarn, and pull a 12-inch piece through the first hole and out of one across from it. Follow the same procedure with the other two holes and a second 12-inch piece of yarn. Gather the yarn at the top, and securely knot the pieces. Securely tie the longest piece under knot. It will serve as a hanger, and it will look like a long green stem.
Finish It with Layers of Tissue Paper Petals
Using the photo as a guide, apply multiple rows and layers of petals. Be sure to work around the opening that was made for adding candy. Keep going until your homemade pinata is covered in gorgeous tissue paper petals. Let the glue dry completely before filling it and allowing the party goers to take turns knocking it to pieces. It will look almost too good to break.
Source: Advanced Crafting Education and Experience
No comments:
Post a Comment