Balloon piñatas are a great alternative to traditional piñatas at birthday parties. Balloon piñatas can add something special to a themed birthday party and are a great way to show off your creativity. You can make a piñata out of virtually any balloon, though the more sides there are to the balloon, the trickier it will be.
Your first step in making a balloon piñata is to choose your balloon. This may range from a simple round balloon to something matching the theme of your child's birthday party. Round balloons can be versatile; with decoration and a few simple add-ons, you can make a standard round balloon into an Elmo or Big Bird piñata. Or you can choose a balloon that's already in the shape of your child's favorite character, such as Barney or Sponge Bob. It's a good idea to have a picture of the character or animal you're creating, that way when the balloon is covered in papier maché, you'll have something to work from.
Now you'll need to cover the balloon using strips of paper and papier maché. You can use newspaper to cover the balloon, but torn up pieces of white computer paper work best for the final layer, as decorating will be easier. To make your papier maché paste, mix two parts water with one part flour. Dip the strips of paper into the papier maché paste and drape them all over the balloon. Once the balloon is completely covered, with paper overlapping, allow the piñata to dry. This will take at least a full day.
You'll probably want to make multiple layers of papier maché so that the piñata is sturdy. Once you've finished all the layers of papier maché, pop the balloon by sticking a pin through the papier maché. Then cut a flap in the bottom of the piñata, pull the balloon out and put candy or small toys inside. Next you'll secure the flap with tape and begin decorating.
How you decorate will depend on the kind of balloon piñata you're trying to make. Think outside the box when determining supplies. You can use cotton balls, Popsicle sticks, crepe paper and anything else you find at an art supply store. Think outside the box when determining supplies. You can use cotton balls, Popsicle sticks, crepe paper and anything else you find at an art supply store. Here are some other ideas for fun balloon piñatas you can make: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, a princess (you can make a hat using a piece of paper rolled into a cone shape), a cow, Winnie the Pooh and Dora the Explorer.
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