Piñatas add such fun to birthday parties and other celebrations and they are fun to make too! Make this into a learning experience by taking the time to discuss the cultural background of this craft. Plan a trip to your local library to view pictures in their cultural context or do some internet research. The craft will have so much more meaning as a result.

You might be interested to know that there is a debate about where the piñata originates. While most people believe it descends from native Mexicans before the arrival of the Spanish in South America, there are others who believe that it actually comes from sixteenth century Italy or possibly even China around the time of Marco Polo. The mystery surrounding its origin may make the craft all the more appealing for certain youngsters and there's a chance it may even stimulate an interest in further reading!

Here's a simple way to make a piñata: At least two days prior to the big event, gather all the necessary materials: a round balloon, old newspapers torn into strips 1 inch wide and 6 inches long, school glue poured into a plastic bowl, scissors, tape, crayons or markers, tissue paper or construction paper, string or yarn, a craft knife and plenty of candy and small prizes to fill the piñata.

You might want to do this project outdoors or in the garage as it’s very messy. Whether indoors or out, clean-up is made easier by working on old newspapers spread around the workspace. A little advance preparation will definitely save you clean-up time later. Children should wear aprons or old large shirts over their clothes.

Here comes the fun part – blow up the balloon and secure it with a knot. Dip the newspaper strips into the bowl of glue and put them all over the balloon in one layer. Let dry. Repeat this process twice. It takes time for it to dry to be patient! If you are doing this with young children you might want to have them cut up or tear more strips of newspaper while they wait. It’s easiest just to make a simple round shape that they can decorate as their imaginations inspire them!

Cut a hole on the top of the oval and save the cut out piece. Pop the balloon and take it out. Cut two small holes on either side of the opening. Thread a string through them and tie a knot in the end and you’ll be able to hang your creation from the ceiling later.

Decorate with pieces of colorful tissue paper, construction paper and paint. You can also try adding other things like buttons, paper egg cartons cut up, streamers. The possibilities are limited only to what is able to be glued securely onto the form.

Fill the piñata with goodies and tape the saved piece back over the hole. You’re ready to play the piñata game!