A piñata can be a fun centerpiece for more than just birthday parties. Colors, shapes, and themes are endless, especially if you have a few spare hours to make your own. A recycled piñata helps reduce our waste, while encouraging a little DIY fun.
Tip: Make the piñata compostable by using cotton string (we use food grade kitchen twine), small amounts of natural or DIY paints, and home made paper-mâché glue. You can vary the materials according to the needs, but the more you recycle the better!
DIY Instructions
Step 1: Cut your shape twice out of two sturdy pieces of cardboard. Cut a 5″ wide strip long enough to join the two pieces together.
Step 2: Paper-mâché your sides together using traditional flour and water paste, mod podge, or diluted white school glue painted onto 2″ x 4″ strips of newspaper. Don’t forget to leave a hole at the top for filling, and a loosely shut flap at the bottom to tie your strings to. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Paint sheets of newspaper using tempera paint or DIY paints. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Step 4: Cut painted newspaper into 3″ squares and glue to your cardboard shape.
Step 5: Add your strings to hang the piñata, and the party pull strings to open it!
Fill, cheer on the kids, and compost it once you are done! Actually, we liked ours so much it is decorating the mantle for now 🙂
Filler Ideas:
Many piñatas are filled with candy or plastic toys. Here are some ideas using less plastic. For more – see our plastic-free party bag ideas!
- Mini Smarties – These tiny boxes of chocolate treats are free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Small notebooks (for adults) or puzzle/activity books for kids.
- Home made seed bombs using native plants.
- Packets of native wildflower/bee friendly seeds, herbs, or vegetables. You can buy in bulk from Nature’s Seed and divide them up into small paper envelopes.
- Small boxes of colored crayons or pencils.
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