How to make a shaped pinata!

Nothing adds an element of fun to a birthday party as a pinata. Instead of spending $20 for a store-bought one I decided to make my own to match my Rock & Roll party favors and decorations with stuff from the recycling bin and craft supplies and it only cost me $2!

Here’s How: You will need masking tape and cardboard, I used a large box but if you don’t have any cardboard call you local large appliance store and ask for some.  First cut two identical shaped from the cardboard, then cut a 4″ strip of cardboard and attach it to the shapes at the sides as shown.

You need to leave a part of the side open so you can fill it with candy.

Before I decorated mine I filled it and glued the hatch shut. Then I had my daughters fringe the crepe paper with scissors (both safety scissors and fringing scissors, use what you have) as I hot glued it on.

I used the die cuts I had cut out for my own reference to decorate the pinata, don’t forget to decorate the back too! I had some metallic embroidery thread so I made strings with that and I used scraps of metallic vinyl to make the knobs and tuning pegs. You can use aluminum foil too.

I love how the pinata matches the decor of the party perfectly and I was able to recycle and save money at the same time. One of the moms at the party asked if it was worth it (making the pinata with my time vs. the cost of buying one) and I said absolutely because it only took about an hour and I had a blast making it. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

11 thoughts on “How to make a shaped pinata!

  1. Wow, I never thought to do it with the crepe paper, I thought it had to be paper mache. This turned out awesome and I”m with you, it must have been worth it.

    Like

  2. You are an absolute inspiration to me! I love your ideas and designs and ability to invent what you need. Now, if I could just figure out how to use digital stamps…

    Like

  3. You did a great job on your pinata, Lindsay! My mom used to make our pinatas for our birthdays when we lived in Mexico. It was a day full of anticipation and love! Thanks for sharing and helping me remember good times!

    Hugs,

    Carmen L

    Like

  4. Thanks so much for posting this! I host a Cousin Camp at our house every year for nine kids (my kids’ cousins on my side), and we always have a pinata.

    I’ve been wanting to make my own, but the only instructions I could find involved papier mache. I tried that, and it was a complete failure that I will not be trying again.

    I just noticed recently that the pinatas at the store seemed to be made from a cardboard material, but I wasn’t totally sure about constructing one. Now, thanks to you, I don’t have to figure it out myself.

    You’re a genius and an inspiration! Thank you.

    Like

  5. I like how easy it was to make this. It turned out great. Any ideas on how to make a brain shaped pinata for a zombie themed party?

    Like

    1. girl, you are my people! LOL! Cut the shape of the brain twice on cardbord and a 4″ strip to join them tat the edges like I did in the tutorial. As for a brainy covering you might try silly string. Spray foam insulation would look realistic but the kids would never get it open LOL or just use pink crepe paper.

      Like

    1. no, I just draw it on and and cut out one side and then trace it on to the other sheet of cardboard.

      Like

Tell me what YOU think!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.