I have been very on board with the recent pinata trend in parties. Although, for little kid parties they can sometimes become a hazard. Flying candy and bigger guys swinging around sticks sure do make a mom nervous!
For the twin’s birthday this year I decided to design a pinata that you don’t need to swing at. A pinata you could punch. A punchata! It was a huge hit with the kids (they always love something new) and super easy to make.
To make the punchata first blow up a 36 inch balloon (do not use helium it will affect how well your paper stick to the balloon) instead use a large set of lungs or a pump! Hang the balloon upside down and cover with a thin layer of Modge Podge. Begin laying white packing tissue onto the balloon with thin layers of Modge Podge in between each layer. Aim for about 5 layers of tissue over the entire balloon. Let dry for 48 hours.
Once the pinata is completely dry, pop the balloon and slowly pull it out through a small hole in the tissue mache. Begin cutting small holes (about the size of a child’s fist) throughout the pinata, in different spots and on different levels. Cut circle pieces of a coordinating paper and use a small dab of glue to secure them over your holes from the inside of the pinata (use the top hole for easy access). Fill with candy, thread a string through the top and secure the top hole closed with a few more layers of tissue paper and glue.
Hang up to enjoy on party day and let each child have a turn punching in a hole for their candy prize!
Photos taken by Erin Holland for a subtle revelry.
PS. I am super excited to show you the twin’s complete birthday party in our next issue of Styled. Magazine coming out March 6th!
Great idea. I’m working on a spin of the pinata for my son’s 3rd birthday party next week – it will be more pop than punch or beat ;)
This is such a great idea for littler partiers – real pinatas can be so tough to puncture!
Oh man. I love tootsie pops. I steel them from my husbands work all the time. Maybe I should think about filling a pinata full. I do love pinatas.
How clever and sweet!
Fun!
Gorgeous photos! Love the white with pops of color.