Make a Pull String Pinata

To get started you'll need some supplies:

Balloon(s) to form your pinata shape
Cardboard to form shapes other then round
Newspaper Cut into about 1" strips
Ribbon For Decoration & Pull strings
Tissue Paper For Decoration
Paint For Decoration
Clear Dry Glue For adding embellishments
String For attaching forms together
Tape Same as above

Consider collecting buttons, wire and beads for embellishments or to form irregular shapes

Bowl A medium size bowl to hold the Paste
Scissors To do above and other cutting tasks
X-acto Knife

Drop cloth or Extra newspaper to make cleanup easier!

Paste
2c. Flour
3c. Water

To make paste combine 2c flour with 3c Water. Mix thoroughly

I always start by sketching the shape I want the final pinata to take, and then breaking it down into various building block shapes.

Balloons for Round or ovals, little boxes for square areas, tubes (either paper towel variety or handmade from cardboard) for snouts, legs, arms, ears and more.

Then I create the form by wiring, taping or tying the various components together to make the desired shape. The sketch helps me visualize what shapes I need. Once that is assembled on to the paper mache step.

Things to remember when designing: You'll need to figure out where you are going to fashion a hanger for the pinata, and if you're making a traditional pinata - also think about where you're going to fill it.

Set up a work area - I tend to use a table covered with a plastic tablecloth and move around the table while applying layers of the paper mache.

Make sure you have enough newspaper strips (about 1" wide) Although you could use just about any type of paper.

Mix up your paste (see recipe above)

Dip strips of the paper into the paste and apply to your form(s) trying to keep it as smooth as possible. Try to go in different directions and overlap so there your form is completely covered.

This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the size and shape of the form.

Let your paper mache dry for a few hours (or overnight) until dry to the touch.

Then apply another 3-4 layers to the form. Letting each layer dry completely before applying the next.

Now the messiest part is done. You should have a beautiful paper mache ... whatever it is you're making!

Paint is the easiest and fastest method of covering your pinata, but is messy and not as traditional in look. I personally prefer spray paint, but you can use any craft type paint.

Tissue paper is a more traditional choice. To give that ruffled effect I cut the tissue paper in 1" strips and then cut each strip into fringe, cutting approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through the 1" width. I then glue the fringe in rows following the pattern of coloration I want for the design.

Sometimes I'll sketch out in pencil the approximate areas of colors on the pinata itself.

Beads, buttons and other embellishments can also be added at this point.

Traditional Pinata makers Only need to do the following.
Pull string's skip this step!

Now we need a way to hang your pinata - it needs to be pretty tough. I tend to make a small trap door in a unobtrusive spot (for filling) and then use an X-acto knife to create two small holes to wire a hanger for the pinata.

Once the Pinata is filled, you secure the small trap door or hole and you're done! Duct tape is perfect for this. I try to work out the filling and hanging areas in the drawing phase.

Now time for your final step. Cut a 3" by 3" trap door in your pinata bottom (just cut three sides the fourth will act as the hinge)

Create holes for hanging (I like to use wire since it usually hold up well)

Cut as any lengths of Ribbon as you'll need pull strings. How high you'll be hanging the pinata will determine the length. (When in doubt, go longer - you can always trim it up later)

Make a small hole in the trap door and thread a piece of ribbon through. Tie a knot in that ribbon on the inside. I leave that ribbon much longer then the rest so I know which it is and trim it when I'm finished.

Next I create more holes and loosely thread the remaining ribbons through them. I loosely tape the ends together on the inside so they don't fall out.

Finally, I add the prizes and candy and then close the trap (adding a layer of tissue paper to "hide" the door.

Conratulations ... You've created a pull string pinata!