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How to Make a Heart-Shaped Piñata

Piñatas -- containers made of paper mache and tissue paper -- come in many shapes, such as animals, toys and cartoons. Piñatas originated in China and were used for rituals involving luck and religion. Today, people use decorated piñatas as a party game in which blindfolded children take turns hitting it with a bat to break it and get the prizes inside. Instead of purchasing a piñata, express your creativity and make your own heart-shaped piñata for a Valentine's Day party or another festive occasion.

Things You'll Need

Heart-shaped balloon
Water
Flour
Mixing bowl
Newspaper
Scissors
Glue
Colored tissue paper
Knife
Candy and toys for filling
Twine or craft wire

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a heart-shaped balloon from a grocery store or party supply shop. Blow up the balloon and tie the opening into a secure knot.
- 2
  Mix water and flour together in a large bowl to make a wheat paste for the paper mache. Continue adding water to the flour until the mixture becomes almost as thick as cake batter.
- 3
  Tear or cut sheets of old newspaper into two-inch strips.
- 4
  Dip a strip of newspaper into the bowl of wheat paste so that the paste coats the newspaper completely. Attach the newspaper strip to the balloon. Continue to layer strips of newspaper all over the balloon, covering the surface completely.
- 5
  Allow the paper mache to dry overnight. Add another layer of newspaper strips coated with wheat paste to form a sturdy shell for the piñata.
- 6
  Use glue to cover the heart-shaped piñata with crinkled squares of red and pink tissue paper.
- 7
  Cut a small hole into the top of the heart-shaped piñata with a sharp knife. Fill the piñata with candy, small toys and stickers. Tie one end of a strip of twine or craft wire to the inside of the piñata and glue the missing piece back over the hole.

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