However, the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica also had similar traditions. For example, the Aztecs had a ceremony to honor the birthday of the god Huitzilopochtli where they placed a clay pot full of goodies and decorated it with brightly colored feathers on top of a pole.

So it is likely that the modern piñata is a combination of these European and Mesoamerican traditions.You should now have a very hard outer shell. Go to the bottom of the balloon shell and using scissors pop the balloon and remove the debris from the pinata. Add the sweets into the pinata via the hole at the base. Cover the hole with some strong tape and then cover with some p apier-mâché. Repeat fully over the whole balloon until you have covered the balloon twice. Remember to leave it to dry full between layers or it won't set properly. Repeat this process until you have covered most of the balloon down to the bowl. Leave to set over night and then turn over and repeat down to where the balloon is tied leaving a small area without any p apier-mâché on it so that you can cut the balloon and add the sweets later on. I recently held an Ice Cream Dreams Party for my daughter Isabella's 10th birthday. One of the highlights at the party was my Ice Cream Cone Pinata. It is actually incredibly easy to make, just takes a bit of time and a bit of creativity. It is perfect for an Ice Cream Party, Circus Party or any Summer Time Party. So follow my tutorial to find out how I made it.

Repeat the process for a third time using white strips this time. This creates a solid a white top coat and fully covers the newspaper print.

Recommendations

These small piñatas are a fun way to brighten up any room, or could be used as individual party favors. The structure is made from cardboard – you can use old cereal boxes or similar and then decorate with tissue paper. Start creating your pinata at least a week before your party as you will need to allow the papier-mâché time to dry between coats. Blow up your balloon and rest it in a bowl to keep it stable.