Personal Pineapple Pinatas

Blogging tends to become a bit more challenging for me during the summer months. And while we’re on the subject of confessions, I must admit that a few months ago, I might have viewed a hiatus of over a month without a post as a failure, leading me to consider abandoning this “project” altogether.

Instead, I’ve decided to reignite my passion and celebrate the wonderful distractions that summer brings—family gatherings, beach days, time with friends, sunny rooftop afternoons, and refreshing cocktails by the boardwalk (more on that later). To mark this celebration, what could be more delightful than creating your own personal pineapple piñata?

Why Make Your Own Piñata?

Piñatas are surprisingly simple to craft. So why do we often opt for buying pre-made ones shaped like donkeys, stars, or popular cartoon characters from party supply stores? Perhaps it’s the thought of investing time and effort into crafting a unique piñata only to see it mercilessly smashed by excited children. But fear not! The piñatas I’m suggesting are not meant to be destroyed.

Materials Needed

• Balloons (I used water balloons for their perfect pineapple size)
• Paper mache (made from flour and water)
• Green and yellow tissue paper
• Glue stick
• Brads
• String
• Utility knife

Crafting Your Piñata

1. Prepare the Paper Mache: Combine flour and water in a bowl until you achieve a thin glue-like consistency. The thickness is up to you; I prefer a thinner mixture, though it may take longer to dry.
2. Cut Newspaper Strips: Tear newspaper into thin strips. For convenience, dip each strip into the paper mache mixture, remove excess goo by dragging it across the bowl’s edge, and lay them over the rim of the bowl for easy access.
3. Create the Base: Inflate your balloon and cover it completely with one layer of paper mache. This layer will dry quickly; you can speed up the process by placing it in a sunny spot or using a hair dryer. If the piñata feels fragile after drying, add another layer.
4. Forming a Base: If you want your piñata to stand on its own (perhaps as adorable place cards), press it onto a flat surface while it’s nearly dry to create a sturdy base.
5. Cutting an Access Door: Once dried, if the balloon hasn’t popped already, use your utility knife to cut a small door in the back of your piñata. You can reinforce this hinge with duct or masking tape if needed.

Adding Pineapple Features

6. Create Pineapple Leaves: Cut strips of green tissue paper resembling grass blades. You can tear some for variety or keep them attached for fuller leaves. Fold the bottom edge back to adhere it to the top of your piñata using a glue stick.
7. Adding Pineapple Skin: For the body, cut yellow tissue paper into an accordion shape and snip off the bottom corners while keeping the top flat. Glue these pieces around the base of your piñata, ensuring not to cover the door.
8. Finishing Touches: When you reach the top with two rows of yellow left, flip the last row so that the pointed edges face up and glue it over the green leaves. Add another row below it to cover any flat edges.
9. Securing Your Piñata: Use your utility knife (or a safety pin) to poke holes for brads at the bottom of your door and below it. Attach both brads and tie a piece of string around one brad in a knot; leave some string hanging to wrap around the lower brad to keep it closed.
10. Fill and Seal: Fill your pineapple piñata with candy or treats and close up your creation!

As I mentioned earlier, whether or not these creations are technically piñatas is up for debate—but there’s no denying how adorable your very own personal pineapple piñata can be!