How to Make an Animal Pinata

- Cardboard Box

- Old Newspaper

- Acrylic Paint

- Water

- Paintbrushes

- Scissors

- Ruler

- Measuring Cup

- Stapler

- Glue

- Tissue paper

- String

- Pencil

- Animal Template

Instructions

1. Prepare your cardboard box. Cut off the top flaps of the cardboard box. Measure and cut out 4 side panels from the cardboard box approximately 12" x 12". Set aside.

2. Create your animal template. Choose a simple animal shape with a large body, such as a dog, cat, or bear. Draw the animal shape onto a piece of paper or cardstock. Cut out the template.

3. Transfer the template to the cardboard. Lay the template flat on one side of the cardboard. Trace around the template with a pencil. Repeat around all 4 panels of cardboard.

4. Cut out your animal panels Cut out the animal shape along the traced lines.

5. Assemble the animal. Assemble the animal by gluing the 4 side panels to the bottom. Place the panels close to each other. Attach them together with staples if desired.

6. Create strips for the pinata base Cut out 4 strips of cardboard or posterboard, approximately 12" x 2" each. Fold each strip in half lengthwise.

7. Attach the strips to the base. Glue the folded strips to the bottom of the animal, to create tabs that will hold up the piñata.

8. Decorate your animal. Use acrylic paint to decorate your animal pinata. Be creative and have fun with the colors and patterns. Let the paint dry completely.

9. Make a hole for the candy. Cut a small hole in the back of the animal using scissors or a craft knife, for filling with candy. Be sure the hole is big enough to pour candy into the pinata, but small enough that the candy won't fall out easily.

10. Fill the pinata with candy. Fill the animal with candy and party favors through the hole. Leave enough room for the candy to move around inside the piñata.

11. Seal the hole. Seal the hole shut using glue or tape to keep the candy inside.

12. Attach the string. Cut a long piece of string and attach it to the tabs on the underside of the animal. Make sure the string is strong enough to hold the weight of the filled piñata.

13. Hang your animal pinata. Hang the pinata from sturdy location, such as a tree branch or a rafter. It should be high enough to hit with sticks, but low enough for the children to reach and safely remove the candy.