I was recently in Barney’s New York NOT buying clothes and saw this funny looking donkey hanging from the ceiling made entirely out of clothing. It got me thinking about making a pinata. I’ve been pre-producing a kid’s birthday party story for a national magazine and sitting here thinking of fun things a 5 year old could do at a party. That had me thinking of pinatas and making them.

This pinata process was shot for my book “Simply Green Parties.” It shows all you really need is a balloon, some newspaper, craft glue (lots), prizes and something to cover the finished pinata. The process is simple: blow up balloon, cover in strips of soaked newspaper (soaked in water and glue), cover and let dry. Pop balloon and cut a small section to fill up with prizes. Reattach that cut out part and cover with something decorative.

I used leaves here, but you could also use scrap fabric and make a donkey, too.   Anyway, here’s a shot from Simply Green Parties showing guests swinging away at a leaf covered pinata.    Have fun!