Making Papier-Mache Pinatas for Profit

By Connie Arellano
Published on November 1, 1983
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Papier-mache pinatas like this one are not only fun to make, but they can also become the basis for a great home business.
Papier-mache pinatas like this one are not only fun to make, but they can also become the basis for a great home business.
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Discarded newspapers are one of the main ingredients.
Discarded newspapers are one of the main ingredients.
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Balloons of different sizes, glued together, can make a variety of shapes.
Balloons of different sizes, glued together, can make a variety of shapes.
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A trapdoor allows your customer to put in goodies and gifts.
A trapdoor allows your customer to put in goodies and gifts.
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A crochet hook helps when inserting the twice
A crochet hook helps when inserting the twice "hanger".
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An outside copvering of crepe paper adds texture and color.
An outside copvering of crepe paper adds texture and color.
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Construction paper is used to create facial features, as well as cone-shaped arms and legs.
Construction paper is used to create facial features, as well as cone-shaped arms and legs.

In seventeenth century Italy, celebrations often centered around decorative earthenware pots filled with gifts. As these pieces of art dangled from a rope, blindfolded children (and adults!) would take turns trying to break open the mysterious crockery . . . and when the lucky blow was struck, all of the partygoers would join in a mad scramble for its store of prizes.

The festive pottery later found its way into Spain, and that nation’s explorers brought the crocks to the New World. As the tradition caught on, the demand for pinatas increased, and the original earthenware containers gave way to easier-to-make, low cost papier-mache versions.

However, though these delightful party favors have been around for centuries, I’ve found that few people (other than those of Latin origin) have ever actually enjoyed the delights of a papier-mache pinata . . . and fewer still know how to make on . Well, I decided to take advantage of that situation. And — with more time invested than money — I now clear at least $100 a week by introducing this old custom into my own culture. You can do it, too! And think about this: Because the work can be done at home, you won’t even have to hire a babysitter while you’re running the business!

Here’s What You’ll Need

The main ingredient in pinatas is papier-mache, so if you subscribe to a daily newspaper, you’re ahead of the game. (Should you lack a supply of your own, I’m sure your friends and relatives would be willing to pass their already read tribunes your way.)

You’ll also need plenty of flour-and-water paste. Most households will have enough flour on hand to get started (approximately four cups). However, if you plan to jump right into mass production, you can cut your costs by buying in bulk quantities from a wholesaler . . . and perhaps purchasing generic flour. Just remember that the food quality of this ingredient isn’t important: Recently I was fortunate enough to “inherit” 50 pounds of old, weevil-ridden flour, and that windfall saved me nearly $10, providing me with enough fixings to construct almost 100 pinatas.

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