my lion turned 3 and i decided it would be fun to have a lion head pinata at his birthday party. i did some research on pinterest on how to make the perfect pinata, but decided that we would just do our own thing… i mean, how difficult could a paper mache lion head really be???
well, as with most of our projects things didn’t go as smoothly as i hoped. but, the end result was surprisingly marvellous, dontcha think?
- i wanted it to be big, and a regular latex balloon just didn’t seem to be the right size or shape. so we used a clear garbage bag instead; filled it with air and shaped it a little by taping the corners down.
- and off it started… lots of news paper ripped into various sized strips. dear hubby was in charge of the messy part, so he made a big ol’ bowl with flour and water mixed together (no recipe required).  just make sure you don’t make it too think and depending on the project lumps don’t really matter either. especially in a pinata as the end result is that it is damaged badly, and quickly!
the kids got in on the action too! it was soooooooooo messy, but luckily the paste is super easy to wash up!
- where the bag was knotted became the opening and the bottom of the lion’s head. this made it easier in the end for painting as i was able to prop the head up with my easel inside it. a broom or stool leg would work just as well.
- for the ears i took a toilet paper roll, cut it half, made a cone shape, stapled it once i had it  at the desired size. then the guys attached my paper macheing them on.
- before you start painting make sure your paper mache is thoroughly dried first. the paint will adhere better and it will just be much easier.
- to paint the lion head i just mixed a few different acrylic paints together; reds, yellows, oranges. the tone was more red than i had hoped. i painted it very haphazardly, intentionally trying to create uneven textures and colours. i used straight black paint for the detailing of the facial features.
- the lion’s mane is made of various colours of tissue paper; gold, yellow, orange, violet, burgundy and black to give it depth and vibrancy. the pieces were all randomly cut with pinking sheers to create texture. i glued them on individually, which initially felt daunting, but went much faster than i anticipated. i just used kids white glue.
i will post pics later this week from the actual party and the kids hitting in, but it was a total hit!
i discovered this amazing paper mache website for tons of info on different paste recipes and more at the ultimate paper mache.
and, here’s papaD getting his lion groove on while wearing the lion head after the kids got the loot! it was totally creepy and weird seeing him dance with that head! but, i’ll save it for halloween, i think! might be fun the! haha!
this was such a fun project! good luck with yours!
I love this!!! so clever. i think i may have to try this. thanks for commenting on my blog xx
ye, definitely worth trying! there is so much room for creativity for a pinata project!
OMG. I ADORE that picture of lion with his paste earring and dimply hands. So beautiful.
oh dilovely, my dear hubby set up the project with the kids in the living room ( i would have opted for the kitchen floor) and the paste got everywhere! the kids were covered in, the floor was a mess, but like i said, it was so easy to clean up! i bet i know a little boy at your house who would love to make a pinata! could even do it outside!
That is so much fun! We spend 4 months a year in Mexico and piñatas are at every party. I didn’t realize that it really is this easy to make. What did you stuff it with? Hope the kids got some 😉
Thanks for linking up to last weeks BlogLovin Hop. this weeks post just went live. Hope you’ll link up again (http://www.journeysofthezoo.com/search/label/BlogLovin%20Hop). I’m a follower of yours.
Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo
BlogLovin: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4064788/journeys-of-the-zoo
yes, so easy to make! we stuffed it with wrapped candies, stickers, glow sticks and some other random dollar store junk, i mean treasures! the kids went wild when all the treats fell out, it was hilarious!!!
thanks for hosting, btw!
That is AMAZING! Love, love the colors and artistic, homespun look! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
LOVE IT! I just pinned it. 🙂 My son would have way too much fun making this, so we’ll have to try something like it soon.
Thanks for sharing this at Stress-Free Sunday last week. I’m featuring it today!
That is so awesome! I can never find the right shape for a pinata, so now I can just make my own 🙂 Thank you, Lisa
Awesome post!
Hi there! I am co-hosting this week on the My Favorite Posts Showoff Weekend Blog Party. Thanks for connecting up!
I host a (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop and a TGIF Link Party over at my place — A Peek Into My Paradise… http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/ I would love for you to link up and follow (if you don’t already) if you like what you see. =) I follow back – I love making new friends!
Have a terrific week!
Hugs, Cathy
This looks so amazing! I recently did a mache project at school with my son and my other kids ave been begging to try it…I have honestly been a bit leery of juggling 5 kids doing it BUT they would love making the lion and the weather is nice so we may go try it outside! Thanks for linking up at the Friday Follow Along! I hope you will link up again http://www.ffflinkypals.blogspot.com/2013/07/friday-follow-along-link-up-and-party.html