Em Bronson is an unstoppable crafter, as loyal Think.Make.Share readers well know. Whether she’s leading Easter basket exchanges or football watch-party bingo games, Em knows how to combine DIY with a good time. Her newest summer piñata how-to is no exception.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for summer to start! All the bright colors, time spent outside with friends, and extra hours of sunlight just speak to me. In preparation for the most vibrant season of all, we decided to try a new craft: piñatas!

We’re talking easy, you-can-do-this piñatas. With a few hours, some tissue and minimal supplies, you can have a statement piece whipped up for your next party. With summer staples in mind, we created everything from popsicles and watermelon slices to tabletop pineapples and the most cheerful of rain clouds. If you keep an eye out, you might just see some of these creations show up on Hallmark products soon!

Supplies:

• Chipboard or lightweight cardboard
• Masking Tape
• Pencil
• Tissue Paper
• Glue Stick or Hot Glue
• Scissors
• Pipe cleaner (for hanging loop)

process:

1. Trace out a basic shape (x2) and then a long strip for however thick you want the sides to be.
2. Use masking tape to start holding things in place.
3. Remember to make a little slot to stuff candy in, and also a few holes at the top for the pipe cleaner loop to go through.
4. Use a glue stick or hot glue to put down a layer of tissue in basic shapes around your piñata. This helps the fringe look fuller and not show the construction.
5. Start from the bottom and go up, adding rows of fringe.

Bonus summer piñata tips:

• Need a round or oval shape? No problem and no paper mache needed! Paper lanterns will work great!
• Did you ever think of making mini piñatas for party favors or centerpieces? The little pineapples are plastic tumblers I found in the seasonal aisle at the store with one piece of tissue wrapper around the outside and squished in the inside. Little, cut-out cardboard circles create the base for the top.
• Don’t forget, you have fringe freedom! Some of us used fringe scissors (it makes several rows of tiny fringe at a time). You can make scallops or even pointy-tipped fringes. Either way, cut a few sheets of tissue at a time; it speeds up the process.

Photos by Lindsey Mehlhorn.

Add this to your Summer Fun List and share your piñata creations with us on Instagram! Tag @think.make.share to show off your work. Find more kid-approved summer activities in our Ideas section at Hallmark.com.

— Em B.