Stretch the Octopus Pull-String Piñata
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This goodies-filled Stretch is sure to be a hit at your Toy Story-themed party. Instead of whacking the piñata, guests pull strings to release a hidden trapdoor!
What you'll need
- Balloon
- White glue
- Water
- Newspaper, cut into 1" strips
- Scissors
- Purple tissue paper, cut into 2" wide strips
- Hole punch
- Purple ribbons, 2' lengths (one for each party guest)
- Cardstock, black and white
- Scotch tape
How to make it
First, cover your work surface and blow up a balloon.
To prepare papier-mâché in a shallow pan or bowl, dilute 1 cup of all-purpose glue in 2 cups of water.
Dip newspaper strips in glue mixture. Slide fingers over dipped newspaper strips to remove excess glue before smoothing them onto the balloon. Cover the balloon with papier-mâché, but leave a small area around the knotted end of the balloon uncovered. Repeat this process 2 more times, for a total of 3 layers of papier-mâché.
Let dry for up to 24 hours. Once dry, pop the balloon and remove it by pulling it through the opening near the knotted end. Cut a 3" trap door in the bottom end of the balloon. You will use this for filling the piñata and releasing the candy.
To decorate your piñata, cut a fringe along the edge of the purple tissue paper strips. Glue fringed tissue paper strips around the piñata in layers, starting at the bottom, near the trap door. Be careful not to cover the trap door. You will need to use it for filling the piñata with treats.
Use white and black cardstock to make Stretch's eyes and smiling mouth. Tape eyes and mouth to the piñata.
Fill the piñata with wrapped candy, or small trinkets.
To add the pull-strings, cut a hole in the center of the trapdoor using a hole punch. Thread a purple ribbon through the hole and knot the ribbon to secure. Close the trapdoor and use a small piece of scotch tape to keep it shut. Attach the remaining ribbons to the outside of the trapdoor using bits of scotch tape. Once the ribbons are attached trim them so that they are all the same length. Hide the scotch tape, and cover the bottom of the piñata using small strips of tissue paper. Note: Kids will take turns pulling off the strings as they try to find the trap door, so be sure to have enough ribbons for each party guest to have a turn!
Use a hole punch to cut 2 holes near the small opening at the top of the piñata. String a ribbon through the holes, and reinforce with tape. Hang Stretch from the ceiling. The taped strings will fall off as the kids pull them, but the string tied inside the trapdoor will open the door and release the treats.
