Make your party pop with this festive piñata that you make yourself. A great project to do with kids.

Party Piñata

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon alum 1 3/4 cups water 1 large balloon 1 newspaper 1 package poster paint 1 package string 1 package candy and prizes

Mix together the flour, sugar, and alum. Slowly add one cup of the water, stirring to work out all the lumps. Boil the mixture, stirring constantly, until the paste is smooth and clear. Add the remainder of the water and mix well. Allow the paste to cool before using on the inflated balloon.
Blow up the balloon and tie. If the paste is too thick, add a little water for easier spreading. Cut the newspaper into 2-inch wide strips and lay them out on newspaper and have your child brush the paste on them with the sponge-tipped paintbrush. You can also dip the strips directly into the paste, but the drying time will be longer. Cover the balloon with crisscrossed layers of paste-covered newspaper strips.
The number of layers to lay on the balloon will depend on the ages of the children at the party. You want everyone to have a turn hitting the piñata, but you don't want it too difficult to burst. For small children, 2 to 3 layers is sufficient. For older children and adults, add up to 4 layers.
Leave a space at the top of the balloon for an opening and cover it later with construction paper or a hat.
Allow 1 to 2 days for drying, and then pop the balloon. Be careful; if the papier mâché is still damp, the piñata will cave in with the collapse of the balloon. After the balloon is popped, have your child paint the piñata. To hang it after the paint dries, poke 3 to 4 holes about 3-inches down from the opening and reinforce the holes with tape and tie on the strings to the length desired.
For the party, ask your guests to bring a contribution for the piñata and add the prizes as they arrive. Consider other things besides candy: whistles, erasers, small rubber balls and popcorn are a few ideas.

Makes 1 Piñata.