Tanner's Motorcycle Party

I have done quite a few themed parties for my boys, but I have never posted them. I decided to post on this party because there is no directions online on how to make a dirt bike helmet piñata. When Tanner asked me to make a dirt bike piñata I had no idea it would take me so much longer than all the other ones I have made. But the end product was worth it.


First blow up a balloon, then use fabric tape to get it into the shape you want. Since our end product is a helmet we had to tape the back to make it flatter.

Next, make your paper mache mix:

• Water
• Flour

Instructions:
To make this paper mache paste, you need 1 part flour to about 5 parts water. Start out by putting 4 parts water into a pot on the stove and bring it to a boil. While you are waiting for it to boil, mix 1 part flour to 1 part warm water. Beat this mixture briskly to remove lumps.

Once your pot of water is boiling, slowly stir in the water and flour mixture. Mix well and let it boil for 2 - 3 minutes. It should be smooth and have the constancy of thick glue. If necessary, you can add more water or flour in small amounts until you get the desired consistency. If you live in a humid climate, you can add a tablespoon or two of salt to your paste mixture. The salt helps prevent mold.

Make sure you store this glue in the refrigerator if it will take you more than 1 day to finish your project.

Next up cut a newspaper up into strips, and start dipping the pieces into the cooled paste. Place them onto the ballon one at a time, make sure the strips overlap a tiny bit.

Only do one layer at a time, and let it dry overnight between each one. I ended up doing three layers for this piñata which will make for a tough piñata to break. Between the first and second layer tie a string around the balloon that meets at the top, this will be where you will hang the piñata from.

Once the final layer is dry, it's time to form the face mask, and visor. We made ours out of cardboard. We hot glued all of the pieces together, and made a base for where the balloon would fit. We then hot glued the balloon to the base and the front pieces (this step takes some creativity and patience).

After the glue has set, you need to paper mache all of the cardboard to the main balloon part. This will make it one solid piñata body. Let it dry overnight.

Once this is all dry, you are ready to decorate. Draw out the shape of the goggles on the helmet. Now cut up streamers in whichever colors you would like (you need 3 colors). The streamer squares should be about 2 1/2-3 inches. Use a pencil in the middle of the square, fold the streamer down over it, dab some hot glue on it and use the pencil to stick it on. You will have to do this with each individual piece (it took me about 5 hours). 

When you are done with the sides, cut a flap in the top of the helmet and put your candy inside (the balloon should have already deflated itself inside, if not then pop it). After the candy is in, tape or glue the flap closed.

And in the end you will have an awesome dirt bike piñata! Tanner is so excited to break this sucker open at his party today.We also made a dirt bike cake that was pretty straight forward. 

Until next time,

Erica