So, you can buy pre-cut circles of foam. I (always on a budget) went the cheaper route and bought a huge sheet of styrofoam and cut out circles. Also buying this one item I was able to use my Joann 40 % off coupon. I traced the circles onto the foam with a Sharpie. I actually traced some plates and saucers I had.
Two doughnut shaped ones for the top piece 7(?) inches diameter, 2 pieces 8 1/4 in. diameter circles for top and bottom, one circle 8 inch diameter for the very bottom connector piece. If this is confusing look at a minifigure head and it may be more clear.
Cut out the circles and round the edges a bit. I just used a serrated kitchen knife.
I used painters tape to attached the two doughnut pieces together and set them on the "top" piece.
Tape the "bottom" piece to some posterboard. This is horrible but I have forgotten the measurement I used for the paper. Ten inches maybe? Try out different measurements until it looks right. (Hey, this is my first tutorial. I guess I am learning a lot :)
The "top" piece needs a hole cut into it, that the candy will eventually go into. Keep the piece that comes out to "cork" it back up after candy goes in. Also, if you look closely you can see that I cut some little holes for the rope to go in.
Here it is all taped together. You begin to see it taking shape. This part was really hard. The painters tape was not super sticky so the top kept falling into the paper tube. I resisted using duct tape for fear that it would be too sturdy and we wouldn't be able to get into it when it was time. Also, keeping the paper from collapsing (you can see the dent on the right side) was a challange.
The next challange was trying to get the sticky, gluey, newspaper to stick to the foam. It did not want to stick. I ended up just laying it on in places and letting it dry. The next layer wasn't so hard. But the shape was really compromised because of these sticking difficulties.
I put the rope into the holes and knotted it. It stayed in really well and it was really sturdy.
I use a 1:1 ratio of water to flour for the glue. I put on one layer of newspaper with the glue, covering the entire pinata then let it dry completely. Then do another complete layer of newspaper and let it dry. It usually takes many hours to dry. Even in the direct sun can take 3-4 hours (that is why I start making the pinata several days ahead). You could probably put a heater on in front of it to hurry the process.
After the two newspaper layers are dried I put on a layer of plain white paper. It takes less paint to paint over white, rather than newsprint.
When completely dry start painting. When the paint is totally dry, fill it will candy, then put the stopper back in. This was definitly a plus about this particular pinata. Usually with a balloon based pinata, when the second newspaper layer is dry you cut through the layers to make a little "trapdoor" in an inconspicuous spot. Also, a spot that isn't vulnerable. So, not toward the bottom and not close to where the rope is connected. Fill with candy (not chocolate if you are drying in the sun :) Then proceed with white paper layer and paint.
Then decorate. I saw somewhere on the internet someone used a scared face on their Lego Minifigure Head Pinata. I thought it was a must. I penciled it on first, then used Sharpie. For the mouth I used a piece of heavy white paper, with Sharpie then glued onto the pinata.
Look at that puffy toddler hand grabbing for the goodies inside. No wonder Lego head is so scared, a labotamy is looming.
What questions do you have? Is this rather clear? It is harder to describe than I thought it would be.
