Cupcake themed birthday parties are popular for small children so why not make a cupcake pinata in the colours that match your decorations? Making it is lots of fun and easy to make - the whole family can help.

Follow my instructions on making a cupcake piñata. It doesn't take long to make, however, you must allow a couple of days for it to dry. I would recommend starting to make the pinata about a week before it's needed. You can decorate the pinata as simply or as creatively as you want.

Banquet Halls

The first time I made a pinata, I coated it in about 12 layers of newspaper. The children could not break it. We ended up getting out the golf clubs. I was worried the circular saw would be coming out next! Although you want it strong you only need about 4-5 layers of newspaper to make a very sturdy pinata.

All you need: 2 cups flour 3 cups water Newspaper Colored crepe paper String Balloon Small rubbish bin

I like to use a small rubbish bin as the base of my cupcake. I cover it in plastic wrap so that the papier-mache can easily be taken off when dry (and you don't ruin the rubbish bin!). If you don't have a suitable rubbish bin, you could use a cake tin, or anything that is the size you want. If you don't have anything suitable use cardboard to make the cylinder and use newspaper across the bottom.

Mix the flour and water together until it makes a smooth paste.

Tear the newspaper into long 1 inch wide strips and dip into the flour/water mixture. Carefully place the strips on the base until it is covered. You need to add about 4 layers of paper - you want it strong enough that everyone gets to have at least one turn at hitting it at the party!

Set aside and let dry.

Blow up a large balloon until it fits neatly into the top of the base. Cover the top half of the balloon with newspaper and let dry.

When dry, remove papier-mache from the base and remove plastic wrap, if used. Pop and remove the balloon and tape the balloon to the cupcake base. Use scrunched up paper to form a "cherry" on top.

Make a "U" shaped incision in the top as you will use this later to add candies, toys etc.

Punch 2 small holes in the top near the opening and thread a large piece of string through the two holes.

Paint with different designs and colors, or cover in crepe paper. When I use crepe paper, I like to cut the paper into squares about 2 inches square, scrunch them up and glue to the piñata.

Fill through the flap you left at the top, with candy, toys, or any other fun surprises.

Tie your pinata in the air with the string and have fun!