Bat Pinata

(from DLTk’s Crafts for Kids))

There is a bat in the room of play, knock him down and he'll show you the way! (make a bat pinata:

/ Cover a large balloon or punch ball (from the dollar store) with paper mache (see how to paper mache directions if you're not sure how to go about it).
/ Make sure to leave an unmache'd space where the tie is.
/ Let dry. Once dry, pop the balloon and remove it.
/ Masking tape on some bat wings cut from cardboard (see bat wing template for the shape)
/ Fill the pinata with treats through the hole where the tie was (you can put the treats in small baggies if they're not wrapped already.
/ Cut a round circle of cardboard and poke a hole through it. Slide a thin rope through the hole and put the entire circle in the pinata.
/ Cover with masking tape and add another couple layers of mache.
/ Let dry again.
/ Paint black and add painted, paper or craft supply facial features.
/ You could make something other than a bat (a fish or bird, for example). See the pinata ideas on this site for extra inspiration.

How to Paper Mache

/ tear newspaper into strips
/ HINT: always make the last layer of mache with white computer paper or paper towel so that painting is easier. It takes FAR less paint. If you don't do this, consider priming the project with white acrylic paint before you let the kids at it with the poster paint
/ Make paper mache paste (there are many different options):
/ OPTION 1: 3/4 white glue to 1/4 water (or if using a good, thick glue, like elmers you can do 1/2 and 1/2)
/ OPTION 2: COOK METHOD: 1 part flour to 5 parts water... boil about 3 minutes and let cool (my favorite! it's the cheapest method and is nice and smooth)
/ OPTION 3: 1 part flour to 1 part water. Stir together.
Suggestion from a viewer...
"Rather than make our own paste for paper mache, we use liquid starch that is relatively inexpensive. I bought a large jug at the supermarket that we have been using for years. Sounds like it gives the same result as the cooked method. It dries smooth and clear - fantastic for use with gift wrap scraps. We use it with brown grocery bags when we want to create pottery or leather looking crafts."
Thanks to Pam for sharing this idea!
Suggestion from a viewer...
"for paper mache: add a little cinnamon to the mix - it takes away the smell."
Thanks to Cindi for sharing this idea!
/ NOTE: Humidity really does play a factor! If you live somewhere very humid, add less water (up to 1/4 less). I live in a very dry area.
/ NOTE: if you add a couple tablespoons of salt to your paper mache it will not mold. (Thanks to Marg for this tip!)
/ Cover your project with no more than 4 layers of paper mache. I always tell the kids 2 layers as they ALWAYS overlap more than they should *laugh*
/ Let dry COMPLETELY.
/ Once again cover with no more than 4 layers.
/ continue this process until it's as solid as you want it.
/ if making a pinata, tie a loop of string to a paper clip. Tape the paper clip onto the frame of the pinata before you start maching. Mache over top of the paper clip. Make sure not to mache over the string loop. Tie your rope onto the loop to hang your pinata.