DIY Foam Board Piñata

Create a custom centerpiece for any birthday theme with this DIY foam board piñata.

Our piñata journey started a couple years ago, when Gpa and Gigi unsuccessfully searched for a Disney Cars piñata. Rather than settling on an off-theme piñata, Gpa decided we’d make our own. We gathered a supply of foam board, one of our favorite DIY materials, and got to work.

With most of the materials already on hand, our DIY piñatas cost less than $5. Strong, yet light, foam board makes a great frame. We use repurposed newspapers and scrap paper for the shell.

Involving the kids in creating the piñata extends the fun. Our kiddos enjoy planning, messy gluing and painting the piñata almost as much as whacking it on their birthday. Foam board piñatas are a forgiving DIY project. Mistakes can easily be fixed or ignored.

We ran into a snag when selecting our last several piñatas, as the kids didn’t want to whack their favorite characters like Lightning McQueen. Instead, we created Chick Hicks (from Disney’s Cars), a lightning bolt, and the Dragon Gem from Raya and the Last Dragon.

The Dragon Gem was part of our Sisu (the dragon) themed birthday for my daughter. It was fun to make a round piñata!

If you’re looking for other birthday ideas, check out our unique Mermaid Penguin themed birthday. Goo-loving kids may also enjoy creating paper mache pumpkins. Foam board is a great material for kid projects – our kiddos love their foam board buildings and Encanto Casita.

DIY Foam Board Piñata – Materials

How to Make a DIY Foam Board Piñata

1. Create Pattern

Select a subject and sketch a pattern for the piñata’s side using photos from the internet, books or a kiddo’s imagination. The inside of a brown paper shopping bag works great for the pattern. Aim for 2′-3′ in length and 2′ high.

Either draw freehand or use a ratio to enlarge an image. We measured a photo of Chick Hicks, figured out the ratio that resulted in 2′-3′ length and then calculated the enlarged measurements. For example, the photo length was 4″ which we enlarged to 24″ – a 1:6 ratio. We then multiplied the hood, roof and trunk measurements by 6 to draw the pattern.

Cut out the pattern.

2. Prepare Foam Board

Foam board is made up of a layer of foam between two pieces of paper. Peel the paper off both sides of the foam. Without the paper, the foam is easier to cut and forms a stronger frame. Otherwise, the paper gets wet from the glue and separates from the foam. Keep the removed paper to use for paper mache.

Work on a surface that can withstand a sharp utility knife. I use several layers of old cardboard.

Cut 2 foam sheets into strips by running a sharp utility knife along a metal ruler (carefully of course). For easy cutting, use the ruler width (usually around 1″) to create the strips.

From those strips, cut 15 8″ struts which will hold the 2 piñata sides together. If you want a wider piñata, cut longer struts. Don’t go too much wider, or the piñata may be weak.

Cut additional strips later, if needed.

3. Build Sides for DIY Foam Board Piñata

Lay pattern flat. Create the frame by placing foam strips along the outline. *Don’t forget to remove paper from the foam board.

Overlap strips and attach with low temperature hot glue. Hold in place while glue sets.

Use scissors to cut any portion of the strip that extends beyond the outer pattern edge.

Mistakes are easy to correct – just gently pull apart strips.

After forming the outline, create support by attaching vertical and horizontal strips. Test strength by picking up the frame; add supports at any weak spots and add glue to any weak joints.

Repeat for the second side.

4. Attach Sides with Struts

Connect the 2 sides with the 8″ struts (or whatever width you’ve chosen). Glue strut to each frame. Add a line of glue along each joint for more strength.

Attach struts along the frame about 4″ apart and at both sides of any curve or corner. Add interior struts for additional support.

Trim any struts that extend beyond the frame. Test piñata strength by picking up the frame – add glue to any weak joints and extra struts as needed.

5. Attach Suspension Strings to the DIY Foam Board Piñata

Cut 4 lengths of sturdy string or twine, 5-6″ longer than the piñata height. At 4 spots, evenly placed around piñata, tie strings to the bottom of the frame. Work the strings to the top of the piñata, looping around foam strips, and tie off at the top of the piñata.

Glue suspension strings to frame. Leave free ends at the top.

6. Apply Paper Mache

Work on a waterproof and easily cleanable surface, as the glue mixture tends to get everywhere. It’s easy to clean with a wet rag.

Mix 1 part white glue with 1 part water in large container. We’ve also successfully used wood glue. Note: I’ve seen recommendations for 2 parts glue and 1 part water, but we prefer a 1:1 ratio.

For paper mache, use paper removed from foam board, newspaper, scrap paper, or paper grocery bags. Newspaper can show through paint, so use as base layer. Use large pieces of paper for flat areas and strips for narrow or curved spots.

Dip paper into glue mixture, wipe off excess, then apply to frame. Bend paper around corners and edges, tearing where necessary so paper lays flat. Overlap seams for extra strength. Tear paper around suspension strings so they remain free.

Gently place piñata on blocks of wood or other supports to dry. Place somewhere gluey drips won’t matter.

Let dry completely, then repeat with another layer of paper. Drying time depends on temperature, humidity and degree of wetness. Generally, paper mache dries in 24 hours.

7. Paint DIY Foam Board Piñata

Paint base color with spray paint or acrylic craft paint. Use painter’s tape to protect areas that will be painted a different color.

If kids want to join in on painting, consider washable kid paint.

Add final details with paint, markers or stickers. For our car piñata, we cut out and painted cardboard wheels, painted eyes and added stickers.

For our Raya and the Last Dragon theme “Dragon Gem” piñata, we added blue glow in the dark craft paint.

8. Load and Hang Piñata

After completely dry, cut a 3 sided flap in the piñata top using a utility knife. Fill piñata with goodies and spread them around inside to balance piñata. Be careful not to add too much weight.

Secure flap with clear scotch or packing tape.

Tie 4 suspension strings together, forming a strong knot 3″-5″ above the piñata. Attach twine or cord to suspension strings and hang piñata. Whack away!

How to Involve Kids in DIY Foam Board Piñata

Unless the piñata is a surprise, kids will enjoy this messy, creative project. Keep kids a safe distance away when using the sharp utility knife. Use your discretion as to how much kids should help, if at all, with hot glue.

Kids can help choose the subject, draw the design and place the foam board strips. Mess-loving kids will love dipping paper into the glue mixture and placing the drippy paper on the frame. Painting is another fun kiddo activity!

Let us know how your DIY foam board piñata turned out. What theme did your kiddo choose?

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