Jul. 21, 2008
How to Make a Piρata.
For your next birthday party why not make your own piñata? It's quick and easy to do. Piñatas are an easy craft for kids and parents alike.
Making a piñata can be a fun craft that gets the whole family involved. You can make one for any theme or holiday. Of course a piñata at a birthday party is always welcome. Make an animal shaped one for a farm themed party, a big oval shaped one all different colors, a car shape or even one that looks like you! The choices are endless - only limited to your imagination.
What you need:
• 1 large balloon
• newspaper
• large bowl
• water
• flour
What you do:
1. First you need to make the paper maché. Tear the newspaper into 1 inch strips. Do not cut it. Lay a ruler along the paper if you need help tearing straight. The strips can be different lengths. You will need a lot of paper strips.
2. Now make the paste. Pour 1 cup of warm water into the bowl. Add about 1 cup of flour to 1 cup of water and mix until there are no lumps. Let set for a few minutes to make sure all the flour is dissolved.
3. Spread some of the newspaper onto the table. Working with paper maché is messy. Now blow up your balloon and tie the end.
4. Dip a strip of paper into the paper maché. Run the strips through your finger to remove excess paste. Place the strip of paper on the balloon. It helps to have a friend help you. One of you can hold the balloon while the other puts the strips in place.
5. Repeat with the strips of paper until you have the balloon covered except for the very top. You need this area to put the candy into. When you have a single layer of paper covering the balloon repeat the whole process with more strips going in the opposite direction, The more layers of newspaper you add the harder it will be to break the piñata.
6. Let the balloon dry completely. When the paper is dry, puncture the balloon and pull it out. Place your candy inside the piñata. Always use wrapped candy.
7. Cover the opening with small strips of paper taped in place. Then cover that with paper maché strips. At this time tape and paper maché down the ends of the string for hanging. Cover the ends with several layers so it is good and strong.
8. Now paint your piñata. You can make paper maché ears or a nose. Build it up however you like. You can also cover it with tissue paper.
In the meantime, feliz cumpleaños (happy birthday),
Michelle
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May. 5, 2008
Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Throughout the United States and Mexico are hundreds if not thousands of celebrations going on right now for Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May). The biggest celebration of course is in Puebla, Mexico where the victory took place. On May 5, 1862 the French were defeated in battle and Mexico got their freedom from the French. This is not to be confused with THE Independence Day on September 16th, 1810 when Mexico declared itself independent of Spain.
The fight with France had to do with Mexico suspending payments of interest on debts they had with France. Back in the day Mexico was hurting financially and the government was trying to cut costs to keep the budget balanced. Does that sound like any other countries you know?
Some of the bigger celebrations can be found in Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Portland, OR; Reno, NV; St. Paul, MN; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA and more. Some of the cities have sister cities like Portland for this special occasion. Guadalajara is the city that is the sister of Portland. Guadalajara sends musical groups like the Ballet Folklorico and the Mariachis. This year there is a pavilion dedicated to artisans and other businesses from Guadalajara.
This is definitely a celebration you don't want to miss. When you participate you will be immersed into the Mexican culture; the sites, sounds and smells.
While putting together this post I found a great site that has instructions for Cinco de Mayo crafts for kids. These crafts can be made from items you already have at home. Please visit Mail Just 4 Me Playground and your kids can learn how to make maracas, a serape, nachos, non-alcoholic sangria, and Mexican mosaics. Have fun!
Well I think I've had enough celebrating for one day.
Buenas noches,
Michelle
