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Paper Mache Treasure Balls

At Partykids we are always on the look out for great ideas that will make your party special and have the kids talking about it forever. This idea was suggested to us by a friend and we instantly fell in love with it!

• It's easy to make and pretty inexpensive
• The kids can get involved and practically make it themselves (depending on their age)
• Each one is different so you won't see one at every single party making it special.

The idea behind the Treasure Balls is that they are a lovely alternative to the Pinata. Now I love the Pinata's that are around today - you can buy one for almost any occasion and in any design. But I don't love the fact that they have to be bashed to death sometimes before they break, or even worse they break straight away and someone misses out on having a go.

Treasure Ball Instructions
It's basically Paper Mache 101.

Blow up a large balloon and using any popular paper mache recipe, (flour mixed with water till it is like a glue mixture works fine) coat the balloon with torn strips of newspaper. Once the first coat is dry, you can do the second and third coats in either plain white paper so you can paint any design you like or torn strips of coloured tissue paper. This is where the kids can really have their input as they will undoubtly come up with some fabulous design. Make sure that each coat is completely dry before you do they next and that the balloon is completely covered.

Set it out to dry.

Once dry, stick a pin through the ball to pop the balloon and then cut a small “door” in the ball and insert prizes. You can put in whatever you like such as little prizes you would have out in a normal pinata or maybe even wrapped lollies. Add one more coat of paper mache to close up the door again and then paint it if neccessary.

To use it at the party simple let the kids toss, kick or roll the ball back and forth until the Treasure Ball breaks and the presents fall out. No whacking involved and since it takes a while for the ball to break hopefully everyone will get a go. I would suggest you start with just tossing it around in a big circle or rolling to ensure it lasts longer and then move onto kicking when you are ready for it to be broken.

• If the kids really enjoy making this another fun idea is to make miniature ones to hand out for everyone to take home and break themselves. A great alternative to the lollybag.