We had a last-minute Labor Day weekend getaway in Palm Springs, and even though temperatures will reach the 90s this week, Labor Day feels like the official end of summer. (For the record, summer actually ends September 21st.) To hold on to the season a little longer, here’s one more summer DIY: a pineapple piñata. The cocoon-shaped paper lantern is the perfect base, and this project is a simple, festive way to end the season on a sweet note.
I’m a little sentimental writing this tutorial—I’ve loved making pineapples all summer! But onward to the steps.
Supplies:
- Cocoon paper lantern (14″ works well)
- Yellow and green heavy crepe paper
- Thin wire and double-stick tape (optional, for shaping larger leaves)
- Yellow cardstock
- Twine or ribbon
- Pencil
- Scissors
- White craft glue
- Hot glue gun
- Goodies to fill the piñata
1. Assemble the lantern following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Make the bottom closure: fold a piece of yellow cardstock in half and place the closed end of the lantern (the end without the interior bar) on the fold so the fold lines up with the center. Trace a half-circle roughly one inch larger than the lantern’s bottom diameter, cut it out, and unfold. Trim small slits around the edge so the circle will bend easily and fit inside the lantern.
3. Poke a small hole in the center of the cardstock circle and thread a length of twine (or several strands if multiple people will pull) through it. Secure the twine with tape on the underside so the twine hangs into the lantern when the circle is placed inside. This closure will hold the treats until it’s time to open the piñata.
4. Fringe the yellow crepe paper: cut several 1.5″ wide strips from a folded sheet of crepe paper and make fringe along one edge. Working from the bottom of the lantern upward, glue the fringed strips in overlapping layers. Apply glue to about a six-inch section at a time, press the fringe in place, and continue wrapping the lantern in concentric layers until you reach the top.
5. Continue layering fringe until you reach the top of the lantern. The overlapping pieces will create the textured pineapple look.
6. Create the leaves: cut leaf shapes from green crepe paper in several sizes to mimic real pineapple leaves. Aim for a range from about 8″ to 16″ and cut six to eight leaves of each size.
7. For sturdier, shaped leaves, sandwich a length of thin wire between two identical leaf pieces and secure the edges with double-stick tape. The wire allows you to curve and position the leaves for a more dimensional topper.
8. Attach the leaves: start by gluing the smallest leaves around the top edge of the lantern, then layer progressively larger leaves toward the center. Hot glue works well for quick adhesion. To curl the leaves slightly, run your fingers along the top edge in a gentle curve. When the leaves are all in place, tie a loop of string to the lantern’s internal bar for hanging.
This pineapple piñata is a cheerful way to celebrate the end of summer—or any party that needs a tropical touch. If you plan to make one ahead of time, avoid leaving it in a hot car: prolonged heat can cause crepe leaves to curl more than intended. Store it in a cool place until party time.
All photos by Studio DIY
The photos were taken at The Parker Palm Springs—a gorgeous backdrop for this project. We traveled with this piñata and a tiny dog in tow; the valet attendants may have thought we were a little crazy, but a few kids thought the pineapple was pretty cool.