It’s finally here! You might have glimpsed this giant shiny heart piñata in my first post for The Sweetest Occasion, and now I’m sharing the complete tutorial. I’m totally obsessed with this piece — I’d hang it in my home permanently if I could, and I’m slowly convincing Jeff that’s a great idea. Full disclosure: this piñata isn’t the easiest project. Mylar is tougher to work with than crepe paper. But if you can summon a little patience for all that shine, the result is absolutely worth it.
Seriously — how can you beat a giant gold heart piñata? It’s equal parts whimsical and glamorous.
Supplies you’ll need:
– Large cardboard box (local mail shops often give these away)
– Scissors
– Hot glue gun
– Gold mylar (for this size you’ll need approximately eighty-five 30″ x 1.5″ strips; buying a roll makes cutting easier)
– X-Acto knife
– Long ruler or yard stick
– Plain tape (do not use liquid glue for attaching the fringe)
– Awl
– Ribbon, sequin trim, or a stronger hanger such as a straightened wire hanger
Step 1: Cut two large heart shapes from the cardboard for the front and back, plus two or three strips about 7″ wide for the sides (how many depends on your box size). My finished piñata measured about 30″ at its widest and 24″ tall. To make the side strips follow the heart curve, bend them slightly along their length by holding the ends and flexing the cardboard.
Step 2: Using a hot glue gun, attach the side strips to one heart in small sections so the glue doesn’t cool before you press the cardboard down. Start at the top of the heart and work around. When a strip ends, glue or tape another to it and continue along the edge.
Step 3: Leave a 6″ flap unglued on one side so you can fill the piñata later. Working quickly, run hot glue along the glued strips (not the flap) and press the second heart onto the first to close the form.
This creates the heart-shaped base for covering with mylar fringe.
Step 4: Cut about eighty-five 1.5″ strips from the gold mylar. Roll the mylar out on a cutting mat or scrap cardboard, mark multiple guide lines, and use a long ruler and X-Acto knife for straight cuts. This part is time-consuming but straightforward.
Step 5: Fold each mylar strip in half three times and carefully cut fringe into the folded edge. Mylar can be slippery, so take your time — after a few strips you’ll find your rhythm.
Step 6: Start at the bottom point of the heart and tape the fringed strips in place, trimming each strip to the right length as you go. Small pieces of tape across the width of each strip are sufficient — full-length tape isn’t necessary. Overlap the strips slightly and extend them past the cardboard edges so nothing shows through. Repeat the same process on the other side of the heart.
Step 7: Cover the side edge strips with the same fringe technique, working from the bottom point up toward the top on one side, then repeating on the other side. Once the entire surface is covered, poke a small hole in the center at the top and thread a loop of string or your chosen hanger through it. Reach inside through the flap and tie a secure knot to fasten the loop.
Step 8: Fill the piñata through the flap with candy, confetti, or small surprises, then close the flap if you like. You can hang it and enjoy smashing it at your event — or simply admire it as a dazzling decoration if it’s too pretty to break.
All above photos by Studio DIY
Bonus: I made an extra-large version of this piñata for a Valentine’s Day shoot with Mary Costa Photography and Garlic, My Soul. It was a show-stopper — a sneak peek appears below and the full shoot ran on Valentine’s Day.
Above photos by Mary Costa Photography
If you enjoy heart-themed projects, try pairing this piñata with other DIYs like heart streamers or conversation heart balloons for a coordinated Valentine’s display.