How To

How To Make a Pinata with Kitiya Palaskas

We’re big fans of local designer/maker Kitiya Palaskas. With a penchant for mastering traditional craft techniques and re-imagining them in quirky contemporary ways, the Melbournite has recently released her first book, ‘Piñata Party’.

Inside are 30 vibrant craft projects, from DIY treat boxes, to party pops, pencil toppers, and of course lots of cool piñatas!

Kitiya’s got a spectrum of themes covered, from Snack Time to Tools of the Trade and even some Black Magic styles! We love her tropical Pineapple (the one that started it all) and Rainbow piñatas (#voteYES), but today we share our personal fave – the Evil Eye.

Written
by
Kitiya Palaskas
Writer
Kitiya Palaskas
11th of November 2017

Since I was last featured on TDF, I feel like I’ve grown into more of a fully-fledged practicing designer… I have an established business, tried and true methods of working, a defined aesthetic, and much more experience working within the industry. Over the last five years, I feel like I’ve been able to navigate the fine line between craft and design, and leverage off that to build a strong brand – it’s nice to look back and see how much I’ve learned!

I’ve wanted to write a book since I was 11 years old, so to now be launching my first one is a thrilling feeling. After being approached by my wonderful publishers Hardie Grant, I pitched a few concepts, but we all really loved the idea of a book entirely about piñatas. I had been making them for years and really enjoying the process of designing different quirky shapes and styles. In fact, piñatas were one of the first craft concepts that gained me some exposure as a designer back in the day, so it seemed like a fitting choice to celebrate that by making a book about them!

When I was growing up my Mum wore a gold necklace with a beautiful and intricate Greek Evil Eye charm hanging from it. These talismans are traditionally meant to ward off evil and protect the wearer from harm. That piece of jewellery was such a comforting fixture in my childhood, and I now wear it myself every day. There is a whole chapter in my book themed around magic, and so I thought an evil eye would fit in well, and also make a striking motif in piñata form!

Writer
Kitiya Palaskas
11th of November 2017

Evil Eye Piñata

You will need

  • Evil eye template
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • 1 sheet screenboard: 76cm x 102cm (300in x 40in), 620 gsm.
  • Long strip of screenboard for side panel: 10cm x 112cm (4in x 44in)
  • Hole punch
  • Masking tape
  • Scoring tool
  • Cord for hanging
  • TREATS FOR FILLING
  • Crepe paper: 1 packet white, 1/8 packet metallic blue, 1/8 packet silver
  • Double-sided tape

Method

1. Using a photocopier, enlarge a 6cm(length) x 3.5cm(width) evil eye template by 830%. Transfer the template to the screenboard and cut out two eye shapes.

2. Assemble the piñata using the two eye shapes and the side panel strip. Attach the hanging cord. Fill the piñata with treats and seal.

3. Create fringe for the piñata using white crepe paper for the main part of the eye, metallic blue for the iris and silver for the pupil.

4. Apply the double sided tape to the entire piñata and cover it with fringe. To create the shape of the iris and pupil, curve the fringe into a spiral as you are attaching it, starting from the outer edge and moving in towards the centre of the circle.

Find detailed instructions, templates and more projects in ‘Piñata Party’ by Kitiya Palaskas, which is available from most major bookstores (and many independent ones!) Australia-wide, or onlineKeep up to date with Kitiya’s design work and workshops here.

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