Football party? A DIY Referee Pinata for all those Chocolate Candy Bars!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Chocolate4TheWin #CollectiveBias

When the guys told me they were inviting their friends over to watch a football game, I decided to combine a bit of football crafting with the snack of choice, SNICKERS®.  I may not be a football fanatic but I certainly know how to throw a party!  It occurred to me that they might need a pinata.  Really, what would they do without me!  So without further ado, I ran to my craft room and created a Referee Pinata! The guys will certainly thank me later…

referee piñata

Well, apparently football season is upon us.  I’m what you would call a “football widow”.  The hubby and his father watch football all day every weekend and I hole myself up in my workroom, turn up the stereo and craft.  Between you and me, the sound of football puts me to sleep.  Something about the drone of fans and the repetitive slow motion plays.

Ask me who I’m rooting for in any given game and I will point out the team wearing my favorite colors.  Oh, and do a bit of oggling.  Because who can help it when you are looking at a whole mess of guys in the equivalent of spandex tights.

But, I’m always up for a challenge and if the house is going to be full of football fanatics, then I plan on putting my spin on it.

referee pinata diy craft

So, we went to Sam’s to get party snacks.  I loaded up the cart with chips, dip, sodas, and chicken wings.  You know, all those manly-man type snackies.  Because I am hip, right?  And then the hubby pointed out the MARS candies.  He’d like a nice selection available for his friends…

referee piñata

So, we snagged two nice sized packages of SNICKERS® and MARS Candies minis.  And that is when the idea came to me.  They needed something cool to put all this candy in!  How about a pinata?

And we could make it a referee!  As I understand it, they are always mad at the referee anyway.  This would give them a good opportunity to smack one around!

referee piñata

 For this project I used:

One recycled cardboard box
One roll black paper streamer
One roll white paper streamer
One dollar store whistle
Packing tape
Cellophane tape
Hot glue

Begin by drawing out the outline of a shirt (Any size you want) on a cardboard box.  Use a craft knife to cut it out.

referee pinata diy craft

Flip the shirt over and trace it onto another piece of cardboard.  Cut it out also.  Then cut out a bunch of 3″ wide cardboard strips to use for the sides.

referee pinata diy craft

Bend and fold the strips and tape them around the outline of one of the shirts.  I started with painters tape, but moved to packing tape.  The candy is heavy and you will need it to be strong enough to hold it.

referee pinata diy craft

Once all the sides are complete, add the candy.

referee pinata diy craft

Then top with the other cardboard shirt and seal with packing tape.  Now we can decorate it!

referee pinata diy craft

Cut a fringe into several feet of the paper streamer.

referee pinata diy craft

For each stripe, I layed down a plain paper streamer and then topped it with a fringed streamer.  I started this out using cellophane tape, which works well, but later moved to hot glue.  Use whichever is easiest for you.

referee pinata diy craft

Start on one side and move to the other, overlapping the fringed pieces.  Alternate black and white to create the stripes of a referee’s uniform.

referee pinata diy craft

Cover both sides of the pinata with stripes.  Then trim the edges to match the edge of the cardboard shirt.

referee pinata diy craft

Wrap the sides with white paper streamers.  Use dots of hot glue to attach.

referee piñata

Use black streamers to add a collar- attaching with dots of hot glue.  I used thick black yarn for the whistle and attached it under the collar on both sides.

An awesome candy-filled referee that they guys can take their aggressions out on!  Right?

referee piñata

I’m not sure they actually noticed the pinata.  I’m sure once they realize it is full of candy, they will be all over it.  I’ll point it out to them later… maybe during the commercials.

party punch ideas

Need some more party ideas?  Here are party punch ideas that will fit most any gathering!   

suzys sitcom facebook page

Are you new to the Sitcom?  Be sure to check out my Frequently Asked Questions Page!

For over 150 crafty tutorials for all ages, visit my Tutorial Page!