How to make T Rex Mini Piñata with Cricut
Learn how to make a T Rex Mini piñata using your Cricut and our SVG files. Comes with detail pieces and printable assembly instructions.
Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may get compensated at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our disclosures for further information. https://ivylillies.com/disclosures/
Create your very own T Rex Mini Piñata party favors for your kiddos Dinosaur party.
Hello magical crafters, we have another mini piñata tutorial for you today. My daughter loves dinosaurs, so for her third birthday party, I created these cute T Rex mini Piñatas to store the party favor goodies inside. I created them in different colors so the kiddos could choose which one they wanted.
These were indeed a hit with the kids. And since theses are mini’s nobody has to worry about getting hit with the piñata stick.
Supplies needed to create these cuties are…
- Cricut cutting machine ( I use the Explore Air 2)
- Light grip cutting mat
- Cardstock (65- 80 lbs)
- Knife tool
- Score Pen
- Self healing mat
- Crepe paper
- Glue ( I use 3 in 1 Beacon)
- Scissors
- Ribbon or string
- T Rex SVG file
Click on the button above to purchase the T Rex Mini Piñata SVG file or you can head on over to our Etsy shop to purchase and download the T Rex Mini Piñata SVG file along with the printable instructions for assembly. You can use another type of electronic cutting machine that uses SVG files but for this tutorial, it will be demonstrated using the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine.
Once the file has downloaded, let’s head over to Cricut Design Space.
Uploading in Cricut Design Space
Head down the left side of your screen and click on “upload”. Click on the “insert image” option and you can either drag and drop or browse for the T Rex mini piñata file.
It will take you to the save option screen. You can rename this file and add a few tags to help find it in the future. Click on save as “cut file”. Now you should have the svg file template in Design Space. But there’s some work we need to do before we press that “make it” button.
Changing cut lines into score lines
We need to first, head to the right side of the screen and click on “Ungroup”. This will give you multiple groups that I kept together to make it easier for you. Unfortunately, Design Space does not keep each section labeled separately, but it does allow you to rename them, so you can rename them as you go.
Next we need to go over to our strips and click on the inner rectangle. Head to the top of the screen and click on the drop down menu, then select the “score line” option. It should now change all the inside lines on the panels into score lines. (Will appear as dash lines) You can rename each one as score lines, then click on “ungroup”.
Select the outside part of the panels to select all of them. Rename each one and then click on “ungroup”. Now we need to attach each score line to it’s own panel so the machine will know who goes where. Select both the score line and panel together, then head down the right side menu and click on the “attach” button ( looks like a paperclip). This will tell the machine that the score lines go with that cut shape. Repeat the others until done.
Once everything is attached to the right things, click on “select all” at the top of the screen and resize it to the size you’d like the Mini Piñata to be. For reference, I made these T Rex’s about 8 inches in height.
I also included the detail pieces, if you do not want them, simply click on the “eye” and it’ll remove it from cutting it out. Now it’s time to click that “make it” button at the top.
Cutting our T Rex Piñata out
Double check your settings in the cut preview screen and arrange your cardstock colors in the order it gives you and make sure you have the right size paper selected. I choose to do all the piñatas in the same white base color, but you can pick the same color to match the Crepe paper. The cardstock weight I used is the 65lb, after adding Crepe paper, it’s definitely sturdy enough. You can use the 80lb if you wish. Then click on “continue”.
Align your cardstock on the mat and smooth it over, making sure it’s adhere to the mat. Insert the mat into the machine by pressing the blinking “arrow” button. Make sure you insert the score pen, and check your cut settings, it should be on cardstock. Then press the blinking “C” button to start the cut.
Once it’s finish, unload the mat by pressing the “arrow” button again, flip the mat over and peel it away from the cardstock. This helps the cardstock to not curl up on you. Repeat this process until everything is scored and cut.
Prep and Assemble
Refer back to the canvas screen and lay out each piece accordingly for easy assembly. I’ve also included a picture below for the set up as well. This will help keep the guess work to a minimum when trying to figure out which panel belongs where.
Now take each side panel and fold along the scored lines. Once that is done, it’s time to glue everything together.
Start with the back of the T Rex laying down in front of you. Grab each side panel and add a few tiny drops of glue to each tab. Depending on which glue you use, will determine how long you’ll need to hold it in place until it doesn’t move. Repeat with the other panels until all sides are glued down.
This piñata style has the door on the side with the panels. The one with the hole punched out is the door flap. Be sure not to glue this one down or you will not be able open your piñata.
Transforming our T Rex into a Piñata
To finish our T Rex, we need to add Crepe paper to make it a piñata. Grab your Crepe paper and let’s start cutting some fringes. You can also grab your self healing cutting mat and knife tool to make this easier on your hands and save time.
Lay the Crepe paper down on the mat and start making small cuts working all the way down on one side. Flip it upside down and repeat. Making sure to not cut all the way to the other side.
Take your scissors and cut in the middle creating two fringe pieces.
The easiest way I’ve found to cover this shape up with the crepe paper, is to apply a few strips to the feet and in between the legs. Then starting at the bottom of the feet, wrap the crepe paper up until you get to the base of the body.
Apply Crepe paper to the tail and work up to the head. Once the sides are covered it’s time to do the front and back. Always start at the bottom and work your way up, applying small amounts of glue.
Add your string or ribbon to the hole of the door for easy access to the goodies inside.
Complete your T Rex by adding the final detail pieces to the front of the piñata. Or you could leave it as is and add each kiddos name to the front instead. This part is really on you and your preferences.
Congrats Crafter, you have now completed your first T Rex mini piñata. Isn’t it the cutest little piñata ever.
Follow and tag us over on Instagram @ivylillies and show off your T Rex mini piñata creation.
Need more Mini Piñatas to create with the help of your Cricut? Check these out below
Did you know we have a Etsy Shop?
It’s true, we do. It’s called Ivy Lillies Crafting Co and it can be found in the menu option as “Etsy Shop”.
We have Mini Pinata SVG files available and other fun items as well.
Katie
Hi, I'm a not so normal stay at home mom. I love sweet tea, crafting, cooking, and having my "me time" at the gym. I love being a mom to my two lovely girls. You can expect to read alot about home crafts whether its kid friendly or decor ideas for your home. Easy and simple cooking recipes and also any tips I've learned along the way becoming a mom.
