Can I use shredded mail instead of newspaper?

I have tons of shredded paper but no newspaper subscription. I know it will take longer to do but hey it’s free! Will it be to hard to break? btw I’m making a teapot.

Answer from Piñata Boy

The important thing about the paper is that it has to be able to soak up the papier mâché mixture.  Regular computer paper will work, but something like glossy junk mail ads won’t.  When I’m running low on newspaper I just e-mail a few neighbors and they’re happy to give me their old papers. Other options for getting newspaper if you want to are by posting a Wanted ad on your local CraigsList, finding a free weekly paper at the grocery store, or just buying a Sunday paper — the coupons will more than pay for the paper, and you’ll have enough newspaper to make a few piñatas.

How tough a piñata is will also depend on how thick the papier mâché mixture is and how many layers you apply.  If you let it dry completely between layers you can get a feel for how tough the piñata is getting, then add more layers (or partial layers) as you see fit.  Good luck!

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