MY "UP" HOUSE

My Up House, 2019. © Shelly Arroyo.
My "Up" House, 2019. © Shelly Arroyo.

My "Up" House

Party planning has become a hobby for me as a mom. Every birthday my kiddos have homemade pinatas, treats, decorated cakes, and often something unique to wear. This party supply was different this time, as it wasn't for one of my kids. It was for good friend's daughter, who adored the movie "Up."

Pinata planning for me starts with the search for the right imagery to mimic. It is amazing how many variations of something familiar can look so differently! I pick a style I think I might like, or an image that seems like a great shape, and I hunt my pantry for boxes to empty. Our house always has Cheerios, Cheez-Its, and Nike boxes. Every pinata, party prop, or Valentine box, is sure to have one or all of these boxes recycled into it!

Box formation. © Shelly Arroyo

Box formation. © Shelly Arroyo


Time for paper mache. © Shelly Arroyo

Time for paper mache. © Shelly Arroyo


The fun begins. © Shelly Arroyo

The fun begins. © Shelly Arroyo

“Every birthday my kiddos have homemade pinatas, treats, decorated cakes, and often something unique to wear."

Marker, printer paper, and highlighter art. © Shelly Arroyo

Marker, printer paper, and highlighter art. © Shelly Arroyo


Side of the Up House. © Shelly Arroyo

Side of the Up House. © Shelly Arroyo


Stairway and porch. © Shelly Arroyo

Stairway and porch. © Shelly Arroyo


Up House, approx. 2.5 x 2.5 x 2 feet. © Shelly Arroyo

Up House, approx. 2.5 x 2.5 x 2 feet. © Shelly Arroyo

PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my little bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my "balance" to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle!

Artwork © copyright Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.