If it makes you feel any better Anna, I have spent 4 days making a pinyata for our halloween party. (paper mache, round balloon, fill with sweets, kids bash it and collect the goodies) well picked it up this evening to put it for its final dry in the airing cupboard, and it collapsed on me! Probably like you I could have cried! So have re inserted another balloon, patched it up and hoping for the best.
Hope you can get re imbursed for yours! DP