One thing we have always been able to do is paper mache. Hopefully, when I get back home, I can attach our simple paper mache recipe. Maggie has had a pinata for her birthday almost every year, and it's been a fun family project. We also made paper mache "maracas" for a Cinco de Mayo celebration at our friends' Mexican restaurant/training center. Here, pictured are our paper mache maracas and the girls working on a Minnie mouse pinata for Maggie's 5th birthday.
Paper mache has been a fun medium, because the possibilities are endless. It also takes a minimum of supplies, and it's pretty cheap. Almost all of our supplies are found locally, but I do often use non-toxic kids' paint that I have brought in. The year we had an Elmo pinata for Maggie's birthday, I used bright red spray paint. You can mix and match whatever is available in your area.
One caveat about making paper mache in SE Asia or anywhere else you have a rainy season...if it's rainy season, it's going to take AT LEAST three days for your paper mache project to dry BEFORE you can paint it. When it's wetter outside, it just takes longer to dry, and then you also have to try to get it in the sun as much as possible to prevent mold as much as you can. Then, you need to allow time for the pain to dry. So, if you have a birthday party coming up, and want to have a pinata, start your project ABOUT A WEEK IN ADVANCE.
Another tip...if you make a "handle" part of your design, it makes it easier for hanging a pinata. We have usually made our "handles" out of binding tape or colored electrical tape.
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