The Ultimate Guide to Making Paper Squishies: Free Templates Included

In a world where DIY crafts are more popular than ever, the humble paper squishy is making waves amongst enthusiasts of all ages. Paper squishies are the perfect blend of art, craft, and stress relief. They are incredibly cute, customizable to your liking, and super affordable to make. This guide will teach you everything there is to know about making your very own paper squishies at home, complete with free templates to get you started.

What are Paper Squishies?

Paper squishies are soft, squishable toys made from paper and stuffed with materials to give them a “squishable” quality. They mimic the look of the popular foam squishies but require fewer materials and are easier to create. These charming pieces are perfect for expressing creativity, and unlike foam squishies, they can be personalized uniquely.

Why Are Paper Squishies So Popular?

• Cost-effective: One of the main reasons for the popularity of paper squishies is their low cost. With just paper, tape, and stuffing materials, you can create an adorable squishy. These materials are often readily available at home, making it an inexpensive hobby.

• Easy to Customize: Whether you’re into cute animal designs, delicious-looking desserts, or anything in between, paper squishies can be customized to your preference. With your imagination as the only limit, every squishy can be unique.

• Therapeutic Benefits: Like other squishy toys, paper squishies offer a satisfying experience that many people find therapeutic. They are great tools for stress relief, helping to alleviate anxiety through the simple action of squeezing.

Materials You’ll Need

Here is a list of materials you will need to get started with your paper squishy project:

1. Paper: Basic white printer paper or colored paper works well. You can also use cardstock for a more durable squishy.

2. Clear Tape: Wide clear tape will help in waterproofing and making the squishy more durable.

3. Filling Material: You can use polyfill stuffing, which is commonly used for pillows. Other options include scrap paper shreds, cotton balls, or small pieces of foam.

4. Markers or Colored Pencils: To decorate and add details to your squishy.

5. Scissors and Glue: For cutting out and assembling your design.

6. Ruler and Pencil: Essential for drawing templates and making precise cuts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Paper Squishies

Step 1: Design or Choose Your Template

Start by deciding the shape and design of your paper squishy. If you’re feeling creative, draw your design on a piece of paper. Alternatively, you can download free templates from numerous online sources. We’ve included a selection of templates at the end of this post to get you started!

Step 2: Color Your Design

Once you have your template, use markers, colored pencils, or crayons to color in your design. This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Whether it’s adding detailed facial expressions or creating a realistic color scheme, the possibilities are endless.

Step 3: Cut Out Your Design

Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut around the outline of your design. Most designs will have both a front and back, so make sure to cut out both pieces if applicable.

Step 4: Assemble Your Paper Squishy

Now, align the pieces of your design and secure them together using clear tape. As you tape, leave a small opening for stuffing. Ensure all edges are sealed to prevent the stuffing from falling out.

Step 5: Stuff Your Squishy

Gently stuff your paper squishy with your chosen filling material. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the squishy to be less flexible and more prone to tearing. The goal is to keep it adequately fluffy but still easy to compress.

Step 6: Seal the Squishy

Once filled to your satisfaction, finish taping the open edge of your squishy. Make sure it’s securely sealed so none of the stuffing can escape.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Congratulations, your paper squishy is complete! Now you can squish it to your heart’s content, use it as a decoration, or share it with friends.

Tips for a Perfect Paper Squishy

• Thickness of Paper: While regular printer paper works fine, using slightly thicker paper like cardstock can help in making the squishy more durable.

• Waterproofing: If you want your squishy to last longer, you can use laminate sheets or more robust clear tape to protect your design from moisture.

• Experiment with Size: Try making mini-squishies or extra-large versions to see what effect the size has on functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Free Paper Squishy Templates

To help you kickstart your paper squishy collection, here are some free templates to download:

1. Cute Cat Face: Perfect for feline lovers, this adorable cat squishy is easy and fun to make.

2. Yummy Donut: This donut design comes with icing and sprinkles for that ultra-realistic look.

3. Anime Eyes: Giving your squishy an expressive face, these anime eyes template will definitely bring your creation to life.

4. Simple Heart: Ideal for beginners, this heart-shaped design is straightforward and quick to assemble.

Customizing Your Squishies

Customizing your paper squishies is where you can truly let your creativity soar. From using glow-in-the-dark markers to creating themed squishies for holidays and special occasions, there is no shortage of ways to make each squishy your own. Some crafters even incorporate add-ons like glitter, 3D embellishments, or interactive elements such as tiny pockets.

Organizing a Paper Squishy Party

Why not take your paper squishy passion to the next level by organizing a squishy crafting party? It’s a fantastic way to celebrate birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just a fun gathering with friends and family. Here’s how to plan the perfect squishy party:

• Prepare Your Materials: Collect enough supplies so each guest can create at least two squishies. This includes a variety of templates, coloring materials, stuffing, and tape.

• Create a Crafting Station: Set up designated stations with scissors, glue, and other necessary crafting tools.

• Inspiration Board: Provide examples of completed squishies and an inspiration board to help get your guests’ creative juices flowing.

• Snacks and Drinks: Keep the energy levels high with a selection of snacks and beverages. Bonus points if they match the squishy theme, like doughnut shaped cookies!

• Showcase and Share: Once everyone has completed their squishies, have a mini “show and tell” session where guests can display their creations and share their crafting process and ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Paper Squishies with Young Kids?

Absolutely! Paper squishies are an excellent craft for kids, promoting fine motor skills, creativity, and patience. Always supervise young children when using scissors and be mindful of any small parts used during stuffing.

Where Can I Find More Templates?

Numerous resources are available online for free or at a small cost. Crafting websites, blogs, and Pinterest are treasure troves for ideas and printable templates. Remember, penning down your own design gives a unique sense of satisfaction, so don’t hesitate to draw your template once you understand the basics.

How Can I Make My Designs More Neat?

For precise lines, use fine-tip markers, pens, or colored pencils. You can also sketch lightly with a pencil before coloring in with markers to avoid mistakes.

Is It Possible to Reuse Materials?

Yes, sustainability is always a win! Recycle materials such as old papers or reuse packing foam as stuffing. It’s a fantastic way to reduce waste while fulfilling your crafting needs.

Conclusion

Paper squishies are more than just a fun, crafty pastime; they are a gateway to artistic expression and mindfulness. Whether you are crafting for yourself or sharing the experience with others, paper squishies offer endless opportunities for design and creativity. Download some free templates, gather your materials, and start squeezing out the stress while letting in the joy of DIY crafting! Enjoy making your very own adorable paper squishies today.