How to Make Paper Squishies: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

In recent years, DIY crafts have taken the world by storm. Whether it’s knitting, origami, or painting, people are increasingly turning to handmade creations for relaxation and fun. One craft that has gained surprising popularity is making paper squishies. Known for their soft and squeezable nature, paper squishies are both adorable and stress-relieving. You don’t need to be an expert crafter to create these delightful little items; all you need is a bit of patience and creativity. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of making paper squishies from start to finish.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Most of these can be found around your home or sourced from local craft stores.

• White printer paper or cardstock
• Clear packing tape or self-adhesive laminating sheets
• Colored markers, pencils, or crayons
• A pen or pencil
• Scissors
• A ruler
• Stuffing material (such as pillow stuffing, cotton balls, or plastic bags)
• A glue stick or double-sided tape
• Optional: foam sheets or memory foam for added squishiness

Step 1: Choose Your Design

The first step in making a paper squishy is deciding what shape or character you want. Popular designs include food items like ice cream cones, animals, or cute shapes like hearts and stars. If you’re new to this craft, start with a simple design to hone your skills.

Tips for Choosing a Design:

• Beginners might start with geometric shapes or simple objects.
• Advanced crafters can try intricate designs such as cartoon characters or detailed animals.
• Remember that rounded edges are easier to work with than sharp angles.

Step 2: Draw and Color Your Design

Once you’ve settled on a design, begin by sketching it onto your sheet of printer paper or cardstock. Use a pencil to draw the outline, as this will make it easier to erase mistakes if necessary.

Drawing Your Design:

• Use a ruler to ensure straight lines if your design involves geometric shapes.
• Remember to leave extra space for the edges that will be sealed later.

After you have a satisfactory sketch, outline it with a pen or darker marker. Now it’s time to let your creativity shine! Use colored markers, pencils, or crayons to fill in your design. Be as vibrant and detailed as you wish.

Tips for Coloring:

• Use shading to give your design depth.
• Layer colors to achieve the desired tone.
• Think about adding a face or small details to make your squishy more unique.

Step 3: Duplicate the Design

For a fully formed squishy, you’ll need to have both a front and a back to your creation. If your design is symmetrical, simply fold your paper in half and cut through both layers. If it isn’t symmetrical, manually draw a mirrored version of your design on a separate piece of paper.

Tips for Mirroring the Design:

• Trace your original design onto a separate sheet by holding it against a window or lightbox.
• Ensure both designs are the same size for perfect alignment.

Step 4: Seal and Laminate

Once you have both the front and back designs ready, it’s time to create a laminated effect. Cover both sides with clear packing tape or self-adhesive laminating sheets. This will help protect the color and make the squishy more durable.

Applying the Tape:

• Carefully lay the tape sheets over your designs to avoid bubbles.
• Smooth out any bubbles or creases with a ruler or your fingernail.

Step 5: Cut Out and Assemble

After laminating both pieces, carefully cut around the edges of your design, leaving a small margin for sealing the two pieces together. You can use either a glue stick or double-sided tape for this part.

Assembling Your Squishy:

• Lay the front and back pieces together, with the designs facing outward.
• Apply glue or double-sided tape along the edges, leaving a gap for stuffing.

Step 6: Stuff Your Squishy

Now comes the fun part — stuffing! Carefully insert pillow stuffing, cotton balls, or even cut-up plastic bags into the gap you left earlier. The goal is to achieve a soft, squeezable texture that springs back when pressed.

Tips for Stuffing:

• Add stuffing incrementally to ensure even distribution.
• For a more authentic squishy feel, you can use foam sheets or pieces of memory foam instead of traditional stuffing.

Step 7: Seal Completely

Once you’re satisfied with the stuffing, delicately seal the remaining gap using glue or double-sided tape. Make sure there are no open edges, as this will ensure your squishy retains its stuffing during use.

Step 8: Add Final Details

Now that your squishy is fully assembled, you can add additional details to enhance its appearance. This might include drawing additional lines, adding stickers, or embellishments.

Final Touches:

• You may want to add some highlights with a white gel pen for a 3D effect.
• Consider spraying a fragrance on the squishy for an added sensory experience.

Tips for Success

• Practice Makes Perfect: Like any craft, making paper squishies gets easier with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect.

• Explore Different Materials: Try out different stuffing materials or use various types of paper to see how these affect the squishiness and durability of your creation.

• Get Creative: The beauty of DIY crafts is that there are no strict rules. Feel free to experiment with colors, shapes, and textures to create something truly unique.

• Involve Family and Friends: Making paper squishies can be a fun activity to do with kids or friends. You can each make different designs and trade at the end.

Conclusion

Making paper squishies is a delightful craft that allows you to express creativity, channel your inner artist, and relieve stress all in one activity. With just a few materials and some imagination, you can create adorable, squishable designs that bring joy whenever you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re crafting alone or with family and friends, paper squishies provide a simple yet profoundly satisfying experience.

Now that you’ve learned how to make your own paper squishies, why not give it a try? You’ll soon discover just how rewarding and relaxing this craft can be. Happy crafting!