Paper squishies are one of those crafts that are just plain fun to make. Doesn’t matter if you’re totally new to DIY stuff or you’ve been crafting for years—you can still come up with something cool using just a few basic supplies. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the whole process, step by step, and hopefully make it feel easy (and fun!) from start to finish.
Getting Started with Paper Squishies: A Simple DIY Craft for All
Making paper squishies is a fantastic craft for beginners. With minimal materials, you can create your own squishy toys in a variety of fun shapes. It’s easy to start, and the results are both satisfying and stress-relieving.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Your First Paper Squishy
Alright, grab your stuff—construction paper, scissors, glue, and some markers. I was messing around with this last night, and it’s such a fun little project. Start by cutting your paper into whatever shape you’re feeling—squares, circles, or something totally random. Fold and glue the edges to make it 3D; I messed up my first one and it looked like a lumpy pancake, but you’ll get the hang of it. For extra squish, stuff it with cotton or foam. Then go wild decorating with markers or stickers. My niece added so many stickers to hers, it’s basically a glitter bomb now.
The Supplies You’ll Need to Get Started
The basic supplies you’ll need for making paper squishies include:
- Paper (construction paper or any thick paper)
- Scissors (to cut shapes)
- Glue (to assemble the squishy)
- Markers or stickers (for decoration)
- Cotton or foam (optional for added squishiness)
These simple materials make it easy to create a squishy toy that’s perfect for stress relief.
Creative Paper Squishy Ideas for Kids and Adults
What’s great about paper squishies is that they work for just about anyone—kids, adults, anyone who enjoys a little hands-on creativity. You can make them with your kids for a fun afternoon project, or even just for yourself as a way to chill out and do something low-key and satisfying.
Fun Paper Squishy Ideas for Kids
For little ones, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Think super simple shapes—stars, fruit, animals like bears or cats. The kind of stuff that’s easy to draw and even more fun to squish. Let them pick out their own colors and patterns; even if it ends up looking a little wild, that’s part of the fun. It’s also a sneaky way to help with their fine motor skills while they think they’re just messing around with markers and tape.
Creative Paper Squishy Ideas for Adults
If you’re an adult who’s into crafting—or just looking for something calming—you can go a little more detailed. Try geometric patterns, layered designs, even something like tiny food items or flowers. Want more of a challenge? Mix in other textures, like little bits of fabric or even beads. It adds depth and gives the squishy this unique, handmade feel you won’t get from store-bought toys.
Paper Squishies: A Fun Way to Relieve Stress and Relax
Colorful Paper Squishies in Various Shapes
Explore creative paper squishy designs for kids and adults, showcasing a range of playful shapes and designs. From cute animals to fruits and everyday objects, these colorful creations offer endless possibilities for personalization and fun. Whether you’re crafting a squishy in the shape of a cat, donut, or a smiley face, there’s something soothing about the tactile, squishy texture that helps melt away stress.
Crafting paper squishies isn’t just a fun and creative activity—it also serves as an excellent way to relieve stress. The tactile experience of squishing a soft, pliable toy can be deeply soothing, helping you to unwind after a long day. The crafting process itself also plays a key role, allowing you to disconnect from daily stressors and immerse yourself in a mindful, relaxing task.
How Paper Squishies Help Reduce Stress
You ever notice how just holding something soft—like a squishy toy—kind of calms you down a bit? It’s weirdly soothing. There’s actually research behind that. Turns out, when you mess with something soft and squishy, your brain can start releasing serotonin—that feel-good hormone that helps with mood. One study I came across, I think it was in some occupational health journal, found that squeezing things like stress balls could lower cortisol too. That’s the stress hormone. Makes sense, right?
And then there’s crafting itself. Like, not just using a squishy, but actually making one. One study—I want to say it was in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine—showed that people who do hands-on stuff like DIY projects feel less stressed overall. I think it said something like 4 out of 10 people noticed their stress levels dropped. And when you’re the one creating the thing—choosing how it looks, taking your time with it—it hits differently. It’s not just about the end product. It’s the whole process.
Plus, just the act of doing something repetitive—like squeezing, or watching your squishy come together—sort of pulls you out of your head. You stop overthinking. It’s low-key mindfulness, really. And by the end of it, you’ve made something with your own hands and felt a little better in the process. Kinda hard to beat that.
How Crafting Paper Squishies Promotes Relaxation
There’s something kind of peaceful about making a paper squishy. It’s simple stuff—folding, gluing, doodling a bit—but the whole process just slows you down in a good way. You’re not staring at a screen or rushing around. You’re just… doing one thing at a time. It almost feels like your brain finally takes a breath.
I read somewhere—I think it was in a journal about art therapy—that even basic crafting can ease anxiety. People in the study said they felt more relaxed just by focusing on the task in front of them. It wasn’t anything fancy, just hands-on stuff, like drawing or gluing things together. And apparently, that kind of focus helps quiet your mind. Like, it turns down the mental noise.
Another study I remember—might’ve been from the University of Glasgow?—said something about creative activities helping reduce anxiety by over 40%. That’s pretty wild. It makes sense, though. When you’re making something with your hands, it kind of pulls you away from whatever’s stressing you out. Your thoughts slow down. Your breathing evens out. It’s like your whole system shifts into “relax” mode.
And honestly, even if you’re not thinking about the science behind it, it just feels nice. Making a little squishy character or design, even if it’s just for fun, gives you something to focus on—and that alone can be really calming. Whether you’re making it for yourself or giving it to someone else, it’s a quiet, light kind of activity that can help take the edge off a rough day.
Enjoy Paper Squishy Crafting with the Whole Family
Paper squishies aren’t just a “make it and be done” kind of thing—they’re surprisingly great for doing with other people, especially family. It’s one of those rare crafts that doesn’t need fancy tools or tons of setup, which makes it super easy to just dive in together.
Making Paper Squishies as a Family
If you’ve got kids, this is one of those activities that just works. Everyone grabs some paper, maybe a couple markers, and before you know it, the whole table’s covered in doodles and cutouts. The kids go wild with little bears and bananas or something completely made-up, while the adults get weirdly into making tiny coffee cups or perfect little sushi rolls. There’s no pressure to get it “right.” You’re just hanging out, talking, laughing—maybe helping each other with the glue or fixing a squishy that came out lopsided. It’s not about the outcome. It’s about being there together.
Why It Works So Well in Groups
Something about crafting together—especially something this simple—just makes it easier to connect. You’re all doing your own thing, but still part of the same moment. No one’s on their phone. No one’s zoning out. You’re all focused, but in a calm, easy way. And it’s fun to see what everyone comes up with. Each squishy turns out a little different, kind of like a mini version of whoever made it. Messy or neat, it doesn’t matter. You all end up with something you made and a shared little memory to go with it.
Decorating Your Paper Squishies: Adding Unique Touches
Honestly, decorating your paper squishy might be the most fun part. Once you’ve got the basic shape done, it’s kind of like having this blank little canvas, and you can go wild with it. There’s no right or wrong—just whatever you feel like doing in the moment. Bright colors, soft pastels, even just doodling little faces—it all works.
Adding Your Own Style
You can totally mess around with colors here. If you’re in the mood for something loud and happy, grab the boldest markers you’ve got. Want something chill? Try light blues or soft pinks—pastels just kind of mellow everything out. I’ve seen people try ombre stuff too, like blending from one color to another, and even that gives a totally different vibe. Stripes, dots, checks… it doesn’t have to be fancy, just something that feels fun to you. Sometimes I just draw random shapes and let it turn into whatever it wants.
And hey, if you’re the artsy type—or even if you’re not—go ahead and sketch a little face or a goofy expression. Draw a flower, or a little planet, or whatever pops into your head. It’s not about perfection. It’s just about making something that’s yours.
Adding Texture & Fun Extras
If you want to take it a step further, you can mess around with texture too. A little glitter? Sure. Just enough to sparkle when you tilt it in the light. Fabric or felt can add that soft, cozy feel. Some people even glue on sequins or little rhinestones for that pop—like, hey, this isn’t just any squishy.
Want to really go for it? Try sticking on buttons, beads, even tiny pom-poms. Those little add-ons give it this cool 3D look and make the whole thing feel more alive somehow. Metallic pens are fun too—just a few shiny lines can make your squishy look like it belongs in some fancy gift shop.
In the end, the best part is there’s really no rulebook here. Every squishy ends up a little different, and that’s kind of the point. You’re making something just for fun—and honestly, that’s what makes it special.
Conclusion
So yeah, paper squishies—super simple, surprisingly fun, and honestly kind of relaxing once you get into it. You don’t need much to get started, just some basic supplies and a bit of time to play around. And whether you’re doing it solo, just to chill out, or making a bunch with your family, it’s the kind of craft that feels good in more ways than one. You end up with something cute and squishable, sure—but the real win is just enjoying the process. It’s low-key, creative, and a nice little break from everything else.
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FAQs
What materials do I need to make paper squishies? You’ll need construction paper, scissors, glue, markers or stickers, and optionally cotton or foam for added squishiness.
Can kids make paper squishies? Yes! Kids can create simple shapes like animals or fruits, promoting creativity and fine motor skills.
How do paper squishies help reduce stress? The squishing action is soothing, and crafting them provides a calming, mindful activity that reduces tension and anxiety.
Is paper squishy crafting a fun activity for families? Absolutely! It’s a great group craft where everyone, from kids to adults, can enjoy creating personalized squishies together.
How can I decorate my paper squishy? You can use colorful markers, patterns, and embellishments like glitter, beads, or fabric to make your squishy unique and fun.