The frog doesn’t go ribbit

Okay, so I’ve been absolutely obsessed with making paper squishies lately, and my latest creation, this "fried frog puppet," has been a total blast! If you’re like me and love a fun, easy craft that brings a smile to your face, you’ve got to try making your own. It’s surprisingly simple, and honestly, the effect of turning simple Paper + Tape into something so squishy and cute feels like pure *MAGIC*! First things first, let’s gather your materials. You won't need anything fancy, which is part of the appeal! Grab some printer paper or construction paper, a pair of scissors, a pencil, colorful markers or crayons, and most importantly, clear packing tape. For the stuffing, you can use plastic grocery bags (a great way to recycle!), cotton balls, or even old sponges cut into small pieces. Now, for the "fried frog puppet pattern" part! You can either freehand draw your frog or print out a simple frog outline. I usually go for a slightly flattened, roundish frog shape – think of a frog that’s been cartoonishly "fried" or squished, which gives it that unique charm. Draw two identical frog shapes on your paper. Make sure they’re roughly the same size. Don't forget to draw on those big, expressive eyes and a happy little mouth! This is where you can get really creative with your design. Once you have your two frog outlines, carefully cut them out. Now, here’s where the tape comes in. Take one of your paper frog cutouts and completely cover one side with clear packing tape. Overlap the tape strips slightly to ensure full coverage. Do the same for the other paper frog cutout. This step is crucial because it makes your squishy more durable and gives it that slightly glossy, smooth texture. Next, place the two taped sides *together*, facing inwards. Now, you’re going to tape the edges of the two frog pieces together, leaving a small opening. Start taping around the perimeter, making sure to seal the edges tightly so no air escapes later. I usually leave about a 2-inch gap at the bottom or side. This is your opening for stuffing! Time for the stuffing! This is where your "fried frog" truly comes to life. Take your plastic bags, cotton, or sponge pieces and gently push them into the opening. Don't overstuff it, or it won't be squishy. You want it to be soft and pliable, so it bounces back when you squeeze it. Once you’re happy with how squishy it feels, tape up the remaining opening securely. And there you have it – your very own DIY fried frog puppet paper squishy! It’s such a rewarding feeling to create something so adorable from scratch. I love how it feels in my hand, and honestly, squeezing it is super satisfying, almost like a mini ASMR experience. You can even draw different expressions on your frog or add little details like blush or spots. This project is fantastic for anyone looking for a fun, creative outlet, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be making all sorts of paper squishies! Happy crafting!