DIY paper tape squish that lights up for Halloween

Hey crafty friends! I've been totally obsessed with making paper squishies lately, and with Halloween just around the corner, I had to try a light-up version! It's such a fun DIY project that really adds a spooky, glowing vibe to your festive decor. If you're looking for unique Halloween craft ideas or just a fun sensory toy, this is it! First things first, gather your supplies. For a basic paper squishy, you'll need paper (cardstock or even printer paper works, but cardstock is more durable), clear packing tape, scissors, and markers, colored pencils, or crayons for drawing your designs. For the 'light-up' magic, I personally love using tiny LED tea lights – they're safe and give a great glow! Alternatively, you could use small cut-up glow sticks for a temporary, vibrant effect. For stuffing, poly-fil is great, but don't underestimate plastic bags, cotton balls, or even old fabric scraps for a good squish. Making a paper squishy is much easier than you might think! I usually start by drawing my chosen design twice – one for the front and one for the back. For Halloween, think about classic themes like a grinning pumpkin face, a friendly ghost, a spooky bat, or even a cute candy corn design. After sketching, I carefully cut out both pieces. Then, I use clear packing tape to seal the edges together, making sure to leave a small opening at the bottom or side. This opening is where you'll do the stuffing! Before sealing it completely, remember to pop in your LED tea light (switched on if you want it to glow immediately for display). Fill it until it's nice and squishy but not overstuffed, then tape up the final opening. If drawing freehand isn't really your thing, no worries at all! I often look for 'paper squishy templates candy' or 'printable paper squishy ideas' online. Pinterest is a goldmine for 'aesthetic paper squishy ideas' and 'paper squishy ideas to print'. You can find so many free printables of cute or spooky designs, ranging from simple shapes to intricate 'Star Wars DIY' themed characters if you're a fan. Just print them out, cut them, and follow the same taping and stuffing steps. It's an easy way to get perfectly shaped squishies without the artistic pressure! A little tip I've picked up: make sure to use plenty of tape to seal all the edges snugly. This makes your squishy much more durable and ensures it holds its shape. Also, don't overstuff it, or you won't get that satisfying, soft squish! You want it to be springy. For the light-up element, ensure your LED tea light is small enough to fit comfortably inside without bulking up the shape too much. I've even seen some crafters use tiny battery-operated fairy lights inside for a softer, magical glow. This craft is super versatile and perfect for personalizing. Creating these DIY light-up Halloween paper squishies is such a rewarding craft. They're perfect for decorating your room, gifting to friends, or just having a fun sensory toy for yourself. Give it a try this spooky season and let your creativity shine (literally)! Happy crafting!