Holly Jolly Rancher Chews Squishy

Hey Lemon8 fam! 👋 You know how much I love a good DIY project, and lately, I've been totally obsessed with making paper squishies. But we're not talking just any squishies – I mean those super cute, irresistibly slow rise ones! There’s something so calming about squeezing them and watching them slowly puff back up. Today, I’m thrilled to share my personal journey and step-by-step guide on how I made my very own Jolly Rancher paper squishy. If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and totally satisfying craft to de-stress, you've come to the right place! Why a Jolly Rancher, you ask? Well, who doesn't love those iconic sweet treats? Their bright colors and recognizable wrappers make for the most adorable and eye-catching squishies. Plus, it’s super fun to pick your favorite flavor – I went for a classic, but imagine a watermelon bubble gum one! It’s a great way to bring a little bit of nostalgic joy into your day. The best part about making a paper squishy is how simple the materials are! You probably have most of these lying around: Paper: Any regular printer paper or cardstock works perfectly. Markers/Colored Pencils: To draw your design, or you can print a wrapper image. Scissors: For cutting out your shape. Clear Packing Tape: This is your MVP for durability and sealing. Don't skimp on this! Stuffing: This is crucial for the slow rise effect! I recommend plastic bags (grocery bags are perfect!), cotton balls, or even old foam scraps. Here’s how I craft my delightful Jolly Rancher paper squishies: Step 1: Design Your Jolly Rancher. First, decide on your Jolly Rancher design. You can freehand draw it on paper, making sure to draw both the front and back, leaving a margin around the edge. Or, like I often do, find a high-resolution image of a Jolly Rancher wrapper online (a watermelon bubble gum one would be so cute!) and print it out. Cut out two identical pieces. Step 2: Laminate with Tape. This step is key for durability and that satisfying ‘crinkle’ sound. Completely cover both sides of your paper designs with clear packing tape. Overlap the tape slightly to ensure full coverage. This makes your squishy waterproof and super sturdy. Step 3: Tape the Edges (Leave a Gap!). Place your two taped Jolly Rancher pieces together, front sides facing out. Start taping around the edges, making sure to seal them securely. IMPORTANT: Leave a small opening (about 1-2 inches) on one side – this is where the magic happens, aka the stuffing! **Step 4: The Slow Rise Stuffing Secret.** Now for the fun part, and where we get that amazing slow rise squishy effect that makes it so addictive! This isn't a craft for the truly *impatient*; getting that perfect slow rise takes a bit of care. The secret isn't to overstuff it. I've found that carefully crumpled plastic bags (like grocery bags) or even soft, bouncy foam scraps work best. Don't just shove them in! Gently tear or cut the plastic bags into smaller pieces and slowly push them in, making sure they fill the corners and edges evenly. You want it firm but still squishable, with enough air pockets to allow for that slow, satisfying expansion. If you use cotton, fluff it up really well first to avoid a dense, hard squishy. Remember, the goal is a true slow rise squishy experience, so take your time! Step 5: Seal it Up! Once your paper squishy feels perfectly stuffed – not too hard, not too soft, but just right for that slow rise – tape up the remaining opening securely. Go over all the edges one last time with tape to make sure there are no gaps for air to escape or stuffing to fall out. Honestly, the first few times I tried making these, I either overstuffed them or didn't tape them properly. But practice makes perfect! Now, I absolutely love the process. The sound of the plastic bags crinkling, the feel of the slowly expanding foam-like texture – it's just pure joy. It’s become my go-to fidget toy during work calls, and it’s surprisingly therapeutic. Watching it slowly rise back to its original shape after a good squeeze is just so satisfying. Trust me, it’s worth the little bit of effort! A pro tip: for an even more pronounced slow rise, try using memory foam scraps if you can get your hands on some. Just cut them into tiny pieces before stuffing. So, there you have it! Your very own homemade Jolly Rancher paper squishy, ready for endless squeezing. It's a fantastic way to unleash your creativity and end up with a super cool, stress-relieving toy. Give it a try and let me know which Jolly Rancher flavor you'd make!