Paper crafting 90s retro candies

Craving a unique and super fun craft that combines your love for DIY and delicious food? I recently embarked on a project to create a Samyang food paper squishy, and let me tell you, the journey from plain paper to a squishy, squeezable masterpiece was incredibly rewarding! There's nothing quite like seeing the 'BEFORE THE GLOW UP' phase of cutting and taping, evolving into the vibrant and tactile 'VS AFTER' squishy that's ready to be admired and played with. If you're a fan of those iconic spicy noodles, or just someone who loves a clever craft, this guide on how I made mine is perfect for you. First things first, what exactly is a paper squishy? It's a DIY toy, often made to resemble popular characters, objects, or in our case, food items, crafted from paper, tape, and stuffing. They're surprisingly resilient and incredibly satisfying to squeeze. For this Samyang-themed project, we're aiming for that instantly recognizable packaging, making it a fantastic conversation starter and a testament to your crafting skills. Gathering Your Crafting Arsenal: What You'll Need Before we dive into the fun, let's make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You probably have most of these lying around: Paper: Regular printer paper (8.5x11 inches) works perfectly. Cardstock can be used for extra durability, but it might make folding a bit trickier. Clear Packing Tape: This is your best friend for laminating and sealing. The wider, the better! Scissors: Sharp scissors for precise cutting. Ruler and Pencil: For straight lines if you're drawing your own template. Stuffing Material: This is what gives your squishy its bounce! I've used plastic grocery bags (cut into strips or small pieces), cotton balls, or even leftover foam scraps. Experiment to find your favorite bounce! Printer (Optional but Recommended): If you're using a pre-designed template. Finding or Creating Your Samyang Paper Squishy Template The 'template' is key to getting that authentic Samyang look. Here’s how I approached it: Online Search: The easiest route is to search online for 'Samyang paper squishy template' or 'food paper squishy template free printable.' You'll find a variety of designs that you can print out directly. Look for high-resolution images of the actual Samyang noodle packaging to ensure accuracy. DIY Template Design: If you're feeling artistic, you can design your own! Find a clear image of a Samyang packet online, print it out, and then trace or redraw the essential elements onto your paper. Remember, you'll need two identical pieces for the front and back of your squishy. Ensure they are symmetrical so they match up perfectly when assembled. My Step-by-Step Guide to Your Samyang Squishy Glow-Up Print and Cut Your Design: Once you have your chosen Samyang template, print out two copies. Carefully cut around the outline of each piece. Precision here sets the stage for a neat 'VS AFTER' product! The Laminating Magic (The Glow-Up Begins!): This is where your squishy gains its durability and shiny finish. Take your clear packing tape and completely cover the printed side of each paper cut-out. Overlap the tape slightly to ensure no paper is exposed. This acts like a protective layer, making your squishy sturdy and waterproof (to an extent!). Smooth out any bubbles as you go. Assembling the Packet: Place your two taped Samyang pieces together, printed sides facing outwards. Align them perfectly. Now, using your packing tape, start taping the edges together. I usually start with the bottom and one side, leaving the top and the other side open for now. Make sure the tape creates a strong seal along the edges. Stuffing Your Squishy: Here's the fun part – giving it that squish! Gently begin to push your chosen stuffing material into the opening you left. Don't overfill it, as this can make your squishy too hard and less satisfying to squeeze. A good rule of thumb is to fill it enough so it holds its shape but still feels soft and compressible. This is the moment your flat paper starts to take on a 3D form, truly showing its 'glow up'! Sealing the Deal: Once your squishy is perfectly stuffed, tape up the remaining open edges securely. Add extra layers of tape around all the seams for maximum durability. You can also trim any excess tape edges for a cleaner look. And there you have it! Your very own DIY Samyang food paper squishy. I absolutely adore how mine turned out, and it's so satisfying to have created it myself. Don't be afraid to experiment with other food items or designs once you've mastered this one. Happy crafting, and enjoy your amazing paper squishy creation!