Squishy Making 101

So, you've seen my Dragon Ball Z cat squishy design with those iconic Senzu Beans, right? Making your own paper squishy is super fun, but getting those outlines perfect can be tricky! I've been there, battling with bleeding markers and wobbly lines. Let me share some of my go-to methods to help you create amazing paper squishy drawings, just like the one I made! First things first, gather your materials. You'll need some good quality paper (I prefer thicker cardstock as it handles ink better), a pencil, an eraser, your chosen markers or sharpies, scissors, clear packing tape, and some stuffing. For stuffing, I often use poly-fil, but even plastic bags or old sponges cut into tiny pieces can work really well to give it that satisfying squish! When it comes to the actual 'squishy sketch,' starting with a light pencil outline is crucial. Don't press too hard, as you'll want to erase it later. For characters like my Dragon Ball Z cat, finding a good reference image really helps. You can even adapt a 'paper squishy cat template' if you're looking for a simpler starting point. I always focus on getting the basic shapes right first, then adding details like the 'Senzu Beans' pouch or the cat's distinctive features. Remember, it's just a 'drawing for squishy,' so don't stress too much about perfection on the first try! Now, about the inking – this is where my original post mentioned the 'bleeding sharpie' issue. My struggle with the fine tip black sharpie bleeding was real! I've found that using a slightly thicker paper helps, or letting each line dry completely before moving on to the next section. Sometimes, a different brand or type of pen, like a gel pen or a fine-liner marker, can give you cleaner results. I've even tried using a Paper Mate black sharpie pen to carefully 'clean up the edges' after the initial outline, and it worked wonders for getting those crisp lines on my 'squishy drawings.' Take your time here; a steady hand makes all the difference for a professional-looking 'squishy outline.' Once your 'squishy drawing' is complete and the ink is dry, it's time to add color. Be mindful of how different markers interact – some might smudge your outline. After coloring, carefully cut out your design, leaving a small border if you like. To make it durable and shiny, I always laminate my paper squishies with clear packing tape. Cover both sides completely, making sure there are no air bubbles. Next, you’ll tape the edges together. This is a bit like sewing, but with tape! Leave one small section open. Through this opening, gently push in your stuffing. Don't overstuff it, or it won't be very squishy! You want it to be soft and pliable. Once it's filled to your liking, tape up the final opening. Voila! You've got your very own 'papersquishy.' There are so many possibilities for 'drawing squishies'! You could create more 'Dragon Ball Z squishy' designs, like Goku or Vegeta, or even experiment with food items or cute animals. The key is to have fun and not be afraid to experiment with different techniques and materials. Every 'squishymaker' finds their own unique style. Happy squishy making!