How to Make Easy Paper Squishy Blind Bags

Hey fellow crafters! If you're anything like me, you love a good DIY project, especially when it results in something as adorable and satisfying as a paper squishy blind bag. I recently dove into making these, and I wanted to share my expanded tips and tricks so you can master them too! It's such a rewarding craft, and imagine the joy of creating your own little mystery toys! First off, let's talk about getting started. You'll need some basic supplies: paper (printer paper, cardstock, or even glossy photo paper works great for different textures), scissors, tape (clear packing tape is my secret for durability!), stuffing material (cotton balls, plastic bags, or even old FOAMS from packaging), and markers or colored pencils for decorating. Making the Perfect Paper Squishy: The heart of your blind bag is the squishy itself! For easy designs, I always start with a template. You can find tons of "printable paper squishy templates" online – just search for "cute paper squishy template" or "paper squishy template black and white" if you want to color them yourself. I often draw my own simple shapes too, like a cute star, a heart, or even a mini CAPYBARA! Design & Outline: Draw or print your chosen design twice on paper. Make sure they are identical in size. If you're making a WATERMELON slice or a CHERRY, try to keep the lines clean. Cut It Out: Carefully cut out both pieces of your design. Laminate (Optional but Recommended!): This is where the packing tape comes in. Cover both sides of each paper piece with clear packing tape. This makes your squishy durable and gives it that satisfying smooth, slightly shiny feel. Tape Together: Place the two laminated pieces together, design side out. Start taping the edges, leaving a small opening. Stuff It! Gently push your chosen stuffing material into the opening. Don't overstuff, or it won't be very squishy! I find a mix of cotton and small plastic bag pieces gives a great texture. Seal It Up: Once stuffed, tape the remaining opening closed. Give it a gentle squeeze! You've just made your first paper squishy! Creating Your Mystery Blind Bag: Now for the fun part – the blind bag itself! This is where you can really get creative with the mystery element. Template for the Bag: You can use a simple rectangular "box paper squishy template" or just fold a piece of paper. I usually cut a rectangle about twice the width of my squishy and tall enough to cover it, plus some extra for folding. Design the Bag: Think about themes! Is it a "RARE" item bag? Or a "COMMON" item bag? You can draw question marks, stars, or even write "MYSTERY TOYS!" on the front. I love adding little labels like "RARE" or "COMMON" as seen in some of my favorite unboxing videos. For example, maybe a POTATO squishy is "COMMON" while a CAPYBARA is "RARE"! Assemble: Fold the paper in half or create a pocket by folding up the bottom edge and taping the sides. Make sure the opening is at the top. Insert Squishy: Pop your finished paper squishy inside the bag. Seal it: Seal the top of the bag with tape or glue. You can even add a little "tear here" tab to make it feel more authentic. Making these "paper squishy mystery bags" is so much fun, especially for kids' parties or just as a creative afternoon project. The possibilities for different themes and designs are endless. I've seen people make themed series, almost like collectible TOYS! Experiment with different colors and patterns. Don't forget that a "black and white" template is perfect for letting your imagination run wild with colors. Happy crafting!