Making this Squishy Was Child’s Play

Hey everyone! I've been seeing so many cool squishies lately, and I just had to try making my own. It's actually way easier than I thought, and it's super relaxing, like making your own little stress ball! If you're wondering how to make a squishy at home, you're in the right place. I’ve tried a few DIY squishy recipes, and I’m going to share some of my favorite simple methods that are perfect for beginners or if you want to make a squishy easy for kids. One of the simplest ways to get started with homemade squishies is using balloons. You only need a few things you probably already have around the house! DIY Balloon Squishy (Super Easy!) What you’ll need: A few balloons (the stronger, the better!) Filler material: Flour, cornstarch, rice, or even water beads for a different texture. I personally love flour for that soft, powdery feel. A funnel (or a rolled-up piece of paper) Scissors (optional, for trimming the balloon tie) Permanent markers (for decorating) How I do it: First, gently stretch out your balloon. You can blow a little air into it and let it out to make it more pliable. Attach your funnel to the opening of the balloon. If you don't have a funnel, just roll a piece of paper into a cone shape – it works just as well! Slowly pour your filler material into the funnel. This can take a bit of patience! Use a spoon or even a chopstick to push the flour or cornstarch down if it gets stuck. Make sure not to overfill it; you want it squishy, not rock hard. I usually aim for about two-thirds full, leaving enough room to tie it. Once it's filled to your liking, carefully remove the funnel. Squeeze out any excess air from the balloon. This is key for a good squish! Tie a strong knot, just like you would with a regular balloon. You might want to double knot it to be extra secure, especially if kids are playing with it. You can trim off the excess balloon tail if you want it to look neater. Now for the fun part: decorating! Use permanent markers to draw faces, patterns, or anything you like. I’ve seen people make adorable fruit squishies or even little monster characters. Another popular way to create unique squishy toys is by using craft foam or sponges. This method gives you more control over the shape! Craft Foam Squishy (Shape Your Own!) What you’ll need: Soft craft foam or a dense sponge (like a car washing sponge) Fabric paint or puffy paint (these stay flexible after drying!) Scissors Paintbrushes How I do it: Decide on a shape! You can freehand it or draw it on the foam first. I’ve made cute little toast slices, stars, and even mini animal shapes. Cut out your desired shape using scissors. Once you have your shape, it’s time to paint! Use your fabric paints to add colors, details, and expressions. This is where your creativity really shines. For that classic squishy look, sometimes I add a top coat of slightly watered-down white fabric paint first, then go over it with colors once it's dry. Let your squishy dry completely. This is super important; it can take several hours, or even overnight, depending on how much paint you used. You want it to be fully cured so the paint doesn’t crack or stick. Making your own squishies is such a rewarding project. It’s a fantastic way to relieve stress, get creative, and end up with a collection of unique, homemade toys. Plus, it’s a great activity for a playdate or a quiet afternoon at home. Give it a try – you might just find your new favorite DIY hobby!