Paper Squishes are an exciting and innovative craft that involve creating vibrant and textured artwork by using layers of paper and a squishing technique. This fun and engaging activity is loved by people of all ages due to its simple yet creative process, allowing individuals to experiment with color, shape, and texture in a hands-on way. Paper Squishes can be personalized, making them a perfect project for both beginners and experienced crafters. Whether you’re looking to make a decorative piece, a thoughtful gift, or simply engage in a relaxing activity, Paper Squishes provide endless possibilities for creative expression.
To start your Paper Squishes craft, you’ll need just a few materials. These include colorful sheets of paper, a squishing tool or your hands to apply gentle pressure, and glue to secure the layers. You can also use additional materials like scissors, markers, or stencils to enhance your design. These supplies are easy to gather, making this craft an accessible and enjoyable activity for individuals, families, and classrooms alike.
Paper Squishes Crafts
Paper Squish Monster Craft
This craft idea allows you to create fun and quirky paper squish monsters. It’s perfect for kids who love imaginative play.
Materials Used:
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Glue
Steps:
- Cut a square or circle from colored paper. This will be the monster’s body.
- Draw two big eyes on a piece of white paper and cut them out.
- Create a mouth with jagged edges using colored paper and glue it onto the body.
- Add fun details like horns, ears, or arms from extra paper.
- Attach the eyes and other features to complete your squishy monster.
- Squish the paper craft gently to create a fun texture effect.
Paper Squish Flowers
Crafting paper flowers is a lovely way to create squishy texture while enjoying some colorful fun.
Materials Used:
- Colored tissue paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pipe cleaners
Steps:
- Cut several layers of tissue paper into circles.
- Stack them on top of each other, slightly offset.
- Pinch the middle of the stack and twist a pipe cleaner around it to form the stem.
- Gently pull the layers apart to create a fluffy, squishy flower effect.
- Add extra details like leaves by cutting them from green paper and attaching them to the stem.
Paper Squish Ball
Create a squishy paper ball that can be squished, rolled, and used in games.
Materials Used:
- Newspaper or scrap paper
- Scissors
- Tape
Steps:
- Take a few sheets of newspaper and crumple them into a tight ball.
- Wrap the ball with another layer of paper to add more texture.
- Tape the paper layers to secure them.
- Continue adding layers until the ball is squishy but not too firm.
- Decorate with colored paper or stickers for extra fun.
Paper Squish Animals
Turn your imagination loose with cute squishy animal creations made from simple paper.
Materials Used:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Choose an animal (like a cat, dog, or elephant) and draw a simple shape for its body.
- Cut out the shapes and glue them together to form the animal.
- Add squishy features, such as crinkled ears or a puffed-up tail.
- Use markers to add facial details.
- Squish the paper together gently to make it more fun to touch.
Paper Squish Leaves
Create colorful leaves with squishy textures, perfect for decorating or learning about nature.
Materials Used:
- Green construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Steps:
- Cut leaf shapes from green paper.
- Crinkle the edges of the leaves to give them a squishy feel.
- Glue the leaves to a branch or stick to create a small nature scene.
- Add veins by drawing them with markers.
- Squish the leaves together to mimic the feel of real leaves.
Paper Squish Bubbles
This craft is great for making fun, squishy bubble shapes that you can decorate and play with.
Materials Used:
- Colored paper
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Cut circular shapes from different colored paper.
- Stack them together and glue the edges lightly so they’re still movable.
- Use a marker to add bubble-like details, such as light reflections or texture.
- Gently squish the circles for a squishy bubble effect.
Paper Squish Clouds
Bring the fluffiness of clouds to life with this squishy paper craft.
Materials Used:
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Blue construction paper
Steps:
- Glue cotton balls onto blue paper to form cloud shapes.
- Gently squish the cotton balls with your fingers to add texture.
- You can add a sun or rain details by cutting shapes from yellow or blue paper.
- Let the glue dry, then enjoy your squishy cloud.
Paper Squish Cupcakes
Craft adorable cupcakes from paper with squishy textures for a fun craft project.
Materials Used:
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Cut a rectangle of paper for the cupcake base.
- Form it into a cupcake wrapper shape and glue the edges.
- Cut a squishy-looking paper shape for the icing and glue it on top.
- Decorate with sprinkles or designs using markers.
- Gently squish to create a fun texture.
Paper Squish Fish
Create cute, squishy paper fish for an underwater scene.
Materials Used:
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Cut out the shape of a fish from colored paper.
- Add fins, tails, and scales from additional paper pieces.
- Squish the body of the fish slightly to make it more tactile.
- Draw eyes and details with markers.
- Decorate an ocean scene or attach to a greeting card.
Paper Squish Cars
Design fun, squishy cars that you can play with or use in creative storytelling.
Materials Used:
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Markers
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut out shapes for the car body and wheels from colored paper.
- Assemble the car body and glue on the wheels.
- Squish the paper slightly to give it a fun tactile effect.
- Draw on details like windows, headlights, or a license plate.
Paper Squish Butterflies
Make colorful, squishy butterflies for a fun spring-themed project.
Materials Used:
- Tissue paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pipe cleaners
Steps:
- Cut out two identical butterfly wings from tissue paper.
- Layer the tissue paper pieces and glue them together.
- Attach pipe cleaners as antennae.
- Squish the wings together lightly to add texture.
- Decorate with colorful designs using markers.
Paper Squish Stars
Create squishy paper stars that shine with color and fun textures.
Materials Used:
- Gold or silver paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Cut star shapes from gold or silver paper.
- Add squishy texture by gently crumpling or folding parts of the stars.
- Draw fun details on the stars using markers.
- Glue stars together to create a constellation or display.
Paper Squish Dinosaurs
Craft cute, squishy dinosaurs that can be used for imaginative play or decorations.
Materials Used:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Draw and cut out dinosaur shapes from paper.
- Create squishy features, like a puffed-up tail or spiky fins.
- Add eyes and other details with markers.
- Squish the paper gently to make it fun to handle.
Paper Squish Balloons
Create squishy balloons to add to a festive or birthday craft project.
Materials Used:
- Colored tissue paper
- Glue
- String or yarn
Steps:
- Cut circular shapes from tissue paper.
- Stack the circles and glue them together, leaving some edges free.
- Attach a piece of string to the bottom for the balloon string.
- Squish the tissue paper to give it a fun, tactile effect.
Paper Squish Robots
Craft a fun, squishy robot with paper for a playful creation.
Materials Used:
- Colored construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
Steps:
- Cut rectangular shapes for the robot’s body and limbs.
- Glue the pieces together to form the robot’s shape.
- Add squishy features like puffed-up arms or legs.
- Draw eyes, buttons, and other details on the robot.
Paper Squish Trees
Make a paper tree with squishy textures, perfect for learning about nature or seasonal changes.
Materials Used:
- Green construction paper
- Brown construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut a tree trunk from brown paper.
- Cut green paper into leaf shapes and glue them onto the branches.
- Add texture by crumpling the leaves slightly.
- Squish the leaves to enhance the texture effect.
Paper Squish Ice Cream Cones
Craft squishy ice cream cones using paper and enjoy a sweet treat made from imagination.
Materials Used:
- Brown construction paper
- Colored paper
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Cut a triangle from brown paper to form the cone.
- Cut circles from colored paper to form the scoops of ice cream.
- Stack the scoops on top of the cone and glue them together.
- Squish the ice cream gently to create texture.
Paper Squish Trees in Fall
Create squishy fall trees with vibrant autumn colors for a seasonal craft project.
Materials Used:
- Red, yellow, and orange construction paper
- Brown paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Steps:
- Cut out tree trunk shapes from brown paper.
- Cut leaf shapes from red, orange, and yellow paper.
- Attach the leaves to the tree trunk, and squish them gently for texture.
- Add small pieces of paper to represent fallen leaves.
Paper Squish Snowmen
Craft a cute, squishy snowman for winter-themed fun.
Materials Used:
- White construction paper
- Black paper
- Orange paper
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut three circles from white paper and stack them to form the snowman’s body.
- Add a carrot nose and buttons from orange and black paper.
- Create a squishy texture by lightly crumpling the paper.
- Draw a scarf or hat using colored paper.
Paper Squish Hearts
A simple, squishy heart craft that works well for Valentine’s Day or just to show love.
Materials Used:
- Red or pink paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Cut out heart shapes from colored paper.
- Squish the edges of the hearts for texture.
- Decorate with designs or messages using markers.
- Glue the hearts onto a card or gift tag.
Paper Squish Fish Bowl
Create a fun and squishy fish bowl with cute fish inside.
Materials Used:
- Blue construction paper
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Steps:
- Cut a fishbowl shape from blue paper.
- Cut out small fish shapes from colored paper.
- Attach the fish inside the bowl.
- Squish the fishbowl slightly for added texture.
Paper Squish Gift Tags
Craft fun and squishy gift tags for presents or cards.
Materials Used:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Steps:
- Cut out small rectangular gift tag shapes.
- Decorate with squishy details, like 3D designs or layered paper.
- Write a personalized message on the tag.
- Attach the gift tag to a present.
Paper Squish Cupcake Toppers
Create squishy cupcake toppers to add to your homemade cupcakes or treats.
Materials Used:
- Colored paper
- Glue
- Stickers or glitter
Steps:
- Cut out small shapes for the cupcake toppers, like hearts or stars.
- Add squishy textures by gently crumpling the paper.
- Decorate with glitter or stickers.
- Attach the toppers to a toothpick and place them on cupcakes.
Paper Squish Rainbows
A colorful, squishy rainbow craft that’s fun to make and perfect for all ages.
Materials Used:
- Colored paper
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut out rainbow shapes from colored paper.
- Stack the colors from red to purple and glue them together.
- Squish the paper slightly to add texture to the rainbow.
- Add a cloud at the bottom made from white paper or cotton balls.
Paper Squish Bugs
Craft squishy paper bugs for a fun, nature-themed project.
Materials Used:
- Green and yellow paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Steps:
- Cut out bug shapes like ants or ladybugs from colored paper.
- Add squishy details by crumpling certain parts of the bugs.
- Attach little paper legs and antennae.
- Squish the bugs gently for texture.
Paper Squish Rocket Ships
Craft fun, squishy rockets to fuel your imagination.
Materials Used:
- Colored paper
- Glue
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut out the shape of a rocket from colored paper.
- Add a squishy, crumpled body for the rocket.
- Attach fins, a nose cone, and a flame at the bottom.
- Squish the rocket to add some texture.
Paper Squish Rain
Craft a fun, squishy paper rain scene with clouds and drops of water.
Materials Used:
- Blue paper
- White cotton balls
- Scissors
Steps:
- Glue cotton balls at the top of a piece of blue paper to form clouds.
- Cut out raindrop shapes from blue paper and attach them below the clouds.
- Squish the cotton balls for a fluffy, squishy texture.
Tips for Success in Creative Design:
When it comes to creating unique, eye-catching designs, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re crafting with paper, experimenting with colors, or exploring new ways to depict faces, these tips can elevate your work and set you on the path to creative success. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve that standout look:
- Experiment with Different Paper Textures:
- Playing with various paper textures can give your design depth and richness. Consider using smooth, textured, or even recycled paper for unique effects. Experimenting with layers or mixing textures can add visual interest and tactile appeal to your project.
- Mix Patterns and Colors for a Unique Look:
- Don’t be afraid to combine different patterns and colors. Contrasting bold patterns with subtle ones or mixing vibrant hues with pastels can create a dynamic and original look. The key is to balance the elements thoughtfully to ensure they complement rather than overwhelm one another.
- Get Creative with Faces and Expressions:
- Faces are powerful tools in design. Experiment with exaggerated features, abstract expressions, or unexpected facial placements to convey emotion or tell a story. Whether it’s through minimalistic illustrations or detailed portraits, playing with expressions can bring energy and personality to your work.
Fun Variations of Paper Squishes
Paper squishes are a creative and tactile way to add some fun to your crafts, and there are so many ways to play around with them! By adding various themes, folds, and embellishments, you can transform simple paper squishes into unique and personalized creations. Whether you’re making themed figures, squishy bookmarks, or decorative items, the possibilities are endless. Here are some exciting variations to try out:
- Making Themed Paper Squishes (e.g., Animals, Plants, or Characters)
You can easily bring characters, animals, or plants to life with paper squishes! Choose a theme, such as forest animals, underwater creatures, or even your favorite fictional characters, and shape your squishes accordingly. It’s a fun way to explore creativity and practice basic paper folding techniques. - Adding Movement with Additional Folds or Embellishments (e.g., Wiggly Arms or Legs)
Give your paper squishes some personality by adding movement! Incorporating extra folds, like wiggly arms or legs, can bring a dynamic and interactive element to your creations. You can even use strips of paper or small brads to create movable parts, making your squishes come to life with simple motion. - Creating Squishy Bookmarks, Cards, or Decorations
Transform your paper squishes into functional yet cute items! Squishy bookmarks make reading more fun, while squishy greeting cards or decorations can add a quirky touch to special occasions. Use your squishes to personalize gifts or create a fun DIY project for friends and family.
FAQ
What are Paper Squishes Crafts?
Paper Squishes Crafts are handcrafted paper creations designed to be fun, interactive, and often squishy in texture. They are typically made using various types of paper, foam, and other craft materials to create playful, squishy figurines or objects that offer tactile satisfaction when pressed or squeezed.
How are Paper Squishes Crafts made?
Paper Squishes Crafts are made by layering, folding, and gluing paper or foam pieces to form 3D shapes. Sometimes, small amounts of air are trapped inside to create the “squishy” effect, and other materials like fabric or paint may be added for texture and design.
What materials do I need to make Paper Squishes Crafts?
To create Paper Squishes Crafts , you’ll need:
- Colored paper or foam
- Scissors
- Glue or a hot glue gun
- Markers, pens, or paint for decoration
- A needle and thread (for sewing, optional)
- Stuffing material, like cotton or foam beads (for the squishy effect)
Are Paper Squishes Crafts durable?
Paper Squishes Crafts are designed to be durable for fun, everyday play. However, they may not withstand heavy handling or wet conditions. With proper care, such as avoiding exposure to moisture and extreme stress, they can last a long time.
Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.