Here’s how to make your own squishies, the latest craze in the toy world. This tutorial will teach you how to make your very own watermelon squishy toy (and you can use the same method for any shape) and provide you with tips and materials you’ll need to get busy creating!
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Lucy (my 9 year old) has been obsessed with squishies. I had no idea what she was talking about whenever she mentioned them until she used her allowance to buy a set. I have to admit, they’re pretty cool! (You can see some here: like this squishy cat hamburger or this scented ice cream set.)
If you’re like me and have never heard of them, they remind me of a stress ball. They’re basically squishy toys that are soft to squeeze and release slowly. Some are even scented! They are great fidget toys and nice for relaxing, playing with, or just nice for relieving stress. You can buy some already made or have a go at making your very own!
In this tutorial I’ll show you how to make a watermelon squishy toy (great for summer crafting), but you can use the same method to make any shape or figure you’d like!
Be sure to check out our DIY Christmas Squishy Toys!
How to Make Squishies Toys
Materials for Squishies Toys
- Memory foam (We cut up an old memory foam pillow, but you can also buy an inexpensive one online or at your local store. Just be sure it’s not shredded foam and an actual solid piece of foam.)
- Very sharp scissors. We used these.
- Fabric paint in various colors
- Paintbrushes
- Paper plate or other surface for paint
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Optional: Art mat for working
Directions for Making Your Own Squishies
1. You’ll need to obtain some memory foam to cut your squishy shape. We had an old memory foam pillow we used, but you can also get an inexpensive memory foam pillow online or at your local store. (Check Target, Walmart, or Kohls.) The pillow actually goes a long way. We made about 15 squishies of various sizes from just half a pillow.
2. You’ll also need some really good scissors to cut through that memory foam. These Gingher dressmaker’s shears are perfect and cut through the foam smoothly.
Start by cutting your foam pillow into more manageable sizes. Then cut a rough version of the shape you want to make with your shears. For watermelon slice squishy, cut out a rectangle. Then cut it into a rough half circle shape. (If doing this project with young children, do this step for them.)
3. Use your scissors to fine tune your shape. Cut off little bits until your happy with your final shape. (Again, if doing this with young children, do this step for them.)
4. Use the fabric paint and paintbrushes to paint your squishies.
First, cover your workspace before beginning. (I love using drop clothes when doing art! You can use them over and over.)
Place the paint onto a paper plate or other surface.
Now it’s time to start painting. We started by first painting the red center…
…and then the green edging. Lastly, we added the black seeds. (You will get paint on your fingers so wear disposable gloves if that bothers you. They even make them in kid sizes! Also, remember the fabric paint will permanently color your clothing so wear something you don’t mind getting paint on just in case.)
5. Place your squishy toy on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to dry overnight.
6. After your watermelon squishy toy is completely dry, enjoy playing with it!
