How to Make Fun DIY Squishy Pencils Out of Paper - Step-by-Step Crafting Guide

Introduction to Squishy Pencil DIY Paper Crafts

Squishy pencil DIY paper crafts have become a popular and fun crafting trend, especially among kids and young adults. Often seen on TikTok and other social media platforms, squishy pencils are soft, squeezable versions of regular wooden pencils made out of paper and other household items.

The squishy texture coupled with the familiar pencil shape makes these crafty creations both amusing and satisfying to play with. Plus, they are easy and inexpensive to make at home.

This comprehensive guide will walk through everything you need to know about crafting your own squishy pencil masterpieces out of paper and other basic materials.

The Appeal of Squishy Pencil DIY Paper Crafts

What makes squishy pencils so enjoyable and popular for DIY paper crafters?

• They provide sensory stimulation and stress relief. The soft, squeezable texture is soothing to interact with.
• They are fun, playful creations. Squishy pencils lend themselves to being displayed and shared as novelty items.
• The process of making them is creative and hands-on. Crafting the squishy pencils is enjoyable.
• They can be made very inexpensively. Simple household items like paper and glue are the main supplies needed.
• Watching them slowly re-form their shape is oddly satisfying!

In summary, squishy pencil DIY projects allow for a creative, screen-free activity that results in a fun and engaging handmade toy. Read on to learn how to make your own!

Supplies Needed for Squishy Pencil DIY Paper Crafts

The beauty of squishy pencil crafts is that they require only a few simple supplies you may already have at home.

Paper

The main component will be paper, such as:

• Printer paper
• Construction paper
• Tissue paper
• Wrapping paper
• Scrapbooking paper

Aim for thinner, more pliable papers. Avoid cardstock as it is too rigid.

Glue

You'll need a glue suitable for paper crafting, such as:

• Elmer's white glue
• Mod Podge
• Glue sticks
• Double-sided tape

Pencil or Dowel

To form the interior of the squishy pencil, you'll need:

• A regular wooden pencil
• A wooden dowel
• A chopstick

Aim for around 0.25 inches in diameter to mimic a standard pencil width.

Additional Supplies

Other optional supplies that can enhance your squishy pencils include:

• Acrylic paint
• Markers
• Googly eyes
• Pom poms
• Glitter
• Tissue paper

Now that you know the needed supplies, let's get crafting!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Squishy Pencils

Step 1: Cut Paper Strips

Take paper of your choosing and cut it into long strips about 2-3 inches wide. The length will depend on how long you want your squishy pencil to be.

Aim for roughly 8-12 inches long for a standard sized squishy pencil. Cut several paper strips to build up multiple layers around your pencil or dowel.

Step 2: Wrap Paper Around Pencil

Take one of the paper strips and wrap it around the pencil or dowel, overlapping the edges slightly. Make sure the strip fully encases the pencil's circumference.

Use a small piece of tape to secure the end seam. Then, apply glue along the rest of the overlapped strip to adhere it.

Step 3: Add Additional Paper Layers

Continue wrapping additional paper strips around the pencil, using glue or double-sided tape to secure each layer in place.

Build up at least 4-6 layers, overlapping the seams slightly with each new strip. Press firmly after each layer to ensure good adhesion.

The more layers you add, the thicker and squishier your pencil will become. Add as many layers as desired.

Step 4: Seal Ends

Once your pencil is wrapped in paper, seal up the ends. Put a good amount of glue on the top and bottom of the papered section, pressing to seal the ends closed.

You can further secure the ends by adding an extra layer or two of paper strips around just the tips, gluing them in place.

Step 5: Shape and Refine

Gently bend, shape and smooth the papered pencil into its iconic long, rounded form. Add a bit more glue anywhere that needs it to refine the shape.

Allow adequate drying time for the glue to fully set and bind the paper layers together. Gently rolling on a flat surface can help shape it.

Step 6: Decorate (optional)

Once constructed, consider decorating your squishy pencil with:

• Paint
• Glitter
• Markers
• Googly eyes and pom poms
• Collage of images or scrapbooking paper

Get creative with colors, patterns, textures, drawings, and embellishments! The options are endless.

Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips to help make the ideal squishy pencil:

• Use thin, flimsy paper for maximum squishiness.
• Overlap seams by 1/4 inch and glue well for good adhesion.
• Build up many layers of paper, at least 6 or more.
• Avoid creases and wrinkles by smoothing frequently while crafting.
• Let glue fully dry before handling to prevent splits.
• Gently shape and refine the form for a uniform look.
• Have fun with decorations and customizations!

Troubleshooting Issues

Some common issues and solutions include:

• Not squishy enough: Add more paper layers for increased squish factor.
• Sections peeling apart: Ensure seams are tightly overlapped and secure with adequate glue.
• Misshapen form: Gently mold the pencil to achieve a straight, uniform shape.
• Glue not sticking: Remove any glossy coatings from paper. Use fresh glue and press firmly.
• Ends not closing: Add extra layers of paper just on the tips and generously glue to seal.

Inspiration and Design Ideas

Now for the fun part - making your squishy pencils truly unique!

Size Variations

Play around with different sizes, like:

• Miniature squishy pencils
• Jumbo squishy pencils
• Standard length
• Short and stout
• Extra long and skinny

Shape Options

Try crafting squishy pencils in various shapes such as:

• Hearts
• Stars
• Lightning bolts
• Flowers
• Animals like snakes, fish, or worms

Textures and Materials

Incorporate different textured papers like:

• Tissue paper
• Wrapping paper
• Wax paper
• Aluminum foil
• Fabric scraps

Decorative Touches

Personalize your squishy pencils with:

• Glitter, rhinestones, and sequins
• Stickers and washi tape
• Painted designs, dots, stripes, and patterns
• Collaging pieces of maps, photos, or magazine clippings
• Attaching pom poms, googly eyes, feathers, or other embellishments

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of glue works best?

White school glue or Mod Podge work well. Avoid super thin multi-purpose glues which may soak into the paper. An adhesive made for paper crafts will adhere better.

How do I make squishy pencils soft?

Use very thin, flimsy paper and build up many layers - at least 6 or more. Firm papers like cardstock will not have any squish factor.

Can you make the squishy pencil erasers?

Yes! Simply cut small squares of foam and glue them to the end of the papered pencil using hot glue. Decorate the foam like an eraser.

What can you fill the inside with instead of a pencil?

Other cylindrical objects of a similar size can be used, like chopsticks, straws, popsicle sticks, wire, pipe cleaners, or thin markers.

Is there an easy way to cut the paper strips?

Using a paper cutter, cutting machine, or straight edge guide can help cut nice even strips quickly.

How do you store leftover supplies?

Keep extra paper, dowels, and embellishments organized in labeled bins, boxes or bags for future crafting sessions.

Fun Ways to Use Squishy Pencil DIY Paper Crafts

Once you've created your squishy pencil masterpieces, here are some fun ways to use and enjoy them:

• Stress relievers and fidget toys
• Desk or room decor
• Whimsical writing implements
• Handmade party favors or goodie bag items
• Creative gifts and care package fillers
• Toy accessories for dolls, action figures or stuffed animals
• Silly props for photos and videos
• Collection pieces displayed in jars or shadowboxes

Final Thoughts

Squishy pencil DIY paper crafts provide hours of creative fun and result in playful handmade objects to enjoy. With just some basic supplies and simple techniques, you can craft your own set of unique squishable pencils.

Explore different sizes, shapes, colors and decorations to make each squishy pencil truly one-of-a-kind. They are great little works of art! Plus, the process of crafting them is just as rewarding as the end product. So grab some paper, glue and pencils and let the creativity flow!

FAQs

Can you make jumbo sized squishy pencils?

Yes, you can make squishy pencils much larger by using wider paper strips and a thicker dowel or pencil in the center. Just scale up the size of all materials for giant squishy pencils.

What if the paper rips while wrapping it?

Applying glue to the paper first and letting it slightly dry can help reinforce delicate papers against ripping. If a tear occurs, overlap extra layers of paper over the damaged area to mend it.

How do you attach eraser toppers?

Cut eraser shapes from foam and glue them on the ends using hot glue for the best adhesion. Decorate them with markers, paint, or mini pom poms to look like erasers.