DIY Taba Squishy Tutorial: Make Your Own Cute Stress Reliever! (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
Want to make your own adorable, squishy "taba" stress reliever? It's easier than you think! This simple, picture-based tutorial will show you how to create your own custom squishies using just a few materials. This is the streamlined version - you'll need the materials pictured below, and then you'll be ready to create!
Materials You'll Need:
- AB Glue (Epoxy Resin): You can find this online or at craft stores. Start with a smaller amount (e.g., 1kg) to experiment. This is a two-part epoxy resin, with "A" and "B" components.
- Molds: Choose any silicone molds you like! Food shapes (like pineapple buns, rice balls, toast) are popular, but any shape will work.
- Pigment Paste (Colorant): Food-themed color sets are available, or you can choose individual colors to create your own custom shades.
- Clear Plastic Cups: For mixing the resin and pigment.
- Wooden Craft Sticks (Popsicle Sticks): For stirring the resin.
- Digital Scale: Essential for accurately measuring the A and B parts of the resin. The one in the image is an "SF-400" model, but any kitchen scale that measures in grams will work.
- PVC Bags: For packaging your finished squishies.
- Hole Punch: To create a small vent hole in the bag (important for air release).
Instructions:
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Prepare Your Workspace: Work in a well-ventilated area and cover your work surface to protect it from spills.
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Weigh the Resin: Place a plastic cup on the digital scale and tare it (zero it out).
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Add Resin A and B: Carefully pour the "A" part of the epoxy resin into the cup, followed by the "B" part. The correct ratio is crucial for proper curing. The instructions mention a ratio between 1:1 and 1:2 (A:B). A higher proportion of B will result in a softer squishy. Check the instructions on your specific resin for the recommended ratio. The total amount of resin needed depends on the size of your mold. Estimate visually.
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Add Pigment: Add a small amount of pigment paste to the resin mixture. A little goes a long way!
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Mix Thoroughly: Use a wooden craft stick to mix the resin and pigment together until the color is uniform and there are no streaks. Mix slowly and deliberately to avoid creating too many bubbles.
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Pour into Mold: Carefully pour the mixed resin into your chosen mold. Avoid overfilling.
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Cure: Place the filled mold in a well-ventilated area and allow the resin to cure completely. This typically takes 2-3 hours, but check the instructions on your specific resin.
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Check for Cure: Gently touch the resin with your finger. It should be firm and not very sticky when cured.
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De-mold: Once the resin is fully cured, carefully remove the squishy from the mold. Gently peel the mold away from the squishy.
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Package and Vent: Place the finished squishy into a PVC bag. Use a hole punch to create a small hole in the bag to allow air to escape when the squishy is squeezed.
And that's it! You've made your own taba squishy!
Tips and Troubleshooting:
- Bubbles: If you see bubbles forming in the resin, you can try to gently pop them with a toothpick or use a heat gun (briefly and carefully) to remove them.
- Sticky Resin: If your resin is still sticky after the recommended curing time, it may be due to an incorrect mixing ratio or low temperature. Make sure you measure accurately and work in a warm environment.
- Experiment!: Don't be afraid to try different colors, molds, and even add glitter or small inclusions to your resin for unique effects.