- Medium
- 30–45 minutes
- 3D shape
- about 2.4 × 1.6 in (6.1 × 4.2 cm)
Every crafter needs a special spot for their favorite creations, and this pastel pink and purple squishy storage box is covered in smiling snacks, stars, and a gingham heart lid. With our free printable box paper squishy template, you get 3 versions in both US Letter and A4: full color, a coloring page, and a blank net. Pair your finished 2.4 × 1.6 in (6.1 × 4.2 cm) box with a cute dumpling squishy or a bubble tea squishy to match the little doodles on the front!
What you need
How to make it, step by step
1Print the template
Print your squishy storage box sheet at 100% on plain printer paper, making sure to turn off the “fit to page” setting. Check that the scale bar at the top measures exactly 2 inches (50 mm on A4). If you picked the black and white coloring page or blank version, color in the bubble letters, gingham lid, and tiny snack doodles now before adding any tape.
2Tape the motif
Cover the entire printed motif with wide clear packing tape, making sure to include all the yellow and blue tabs. Lay each strip across the pink and purple box panels and smooth it down starting from the center outward. Do not stretch or pull the tape as you apply it, so your paper stays flat and glossy.
3Cut it out
Use your scissors to cut neatly along the solid black outer line of the storage box net. Be careful to keep all the yellow glue tabs and blue tape tabs attached as you go around the corners. Do not cut any of the interior dashed lines—those are your fold lines for building the rectangular shape.
4Pre-fold every tab
Line up your ruler along each dashed line and score it firmly with an empty pen. Fold every single tab and wall crease inward toward the unprinted white side once, then open the net flat again. Because tape-covered paper is stiff to fold later, pre-folding now makes assembling your rectangular storage box much easier.
5Make the walls
Fold the wall panels—featuring the “My Squishies” lettering, snack illustrations, and “Squish Facts” list—into a rectangular ring with the pictures facing outside. Glue the yellow side tab inside to hold it in place, then tape that vertical seam from the outside along its whole length with regular clear tape.
6Close the bottom
Put glue onto the yellow bottom tabs. Fold the pink heart-and-dot bottom panel inward and press the glued tabs firmly against the inside of the box walls so the base sits flat and square. Leave the top purple gingham lid with the blue tabs open so you can fill the box through it.
7Tape the bottom
Because craft glue alone does not hold on slick tape, you need to reinforce the base. Use strips of regular clear tape to seal every bottom edge from the outside, running the tape all along the edges where the pink base meets the decorative side walls.
8Stuff it
Push loose scrunches of plastic bag or soft clouds of fiberfill in through the open top of the storage box. Reach gentle bits of stuffing into the bottom corners, and stuff the main body lightly so the box stays square with neat, flat sides instead of bulging.
9Close it
Fold the blue tabs in and close the purple gingham “Squish Collection” lid over the stuffing. Hold the lid neatly in place and use regular clear tape to seal every top edge from the outside, running the tape all along the edges.
10Squish!
Your kawaii squishy storage box is all done! Give it a squeeze and watch the pastel sides puff right back up into shape. If you want a slow-rising squishy, prick one tiny pinhole into a seam so the air escapes slowly.
Free Squishy Storage Box Squishy Template
- Color
- Coloring page
- Blank, design your own
- Step-by-step guide
One free PDF: the template in three versions (pages 1–3) and the step-by-step guide (pages 4–6). Print the template at 100% on plain printer paper.
Tips for the perfect squish
- Box edges look crooked. Score every dashed line around the rectangular walls and lid with an empty pen and a ruler before you fold. Crisp creases keep the scalloped purple border lined up evenly.
- A corner seam pops open. Glue does not hold on packing tape. Put a new strip of regular clear tape along the whole seam on the outside to lock the walls shut.
- The front panel bulges out. There is too much stuffing packed inside the box. Take some out so the “My Squishies” front and snack sides stay flat.
- Wrinkles over the graphics. Use shorter strips of wide packing tape and lay them across the pastel artwork without pulling.
Questions
Is there a black and white box paper squishy template?
Yes! The free PDF download includes 3 versions: the pastel pink and purple color design, a black and white coloring page where you can color the cute snacks yourself, and a blank box template.
Can I assemble the paper squishy box using only glue?
No, glue just holds the yellow tabs in place while you build the box. It does not stick to tape-covered paper for long, so every glued seam gets a strip of clear tape from the outside.
What kind of paper works best for this box?
Plain printer paper (80–100 gsm / 20–24 lb) works best. Cardstock is hard to fold once it is taped and makes the squishy stiff.
What can I stuff my paper squishy box with?
Use plastic grocery bags for a crinkly, light feel or fiberfill for a soft squish. Stuff lightly so the rectangular storage box keeps its neat shape.
Can I make these with a class or a group?
Yes, plan about 45 minutes for a group session. Print one sheet per person and cut the clear tape strips in advance so kids can color the coloring page while you help with scoring and taping.
More paper squishies to make
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