How to Make a Squishy: From Idea to Squeeze with Taba Squishy Toys
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How to Make a Squishy: From Idea to Squeeze with Taba Squishy Toys

As squishy toys are going viral on TikTok, more and more people are discovering these cute and stress-relieving companions. Maybe you're just as obsessed with them as I am—but do you really know what they are? Are taba squishies safe to use? Creamy Tree, a brand dedicated to soft, handmade squishies, is here to walk you through what squishies are and how they’re lovingly made, from sketch to squeeze.

What Are Taba Squishies?

Taba Squishies are soft, slow-rising sensory toys designed to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of calm through both touch and appearance. Originating from Japan's kawaii culture and inspired by traditional mochi and everyday treats, they combine playful design with stress-relief function—making them more than just toys.

These squishies come in a variety of irresistibly cute shapes, such as bears, strawberries, toast, or jelly-like desserts. Each design is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, often blending food aesthetics with charming characters. Their colors are typically pastel and soothing, making them visually relaxing and perfect for display on desks, shelves, or workspaces.

Are Taba Squishies toxic?

During the manufacturing process, the mixing of component A and component B adhesives may release formaldehyde, so there is some potential toxicity during production. However, once the product is fully made, it no longer releases formaldehyde gas and is completely non-toxic.

Are Taba Squishies safe to use?

Yes, they are safe. The food-grade silicone used to make Taba Squishies does not emit any toxic gases after curing. However, be mindful of the packaging: low-quality PVC bags may have irritating odors. We recommend using higher-quality PVC bags, EVA bags, or food-grade bags to ensure safety and comfort.

Why Choose Taba Squishies?

At the heart of Taba Squishies is our belief in tactile balance: the idea that small, comforting touches in daily life can help restore emotional well-being. Whether you're a collector, a student, or someone dealing with stress or anxiety, Taba Squishies are made to be your gentle, feel-good companion.

Types of Materials:

  • TPR (Thermo-Plastic Rubber): Softer and stretchier, often used for jelly-like squishies. Great for quick squishes and more playful textures.

  • Food-Grade Silicone: Denser, smoother, and more durable. Feels luxurious in hand and offers a more “creamy” squeeze.

TPR Squishies vs. Food-Grade Silicone Squishies

At Creamy Tree, we’re committed to using food-grade silicone for all our squishies—because your comfort and safety matter. Compared to standard TPR materials, our silicone offers a softer, smoother touch, better durability, and zero unwanted odors. It's the same material trusted in baby products and kitchen tools.

How to Make a Taba Squishy Toy (The Simple Version)

Making a Taba Squishy is part creativity, part craftsmanship—and a lot of fun. While we use professional tools in our studio, here’s a simplified version of how you can make your own at home or just understand what goes into ours.

 

1. Sketch the Design

We always begin with an idea. It might be a cozy bear, a jelly toast, or a fan’s favorite snack. The goal is something cute, comforting, and tactile. If you’re still unsure what design to choose for your squishy, feel free to check out some of Creamy Tree’s products — you might find the perfect inspiration there.

Today, let’s try making a cake squishy shown below together today!

A white cake squishy with a strawberry

2. Model It in 3D

To bring the sketch to life, we build a 3D model using apps like Nomad Sculpt (iPad), Blender (free desktop software), or ZBrush (pro-level). These tools help us shape the body, face, and fun textures like "fluffy fur" or "sticky jam."

3. 3D Print the Master

After finalizing the 3D model, we create a highly detailed prototype using a resin 3D printer. Resin printers are ideal because they deliver smooth surfaces and fine details needed for perfect molds.

Here are some excellent options for different budgets and experience levels:

  • Anycubic Photon Mono 2 — affordable and reliable, great for beginners

  • Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra — compact with high precision, perfect for hobbyists

  • Prusa SL1S — advanced features for professionals needing top quality

  • Bambu Lab X1 Carbon — a fast, multi-material 3D printer known for precision and reliability, ideal if you want to experiment with more complex prototypes

Once printed, the prototype is carefully cleaned, sanded to remove any imperfections, and prepared to serve as the master mold for silicone casting.

 

4. Create the Mold

To create precise and durable molds for Taba Squishies, we use platinum-cure silicone, also known as addition-cure silicone. This material is ideal because it captures even the tiniest details of the 3D printed master with exceptional accuracy, ensuring every texture and feature is perfectly replicated.

Compared to tin-cure silicone, platinum-cure silicone offers several important benefits:

  • Higher Durability: Platinum-cure molds resist tearing and degradation better, allowing for many casting cycles without losing shape or detail. This makes them cost-effective for small-batch and mass production.

  • Superior Detail Reproduction: The material flows well into fine crevices and holds sharp textures, so your squishy toys come out looking exactly like the original design.

  • Food-Grade & Non-Toxic: Many platinum-cure silicones meet food-grade certifications, meaning they are safe, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates. This is crucial since squishies are often handled frequently and sometimes by children.

  • Low Shrinkage & Heat Resistance: Platinum-cure silicone maintains stable dimensions during curing and can withstand higher temperatures without deforming, improving mold lifespan and consistency.

  • Odorless & Skin Friendly: Unlike some tin-cure silicones, platinum-cure products typically have little to no odor and are gentle on the skin, enhancing both the production experience and the final product safety.

Popular brands we trust include Smooth-On, Dragon Skin™, and Ecoflex™, which provide a range of hardness and flexibility options depending on the squishy’s desired softness and bounce.

Using platinum-cure silicone molds, we ensure every Taba Squishy has perfect shape, texture, and durability for endless squeezes and smiles.

 

5. Pour and Shape

After preparing the mold, we pour our special material—usually soft PU foam or food-grade silicone—into it.

Soft PU foam is lightweight and offers the classic slow-rising squishy feel with good bounce.

Food-grade silicone is hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and heat resistant. It smells better over time and stays soft without becoming sticky, giving a long-lasting, pleasant touch.

Before pouring, the material is often degassed in a vacuum chamber to remove air bubbles for a smooth finish.

The squishy then cures at room temperature or in a controlled environment, setting perfectly while keeping its softness.

This process ensures every Taba Squishy is smooth, squeezable, and stress-relieving.

 

6. Paint and Finish

Once de-molded, each squishy is carefully cleaned and hand-painted using non-toxic, water-based acrylic paints or safe pigment inks specially formulated for silicone and foam surfaces. This step adds charming details like jelly cheeks, shiny cherries, or sleepy eyes, bringing each squishy to life.

To ensure colors stay vibrant and last longer, we apply a protective matte or satin sealant that is flexible and breathable, preventing paint from cracking or peeling while maintaining the squishy’s soft touch.

This careful finishing process guarantees that every Taba Squishy remains visually appealing and fun to squeeze for a long time.

 

The result? A super-satisfying white cake squishy toy that’s irresistibly cute, squeezable, and made with love. Whether you collect them, gift them, or just keep one on your desk, each Taba Squishy is a tiny, safe piece of joy. Curious about how to make a Taba squishy like this? Want to give it a try? Check out Creamy Tree Food Squishy!

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