How to Make a Dumpling Squishy (DIY): Easy Guide
The short answer
You can craft a simple DIY dumpling squishy using air-dry foam clay or memory foam shaped into a little bao, sealed and painted with a cute kawaii face. It's a fun afternoon craft — though, fair warning, a homemade one won't have the same soft, slow-rise feel as a real TPR dumpling squishy.
Here's how to make your own, plus what to expect and how to get the genuine slow-rise squish if that's what you're really after.
🛒 Want the real feel? Shop here
What you'll need
- Air-dry foam clay (the light, marshmallow-like kind) — or a piece of soft memory foam
- White craft glue or a flexible sealant
- Acrylic paint (pastels, plus black for the face) and a fine brush
- A foam brush or sponge for sealing
- Optional: a small steamer basket or cup to display it in
- Optional: fine glitter for a sparkly finish
How to make a dumpling squishy: step by step
- Shape the bao. Roll your foam clay into a ball, then gently flatten the bottom and pinch small pleats into the top so it looks like a steamed bun or dumpling. Keep it plump.
- Let it cure. Air-dry foam clay needs time to set — follow the package timing (often several hours to overnight). It should feel springy, not wet.
- Seal it. Brush on a thin, even coat of flexible glue or sealant and let it dry. This protects the surface and gives a little bounce-back. Add a second coat for durability.
- Paint the base color. Use a soft pastel or bright acrylic. Let it dry fully between coats.
- Add the kawaii face. With a fine brush and black paint, add two dot eyes and a tiny smile. A touch of pink for cheeks makes it extra cute.
- Optional sparkle. Mix fine glitter into a clear top coat for a glittery look, or do a tie-dye blend of colors.
- Display it. Pop it in a little steamer basket or cup for the full dumpling-in-a-steamer effect.
Tips for a better DIY squishy
- Don't skip the sealant — it's what gives a homemade squishy any bounce and stops the paint from cracking.
- Thin paint coats look smoother and crack less than one thick layer.
- Let every layer dry fully before the next; rushing is the #1 cause of sticky, cracked results.
- Keep it small — smaller shapes hold together better than big ones.
The honest truth about DIY squishies
A homemade dumpling squishy is a great craft, but it won't match a real one. The signature slow rise — squeeze it and watch it slowly puff back into shape — comes from TPR (thermoplastic rubber), a material you can't replicate with craft supplies at home. DIY versions tend to be firmer, crack over time, and lose their shape faster.
So if your goal is the genuinely satisfying squeeze from the videos, a real dumpling squishy is the way to go — and they're affordable, starting around $13 for a mystery box. You get the authentic slow-rise feel, a proper bamboo steamer, and a durable toy that lasts, in stock and shipped fast from the USA.
🛒 Get the real slow-rise squish
The bottom line
You can make a fun DIY dumpling squishy with foam clay, sealant, and paint — but a homemade one won't have the soft, slow-rise feel of a real TPR squishy. Craft one for fun, and grab a genuine one when you want the authentic squeeze. For everything about these toys, see our complete dumpling squishy guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a dumpling squishy at home?
Shape air-dry foam clay into a little bao with pleats, let it cure, seal it with flexible glue or sealant, paint a base color, and add a kawaii face. Optionally add glitter and display it in a small steamer basket.
What materials do you need to make a DIY squishy?
Air-dry foam clay (or soft memory foam), flexible glue or sealant, acrylic paint, a fine brush, and optional glitter and a small steamer basket for display.
Can you make a real slow-rise dumpling squishy at home?
Not really. The slow-rise feel comes from TPR (thermoplastic rubber), which can't be replicated with home craft supplies. DIY versions are firmer and less durable, so for the authentic squeeze a real one is best.
Why is my homemade squishy hard or cracking?
Usually from skipping the sealant, using thick paint layers, or not letting each layer dry fully. Thin coats, proper sealing, and full drying time give a softer, longer-lasting result.
Is it cheaper to make or buy a dumpling squishy?
Once you buy clay, sealant, and paint, a DIY one isn't necessarily cheaper, and it won't feel like the real thing. A genuine mystery box starts around $13, which is often easier and more satisfying.