DIY Handcrafted Air Ball Toy for Kids and Adults

Hey everyone! I’ve been on a bit of a crafting kick lately, and I came across this super cool project that I just had to try: a Nano Tape Squishy Bubble Craft Ball! It’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s perfect for both kids and adults who want a fun, quick DIY project at home.

So, if you like making DIY crafts at home, or just want to get your hands on something squishy and fun, I think you’re gonna love this one. Let me walk you through how I made mine, and I’ll share some of the hiccups I ran into along the way.

Materials You Need

Okay, so here’s what you need to make this squishy air ball toy:

  • Nano Tape – This is that thick, double-sided sticky tape. Make sure to get the transparent kind!
  • Scissors – Just a regular pair is fine, but make sure they’re sharp enough to cut the tape.
  • Glitter, Confetti, or Tiny Beads – I used a mix of glitter and tiny beads because, well, why not make it sparkly?
  • A Straw or Air Pump – I used a straw, but you can use whatever you have on hand to blow it up.

Step-by-Step Process (With My Mistakes Included)

Here’s how I went about making my Nano Tape Bubble Ball – with a couple of small bumps along the way:

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1. Cutting the Tape

First, I cut two strips of Nano Tape, each about 20 cm long. I kinda eyeballed the size because I didn’t feel like getting a ruler, but it turned out fine! You can go smaller or bigger, depending on how large you want your bubble ball.

2. Making a Pocket

This part was a bit trickier than I expected. I folded one piece of tape in half, leaving a gap at the top so I could fill it later. The tape kept sticking to my fingers (which was super annoying), so I’d recommend going slow and being careful when folding it. If you want to add some glitter or beads, this is when you do it. I used a tiny funnel to pour some glitter inside, but I spilled a bunch. Oops!

3. Sealing and Inflating

Once I added the glitter, I used the second piece of tape to seal up the sides, leaving just a tiny hole to blow it up. I grabbed a straw, stuck it in the opening, and gently blew air into it. I got a little carried away at first and almost overinflated it, so be careful not to blow too hard. Once it’s puffy enough, just press the opening closed with your fingers.

4. Shaping the Ball

Here’s where I messed up a little—I didn’t press the edges firmly enough at first, so it deflated. I had to go back and add an extra layer of tape around the edges. My advice? Take your time and make sure the edges are sealed really well. Once I did that, the ball held up and looked way better!

Adding Your Personal Touch

Honestly, I had a blast customizing my bubble ball. Here are a few ideas I tried:

  • I used colorful glitter for one and added tiny confetti stars in another. They looked so cute floating inside.
  • For another ball, I put in some glow-in-the-dark stickers—and they actually glowed in the dark! It was super cool.
  • I made a smaller version too, like a mini-bubble, and it was just as fun to squish.
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What I Learned from This Craft

So, I’ll admit, the first couple of tries weren’t perfect. The Nano Tape is kinda tricky to work with, and it’s easy to get bubbles or wrinkles in the tape if you’re not careful. But once I got the hang of it, it was really satisfying. I ended up making a whole bunch of them!

Tips (From My Experience)

  • Handle the Tape Gently: This stuff is super sticky, so be careful when folding it. If it sticks to itself by accident, it’s almost impossible to separate.
  • Double-Check the Seals: My first ball lost air because I didn’t press the edges down firmly enough. I learned to add an extra layer of tape around the seams just to be safe.
  • Experiment with Sizes: I ended up making some tiny ones that were so cute. Try different sizes—you’ll probably end up with a favorite!

Why This DIY Is So Fun

I love how this project is super versatile. It’s perfect if you just want to keep your hands busy or if you’re looking for a fun project to do with kids. The glittery, squishy balls are so satisfying to squeeze, and I think they’d make great little gifts or party favors.

Plus, they’re a good stress reliever—who doesn’t love squishing a homemade bubble ball after a long day?