We all experience stress from time to time, and it’s important to have effective ways of coping with it. Stress balls can be a great tool for relieving tension and anxiety, and making your own can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. If you’re wondering how to make a stress ball with glue, you’re in luck! With just a few simple materials and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a stress ball that’s uniquely tailored to your needs. In this article, we’ll take a look at the step-by-step process of making a stress ball using glue, as well as some tips and tricks for customizing and using your creation.
What You Will Need
Before you start making your own stress ball, you will need to gather a few materials and tools. These items are easy to find and may even be lying around your house. To make a stress ball with glue, you will need some glue, cornstarch, water, a balloon, and a valve stem tool or chopstick. Having trouble with your glue gun? Check out our guide on how to use a glue gun for crafts to make sure you’re doing it correctly.
Materials
For making a stress ball with glue, you will require the following materials:
- Balloons: You will need balloons to make the stress ball. We recommend using small balloons that can easily fit in your palm.
- Glue: Elmer’s liquid glue works best for making stress balls, but any other liquid glue will also work.
- Liquid Starch: Liquid starch is used to make the slime-like consistency of the stress ball. You can buy liquid starch from a local store, or you can make it at home using cornstarch.
- Water: You will need water to dilute the glue and create the slime-like consistency of the stress ball.
- Sand or Flour: This is an optional ingredient that can be used to give the stress ball a more satisfying weight and texture. If you choose to include sand or flour, use it in small amounts.
Make sure you have all the materials before beginning the stress ball making process. If you need to get any of the materials listed, you can find them at your local craft store or online.
If you are unsure about how to use the glue, check out our article/link about how to insert glue stick in glue gun and if you are looking for another fun DIY project, you can learn how to make resin charms with hot glue with our other article/link: how to make resin charms with hot glue.
Tools
When it comes to the tools required for making a stress ball with glue, you don’t need any specialized equipment. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Balloon: The material that will form the outer layer of the stress ball
- Glue: The star ingredient that will help to create the squishy texture
- Liquid starch: This will help to thicken the mixture and add extra squish
- Bowl: A large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients
- Spoon: For mixing everything together
- Scissors: To cut off the top of the balloon
It’s worth noting that you may want to protect your work surface, as glue can be messy. You could use a disposable tablecloth or some old newspapers to cover your workspace. Once you have gathered all the materials, you can move onto the step-by-step instructions.
If you’re interested in learning more about glues, you may find it helpful to check out other articles on this website. For example, if you’re wondering how long you can leave a hot glue gun on, there’s an article that covers that topic. Or, if you’re curious about how to stop a glue gun from dripping, that’s also something you can learn more about. And if you’re interested in using glue for other craft projects, there are articles on topics like how to glue sand to paper or how to make sticky tack with liquid glue.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the necessary materials and tools, it’s time to start making your own stress ball. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your very own DIY stress ball. You don’t need to be an expert to complete this project, just have some patience and creativity. And if you ever need to fix a bike tube with super glue or wonder how long you can leave a hot glue gun on, check out these helpful guides here and here. Now, let’s get started!
Step 1: Squeeze Out the Glue
Step 1: To begin making your stress ball, you’ll need to squeeze out the glue. Choose a clear or white school glue for best results. You’ll want to use a full bottle of glue, which is typically 4 ounces.
| Tip: | If you’re struggling to squeeze out the glue, try warming it up by soaking the bottle in warm water for a few minutes. This can help the glue flow more easily. |
Once you have your glue ready, you can move on to the next step of making your stress ball. If you’re wondering what to do with the leftover glue, try using it for a fun glue project! You could choose to glue sand onto paper, or perhaps make some sticky tack with liquid glue. Whatever you choose, make the most of your leftover materials.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
After you have squeezed out the glue into the mixing container or bowl, it is time to add the rest of the ingredients to create the stress ball. For this project, you will need cornstarch and water. The cornstarch is what gives the stress ball its unique texture, while the water helps to make everything mix together smoothly.
To measure out the ingredients, you can use a measuring spoon or cup. It is important to use the correct measurements to achieve the desired consistency. In this case, you will need 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
| Materials | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
Once you have measured out the ingredients, you can add them to the bowl with the glue. It is important to add the ingredients slowly and to mix them thoroughly as you go. This will help to ensure that everything is well combined and that there are no lumps or bumps in the mixture.
Note: If you want to add any coloring or glitter to your stress ball, this is the stage where you should do it. Simply add a few drops of food coloring or a pinch of glitter to the mixture and stir until well combined. If you need ideas on how to color your stress ball with sand, check out our article on how to glue sand to paper.
Continue reading to see the next step in creating your very own DIY stress ball at home.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Now, it’s time to mix everything together. This step is crucial as it will determine the quality and consistency of your stress ball. Before starting, make sure that all the ingredients are well-distributed inside the balloon.
To mix everything together, grab the balloon and start kneading the contents. Make sure to hold the balloon open with one hand while using the other hand to squeeze the contents inside. Repeat this process several times until the glue, water and flour are completely mixed together.
TIP: For easier mixing, use a funnel to add the ingredients into the balloon. Using a funnel ensures that the ingredients are spread evenly and reduce the likelihood of creating clumps.
You can also try using different balloon sizes to change the texture and size of your stress ball. If you want a firmer stress ball, use less water and more flour. Conversely, if you want a more squishy stress ball, add more water and less flour.
If you want to add some color to your stress ball, consider adding a few drops of food coloring into the mix. You could also add some glitter for a more visually appealing stress ball.
Take your time when shaping your stress ball as it could easily burst if not handled properly. Once you’ve achieved your desired shape, pinch the opening of the balloon and twist it several times to seal it.
TIP: If you find that your stress ball is too sticky, dust a bit of flour onto the surface to reduce stickiness.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully made your stress ball! It’s time to sit back, relax, and start squeezing away your stress. But before you go, check out some of our other DIY articles on glue-related projects like how hot is a glue gun? or how to stop a glue gun from dripping.
Step 4: Seal the Balloon
After mixing the ingredients, it’s time to seal the balloon. First, push all the air out of the balloon to make it easier to work with. Then, stretch the neck of the balloon over the mouth of the cup to hold it open. This will help you fill the balloon easily.
Once the balloon is securely positioned on the cup, use a spoon to fill the balloon with the glue mixture. Be sure to fill the balloon almost to the top, but don’t overfill it as this will make it difficult to shape the stress ball in the next step.
When you have filled the balloon, gently remove it from the cup and make sure to keep the opening pinched shut with your fingers. This will prevent the glue mixture from spilling out while you seal the balloon.
Next, carefully tie a knot in the opening of the balloon to seal the stress ball. Make sure the knot is tight to prevent the glue mixture from leaking out. If you’re having trouble tying the knot, you can also use a rubber band to close the opening.
Once the balloon is securely sealed, use scissors to trim off any excess rubber that may be sticking out from the knot. Be sure not to cut too close to the knot as this may cause it to come undone.
With the balloon now sealed, you’re ready to shape your stress ball. If you want to make multiple stress balls, simply repeat steps 1-4 with another balloon and mix a new batch of ingredients.
If you enjoyed this DIY project, you may want to learn how to make sticky tack with liquid glue as well. Another fun project is learning how to glue sand in a jar, which makes for a great decoration or gift idea.
Step 5: Shape Your Stress Ball
After sealing your balloon, you’ll notice that it has an uneven shape from the excess glue and air pockets. Don’t worry, it’s easy to fix! Using your fingers, gently mold and shape the balloon into a round shape. You can also use your thumb and index finger to pinch and shape the balloon into different forms.
To make your stress ball more comfortable to hold, you can wrap it with another balloon or sock. This will add a layer of softness and texture to your stress ball.
If you want a more creative look, try adding some decorative elements to your stress ball. You can use markers to draw on the balloons or add stickers. Alternatively, you can add glitter, which will make your stress ball sparkle and shine.
Another way to create a unique stress ball is by adding food coloring. Simply mix a few drops of your favorite food coloring into the glue mixture before adding it to the balloon. This is a fun way to add some color to your stress ball and make it more personalized.
The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different shapes and sizes. You can even try making stress balls with different materials like sand, which you can learn how to do in our article about gluing sand in a jar. With a little imagination and creativity, you can make stress balls that are both fun to play with and effective at relieving stress.
Customize Your Stress Ball
Now that you have made your very own stress ball, it’s time to get creative and give it a unique touch that reflects your personality. With just a few simple additions, your DIY stress ball can go from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some ideas to inspire you to customize your stress ball and make it truly your own.
Add Food Coloring
To add some color and personalization to your stress ball, you can add food coloring. Here are some tips for adding food coloring to your stress ball:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Start with a small amount | Food coloring can be very potent, so start with just a drop or two to see how much color it adds. You can always add more if needed. |
| Use a toothpick | To avoid getting too much food coloring in your stress ball mixture, use a toothpick to add tiny drops of color. This will also help you control the intensity of the color. |
| Mix well | Once you’ve added your food coloring, be sure to mix the ingredients well to evenly distribute the color. You don’t want any lumps of color in your stress ball. |
| Experiment with different colors | You can use any color of food coloring you like to create a stress ball that matches your personality or mood. Have fun mixing different colors together to create unique shades. |
Just remember, a little food coloring goes a long way, so use it sparingly and mix well for best results.
Add Glitter
Adding glitter to your stress ball not only makes it look more fun and attractive, but it also adds an extra tactile sensation when you squeeze it. Here are the steps to add glitter to your stress ball:
| Materials: | Tools: |
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Step 1: Follow the instructions for making the basic stress ball, up until the point where you have mixed together the glue and borax solution.
Step 2: Using a spoon, add a small amount of glitter to the mixture. Start with a little bit, as a little glitter can go a long way. You can always add more later if you want.
Step 3: Mix the glitter into the solution until it is evenly distributed. If you find that the glitter is clumping together, try using a funnel to add it to the mixture.
Step 4: Continue with the rest of the stress ball-making process, by pouring the solution into the balloon, tying off the end, and shaping the ball.
With these simple steps, you can add a little bit of sparkle to your stress-relief routine. Plus, you can customize the amount and type of glitter you use to create a stress ball that is uniquely you. Give it a try and see how much more enjoyable it is to squeeze a glitter stress ball!
Use Different Balloon Sizes
One fun way to customize your stress ball is to use different balloon sizes. Varying the size of the balloon can result in stress balls with different levels of firmness. For a softer stress ball, use a larger balloon. If you want a stress ball with more resistance, try using a smaller balloon. Additionally, using different balloon sizes can also create stress balls of varying shapes and sizes.
Some sizes to consider trying out include 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch balloons. You can purchase these balloons in multi-packs at your local party store or online. Alternatively, you can experiment with different sizes of balloons that you have at home.
To use a different size of balloon, follow the same steps outlined in the previous section, tweaking the amount of ingredients to get the desired consistency. When shaping the stress ball, you can also experiment with different shapes and sizes depending on the size of the balloon. For example, smaller balloons can be molded to make stress balls that fit in the palm of your hand.
Using different balloon sizes can also make it fun and interesting to experiment with making stress balls as you can see how the various sizes and shapes affect the overall feel of the stress ball. So grab a variety of balloons and get creative with your stress ball making!
Tips and Tricks
As you learn to create DIY stress balls, you may encounter some challenges along the way. Don’t fret! There are easy solutions to common problems that beginners face. Below we have gathered some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your stress ball making journey is a smooth one. These tips will help you create stress balls that are perfect for squeezing away your stress and anxiety. So, let’s dive into the useful tricks that will make your stress ball making process a breeze!
Use a Funnel for Easy Mixing
Mixing the ingredients for your DIY stress ball can be a little messy and tricky. One way to make it easier is to use a funnel. This will help guide the ingredients, especially the cornstarch, into the balloon without making a mess.
Why use a funnel?
A funnel is a great tool to help transfer the cornstarch and flour mixture directly into the balloon. This ensures that you don’t end up with a mess on your hands, and that you get the precise amount of ingredients into the balloon.
How to use a funnel for easy mixing
Using a funnel can be a lifesaver when making your stress ball. Follow these simple steps to use a funnel:
| Step 1: | Take a medium-sized funnel, and place it in the opening of the balloon. |
| Step 2: | Mix the cornstarch and flour mixture in a separate bowl, ensuring that there are no clumps. |
| Step 3: | Pour the mixture into the funnel slowly, using a spoon to push it in if it gets stuck. |
| Step 4: | Continue to fill the balloon with the mixture until it is about the size of your palm. |
| Step 5: | Remove the funnel from the balloon and tie it off. |
Other helpful tips
In addition to using a funnel, here are some other tips that can help you make your stress ball with ease:
- Use a mixing bowl that is deep enough to prevent the mixture from spilling over.
- Make sure that you mix the ingredients thoroughly so that the stress ball has an even consistency.
- If you don’t have a funnel, you can use a rolled piece of paper to make a makeshift funnel.
By using a funnel, you can make your DIY stress ball in no time and without any mess. So, gather your materials, follow these instructions, and make your own stress ball at home.
Make Different Shapes
As mentioned before, a stress ball can really help you relax and relieve stress. However, that doesn’t mean that it has to be a boring round ball shape. In fact, making different shapes is a great way to personalize your stress ball and make it even more fun to use. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Animal Shapes: Use a permanent marker to draw on the balloon and create animal faces or use different colored balloons to make different animals. A yellow balloon can become a chick while an orange balloon can become a tiger.
- Fruit Shapes: Create mini fruits with your stress ball by using a permanent marker to draw details such as a pineapple, watermelon, or kiwi patterns on the balloon.
- Sport Shapes: If you’re a basketball or soccer fan, you could design your stress ball to look like your favorite ball. Just draw the pattern on with a permanent marker and you’re good to go.
- Emoji Shapes: Use a permanent marker to draw different emojis on your balloon, such as the heart eyes emoji, the sunglasses emoji, or the laughing emoji, to make your stress ball even more expressive.
The possibilities for shapes are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different designs. Making unique shapes is a fun way to customize your stress ball and turn it into a fun conversation starter. Not only will it be a useful tool for relieving stress, but it will also be a unique and personal accessory that you can carry around with you.
Squeeze Slowly for Longer-Lasting Stress Relief
One tip for getting the most out of your DIY stress ball is to squeeze slowly when using it. This method can lead to longer-lasting stress relief.
When you squeeze a stress ball too quickly or forcefully, you might experience immediate relief, but the effect can quickly wear off. This is because the quick squeeze only releases a small burst of tension and doesn’t give your muscles enough time to fully relax.
On the other hand, squeezing slowly and steadily allows your muscles to gradually release tension, leading to a more sustained feeling of relaxation. This method also helps to increase blood flow to your hands and fingers, which can help to further reduce stress and tension.
To get the most out of your slow squeeze technique, try holding the stress ball for several seconds while gradually increasing the pressure. Hold the squeeze for a few seconds, then release slowly. Repeat this process several times for maximum results.
Take a few minutes throughout the day to use your stress ball in this way, and you’ll likely notice a significant difference in your stress levels and overall sense of well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a stress ball with glue is a simple and fun DIY project that can provide hours of stress relief. With just a few materials and tools, you can create a customized stress ball that fits your personality and style.
So what are you waiting for? Gather the necessary supplies and follow the step-by-step instructions above to create your own stress ball. Don’t forget to get creative and add food coloring or glitter for added visual interest.
Remember, stress balls are not only great for stress relief but can also improve hand strength and dexterity, making them a great addition to your daily routine. Plus, they make great gifts for friends and family who could use a little bit of stress relief in their lives.
So go ahead and get crafty! Create your own unique stress ball and leave your worries behind. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and sizes to find the perfect stress ball for you. And always remember to squeeze slowly for longer-lasting stress relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a stress ball really help reduce stress?
Yes! Squeezing a stress ball can help channel nervous energy and reduce tension, helping to relieve stress.
What type of glue should I use?
A strong, clear, and non-toxic PVA glue is recommended for this project. Elmer’s Glue All is a great option.
What type of balloons should I use?
Regular-sized latex balloons are the best option. Avoid using water balloons as they may pop easily.
Can I add scent to my stress ball?
Yes! You can add essential oils or scented oils to your stress ball to add a calming or invigorating scent.
Can I use sand instead of flour?
Yes! You can use either sand or flour to fill your stress ball, whichever you have available or prefer.
Is it okay to overfill my stress ball?
No, overfilling your stress ball may cause the balloon to burst prematurely. Keep the balloon slightly flexible for the best results.
What if I don’t have a funnel?
No problem. You can make a funnel out of paper or plastic to help fill your balloon with ease.
How long will my stress ball last?
With proper care, your stress ball can last up to several weeks or even months. Avoid squeezing too hard or for extended periods of time.
How should I clean my stress ball?
Wipe your stress ball with a damp cloth to clean it. Avoid soaking your stress ball as this may cause it to break down quickly.
Can kids make this stress ball?
Yes, kids can definitely make this stress ball with adult supervision. It’s a fun and easy project that can help children express their creativity while also providing stress relief.