Taba Squishies: DIY Guide

Introduction

• Recent research in China on Taba squishies
• Video covers making Tabas and sourcing materials

Materials Needed

• New type of silicone essential for creating Tabas
• Available in Taba squishy kits
• Recommended to buy from AliExpress, Timu, and Amazon (in that order)

Important Tips

Epicenter for Taba Products

• Epicenter: Shu App (Chinese Instagram with shopping function)
• Useful to contact silicone factories directly for advice
• Bottle B can make squishies softer; recommended ratio 1:2

Types of Taba Squishies

• Example 1: Emoji squishy (bounces back quickly)
• Example 2: Taba with water texture (spreads out like a liquid)
• Example 3: DIY squishy made at a crafting shop (Yi Art Workshop in Solana Mall, Beijing)

Mold Selection

• Taba squishies are fragile; need special demolding methods
• Use thin, flexible molds designed for puddings, gummies, or chocolate
• Avoid solid silicone molds
• Thin molds can be flipped inside out easily

Essential Supplies

• Vaseline: Best mold release; apply thin layers
• Gloves and Masks: Essential for handling silicone, paint, ink, flocking powder, etc.

Mixing Taba Silicone

Tools and Methods

• Flat wooden lolly sticks recommended (reduce air bubbles)
• Weighing scales or laundry cups for precise measurement
• Default mixing ratio: 1:1, softer texture: 1:2

Coloring Methods

• Oil-based pigments: Best for liquid silicone, require small amounts
• Mica powder: Less reliable, can affect curing process
• Water-based ink: Least recommended, forms balls, needs extensive mixing

Pouring Techniques

• Delayed Pour: For separate colors; let one layer partially cure before adding next
• Marbled Pour: For abstract designs, pour multiple batches simultaneously

Cleaning Up

• Wipe excess gel with paper towel, don’t wash with water
• Cure and peel off cured silicone

Curing Time and Textures

• Typical curing: 3 hours
• Softer squishies (more solution B): longer curing time
• Different squishies may have different textures (Mochi squishy vs. Taba squishy)

Packaging and Decoration

Packing Tips

• Pack Taba squishies underwater to prevent sticking to the bag
• Use gloves for hygiene

Decoration Options

• Pom poms, cabochons, chunky beads
• DIY kits: contain squishy gel, bunny molds, mixing tools

Adding Color and Detail

• Colored silicone for permanent details
• Acrylic paint: less durable, good for personal use
• Powdered pigments: blusher or pastel dust for subtle details
• Needle felt eyes for a contrasting effect

Play and Storage

• Taba squishies can be played with inside or outside the bag
• Baby powder can be used to reduce stickiness
• Flocking powder for a fluffy layer

Final Tips

• Use alternative keywords (pinch toy, decompression toy, squishy glue) for easier search
• Products may become more widely available over time (like nanotape)

Conclusion

• Tutorial offers extensive guidance and tips
• Patience is required for acquiring the right materials
• Joanna encourages viewers to start their own Taba squishy projects