Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Making a stress balloon
• Necessities
• Tips
• Warnings

You can easily make a stress ball using materials that you probably already have at home. You only need a balloon, as well as suitable filling material. If you want to make a stress ball that looks more like a store stress ball, sew one using the second method.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Making a stress balloon

1. Grab three empty balloons. Make sure they are all the same size and shape. Do not use water balloons, as they are too thin and weak to make a stress ball.
2. Choose a filling. For an average stress ball that fits in your palm, you need about 160 to 240 grams of filler material. You can use the following materials:
   • To make a sturdy stress ball, use flour, baking soda or cornstarch (also known by the brand name Maizena).
   • To loosen up a stress ball, use dry rice, lentils, small beans, split peas, or play sand available at a hardware store.
   • Mix a small amount of dry rice with flour to make a stress ball that falls in between. Such a stress ball lasts longer than a balloon that is only filled with flour.
3. Sew a sock or piece of thick fabric around the memory foam. An old sock is a strong shell for your stress ball, but you can also use a thick piece of fabric. Trim the sock or piece of fabric to make a clean round shape for the memory foam. Your stress ball is now ready.

Necessities

Balloon method:

• Three empty balloons of the same size and shape (no water balloons)
• About 160 to 240 grams of flour, baking soda, cornstarch, fine play sand, dry rice, lentils, beans or split peas
• Funnel or plastic bottle

Sewing method:

• Needle and thread
• Sock
• Memory foam
• Small rubber ball

Tips

• To decorate your stress balloon, cut small holes in the outer balloons so you can see the other color of the bottom balloon through the holes.
• You can easily decorate the ball with a waterproof marker.
• By filling the balloon with cornstarch and a small spoonful of water, you get a stress ball that is soft when you are gentle with it and becomes firm when you squeeze it hard. Wait about 20 minutes before using the stress ball so that the Maizena can get wet. This type of stress ball does not last as long.
• It is a good idea to use more than three balloons. Your stress ball will last longer.
• If you are using a mixture of water and cornstarch, don't use too much water. Otherwise the mixture will become too runny.
• Make sure not to overfill the balloon.
• Fill the balloon with Orbeez and use transparent balloons.
• Using kinetic sand will help you squeeze and enjoy the stress ball better.

Warnings

• If the filling material contains water or salt, the rubber of the balloon may weaken and the stress ball will wear out more quickly.