Introduction: Fast and Fun: How to Make a Stress Ball

  • Optional: you can wear gloves to prevent your hands from getting cornstarch on them.
  • Grab a friend to help you with this project!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

For this fun project, you'll need:

  • 1 Small Balloon
  • 1 Funnel (Make sure funnel is NOT rubber.)
  • 1 Cup of Cornstarch
  • 1 Pair of Scissors
  • 1 Permanent Marker
  • 1 Small Measuring Cup
  • 1 Pair of Gloves (optional)

Step 2: Blow Up Balloon

  • Blow up the balloon until it is 4-5 inches around. It should be a little bit bigger than your fist.
  • Do not tie it, but keep it inflated the best you can.

Step 3: Pinch the Balloon Closed

  • Pinch the balloon closed, leaving enough room for the funnel to be inserted.

Step 4: Insert the Funnel

  • Keeping the balloon pinched closed, insert the funnel inside of the balloon.

(DO NOT WORRY IF THE BALOON DEFLATES DURING THIS STEP!!)

Step 5: Fill With Cornstarch

  • Using the funnel and measuring cup, begin filling the balloon with cornstarch.
  • Only add SMALL amounts of cornstarch to avoid a clogged funnel.
  • Be sure to keep the neck of the balloon pinched around the funnel.

Step 6: Release Pinched Fingers

  • SLOWLY release your pinched fingers so the cornstarch can slide in the balloon.
  • Do NOT let go of the balloon and release your fingers completely.

Step 7: Finish Filling the Balloon

  • Continue adding cornstarch to the balloon until it is filled about 3 inches.
  • Adding small amounts of cornstarch, swirl the cornstarch around with your finger to work it into the base of the funnel and into the balloon.
  • (If you don't want to use your finger, a pen or other thin object will do just fine.)

Step 8: Squeeze Out Air

  • Pinch out any excess air inside the balloon by pulling tightly on the opening of the balloon.
  • It is important to eliminate any excess air that is inside the balloon in order to have an effective stress ball.

Step 9: Tie It Closed

  • Tie the balloon closed, as close to the cornstarch a possible.

Step 10: Cut Off Excess

  • Use your scissors to cut off the excess part of the balloon
  • Important: do not cut too close to the knot of the balloon

Step 11: Decorate

  • Using your permanent marker, decorate your stress ball any way you would like.