Kawaii Dumpling Container Paper Squishy

What you'll need

• 80–100 gsm paper
• 160–180 gsm card for Q0, Q1, Q2, L, H
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Paper glue
• Clear tape
• Soft tissue filling

Assembly overview

1. Print, label and cut. Choose color OR coloring, A4 or Letter. Print all 3 sheets on 80–100 gsm paper at 100% / Actual Size; Fit to Page off. Check the 50 mm line. For Q0, Q1, Q2, L, H, print their sheets again on 160–180 gsm card and use ONLY those parts. Keep G01–G12, T and B on thin paper. Color first, label blank backs, then cut 19 pieces once; decorative lines are not cuts.
2. Shape the twelve gores. G01–G12 are the twelve curved shell panels of ONE bun. Keep the narrow tip at the top. Pre-fold the five dashed cross-lines gently so each panel follows the rounded side profile. Keep the printed pleat strokes as decoration, not extra cuts.
3. Tape G01 to G02 edge to edge. Match G01’s right edge to G02’s left edge, pictures outward. Align the top, bottom and every cross-fold level. The paper edges touch without overlap. Bridge each section with short transparent tape outside; press the tape against both panels as the seam bends.
4. Make the first half shell. Continue G02 → G03 → G04 → G05 → G06. Use the same edge-to-edge seams. Pre-shape each cross-fold as you go; do not flatten the completed curved shell. Keep the top and bottom openings free.
5. Make the second half shell. Join G07 → G08 → G09 → G10 → G11 → G12. Keep the narrow tips at the top. The two eyes sit on G02 and G12, on either side of the mouth on G01. Do not reorder the printed panels.
6. Join the two halves. Match G06’s right edge to G07’s left edge and tape the full seam outside. Then close G12’s right edge against G01’s left edge. Match all cross-fold levels. All twelve gores now form ONE rounded shell; the top and bottom are still open.
7. Close the small top T. Fit the twelve edges of T against the twelve short top edges. Printed face stays outside. Attach one edge, then its opposite, then the remaining edges with short tape pieces. Hold the shell from inside through the large bottom opening. Do not force T inside the opening.
8. Fill through the open bottom. Turn the bun upside down. Add loose soft tissue through the full bottom opening. Spread lightly toward the shoulder and keep the panel folds in shape. Leave space for B to lie flat against the twelve lower edges. Do not stuff the small top cap separately.
9. Close the bottom B. Fit B’s twelve edges to the twelve lower shell edges, printed face outward. Tape one edge and its opposite first, then tape every remaining edge. Use short overlapping tape at corners. Keep filling away from the seam; no new hole is needed.
10. Inspect the rounded bun. Check all twelve vertical joins and both cap perimeters. The surface has gentle facets from the paper panels. Let adhesive settle before pressing gently. Reinforce a lifting tape edge instead of pulling the shell apart.
11. Form the four box walls. Fold Q1 and Q2 at 82 and 164 mm. Glue Q1’s 8 mm J end behind Q2’s plain start, then Q2’s J end behind Q1. This creates four 82 mm walls, 55 mm high. Keep both ends open and support the joins while drying.
12. Attach square floor Q0. Fit Q0 across the lower 82 × 82 mm opening. Tape all four edges from the wall onto Q0’s underside, overlapping at corners. Support the floor from the open top. This box stays hollow; do not add stuffing.
13. Fold the lid L. Fold L’s four 12 mm sides downward around its 84 × 84 mm center. Bring each pair of short corner edges together and tape outside. The paper edges meet without overlap. Test the cap over the box before attaching the hinge.
14. Attach the rear hinge H. Fold H along its center. With the lid closed and centered, place the crease at the lid’s lower rear edge. Glue the upper 9 mm half onto the OUTSIDE of the rear lid skirt, and the lower half onto the OUTSIDE rear wall of the box. Keep glue off the crease. Let dry and open gently.
15. Put the bun inside and close. Place the sealed 72 mm bun inside the 82 mm box. Its height is about 52 mm, below the rim. Close the lid gently; its 84 mm inner width provides clearance. The bun remains removable. Do not glue the lid front shut or flatten the bun to close it.