Axolotl Paper Squishy Template with Chunky Gills
Our axolotl paper squishy template is a round pink head with three chunky gills on each side, free to print. We kept the gills fat on purpose. Thin ones tear the moment stuffing goes in.
Quick answer
Print at 100 % and colour the gills a deeper pink. Tape both halves, then let an adult cut the gaps between the gills. Join the halves and stuff the gills gently with a pencil. Save this one for older kids, and keep it away from children under three.
Download the axolotl template (PDF)
A pink axolotl head
Ours is just the head. A whole axolotl would need a thin tail, and thin parts tear when you stuff them.
The face has a wide smile and a pale pink patch on the chin. Six gills fan out like little feathers. The back shows a few darker spots instead of a face, so you can tell the halves apart even after the tape is on and everything looks shiny.
The gaps between the gills are cut with the tip of the scissors. That's a job for an adult.
| Big | Small | |
|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 9 x 6 cm | 6 x 4 cm |
| Good for | older kids | careful hands |
| Difficulty | medium, gills | hard, adult cuts |
Making the axolotl squishy
- Print at actual size and colour the gills a shade darker than the head.
- Cover both halves with wide clear tape and press it into the gaps between the gills.
- An adult cuts along the grey border and uses the scissor tip between the gills.
- Tape the halves together with very short strips round each gill.
- Leave the chin open, stuff each gill with a pencil tip, then fill the head.
- Close the chin and squeeze it once.
Stuff the gills gently. Holes are hard to patch there. Our paper squishy guide has more on seams that split. More animals are in the template collection.
Axolotl squishies to squeeze
The axolotl mochi comes with glitter and the glitter axolotl rises slowly. Why these animals took off is in our axolotl, capybara and highland cow guide.
Axolotl Mochi Squishy with GlitterView
Glitter Axolotl Squishy, Slow RisingView
Capybara Squishy, Slow Rising with Turtle or Strawberry HoodView
Tape and scissors for the paper axolotl:
Wide Clear Tape for Paper Squishies, 5.5 cmView
Kids Craft Scissors for Paper Squishies, PlasticView
Polyester Fiberfill for Paper Squishies, 1 kgView
See capybara and axolotl squishies
FAQ
What size is the axolotl template?
The big axolotl is 9 x 6 cm and the small one 6 x 4 cm, grey border included.
Is the axolotl hard to make?
The gills make it harder than a cheese or a toast. With an adult cutting the gaps, older primary school kids can do the rest.
Why did a gill tear when I stuffed it?
Too much stuffing or a long tape strip that lifted at the curve. Patch it with a short piece and use less filling next time.
