About This Project

A 5–10 minutes craft for ages 6–12, using supplies you likely already have — Balloons, Beans, and Plastic Bottles.

GlueStick supports kids from setup to cleanup. After they choose a project, we guide them through gathering the supplies, making it, and cleaning up when they're done. We'll even help them share it safely with trusted family and friends.

Ad-free and kid-safe library — designed by a mom who wants kids to explore and create independently.

This project is perfect for:
Project Tags
  1. 1

    Find Supplies

    Do you have everything you need?
    Create a free GlueStick account to track supplies and see if you have what you need at a glance. Leave your kids tips about where supplies are stored in your household so they can set up and clean up their creative spaces independently.
    00:00
    A cartoon of Balloons
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
    Allergen
    A cartoon of Beans
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
    A cartoon of Plastic Bottles
    Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
  2. 2

    Make How to Make a Bean Stress Ball

    Your creative buddy says:
    "Let's stick together and make this one!"

    Heads up! Some supplies may trigger allergies. Check with a grown-up before using them.

    Step 1: Prep your funnel

    SHARP! Grown-up required
    Cut off the bottom of the water bottle to make a funnel.

    Step 2: Blow up one balloon

    Blow up ONE balloon to stretch it out. Let it deflate.

    Step 3: Fill the balloon

    Place the balloon around the neck of the bottle. Use the bottle as a funnel to pour beans inside. Go ahead and stuff the balloon full, smashing them in with your finger or a wooden spoon handle. Remove the balloon from the bottle. You may need to snip the neck.

    Step 4: Wrap with more balloons

    Cut the neck off 2 or 3 more balloons. Place a balloon over the bean ball, making sure the opening of the first balloon is centered in the bottom of the balloon. Layer one or two more balloons, always making sure the openings do not overlap so beans don't spill out.
  3. 3

    Clean up

    Put things away so your space is tidy for next time.

    Reminder, this project used supplies that may trigger allergies. Store them safely!

    Tidy up our space

    Put away our supplies

    Check off each supply when it is put away — and any clean-up tips underneath are done too. You might find a fun surprise!

    • A cartoon of Balloons
      Where they belong:
    • A cartoon of Beans
      Where they belong:
    • A cartoon of Plastic Bottles
      Where they belong:

    Update what we have left

    Did we run out of anything while making this project? Update our supply cupboard so that we know exactly what we have for next time.

    This project could unlock 1 creative buddy. Sign in to unlock them.

  4. 4

    Save

    Your creative buddy says:
    "Great job!"

    Made something awesome? Keep going.

    Your first project is free. Create your free GlueStick account to keep making — and discover projects you can do with the supplies you already have.

Upcycle supplies you already have in a flash

Snap a photo of your recycling bin, junk drawer, or fridge and GlueStick finds projects you can make right now with the supplies you already have — no store trip, no expensive kits, just more creative afternoons together.

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