Make a character contest w/ DIY Star @loltocalover

All Activities

Design and build an original character and a DIY star badge, then host a friendly contest to showcase costumes, stories, and creative performances.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to run a kids' character contest with a DIY star badge

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How to create your own Gacha Character | Digital Art for kids | #doitwithdiy

What you need

Paper, pencils, colouring materials markers crayons colored pencils, cardboard, safety scissors, glue stick, tape, fabric scraps or old clothes, string or ribbon, stickers and decorations, safety pins or clothespins, masking tape, adult supervision required

Step 1

Pick a fun character name and write one short sentence about who they are.

Step 2

Draw your character on paper showing their outfit face and any cool details.

Step 3

Make a short list of the costume pieces and props you will need.

Step 4

Cut costume pieces from fabric scraps cardboard or old clothes using safety scissors.

Step 5

Attach the costume pieces to a shirt or outfit using glue tape or safety pins.

Step 6

Cut a star shape from cardboard to make your DIY star badge.

Step 7

Decorate the star badge with colours stickers and write your character name on it.

Step 8

Attach a ribbon or a safety pin to the badge so you can wear it.

Step 9

Build a small stage or backdrop from a cardboard box and masking tape.

Step 10

Make simple scorecards with three categories such as costume story and creativity.

Step 11

Invite friends or family to the contest and tell them the time and simple rules.

Step 12

Call up each performer one at a time to present their character for up to two minutes.

Step 13

Ask judges to use the scorecards to give points after each performance.

Step 14

Share photos or a short video of your character badge and contest on DIY.org and tag @loltocalover

Help!?

I can't find safety scissors or fabric scraps—what can I use instead?

If you don't have safety scissors or fabric scraps for the 'Cut costume pieces' step, use blunt-end craft scissors or have an adult cut old T-shirts, felt, construction paper, or cereal-box cardboard as safe substitutes.

My costume pieces won't stay on the shirt—how can I fix that?

If pieces peel off during 'Attach the costume pieces,' reinforce them by using safety pins through fabric, applying fabric glue and letting it dry fully, or stitching small sections for extra hold.

How can I adapt the activity for younger or older children?

For preschoolers, pre-cut the pieces and use tape in the 'Attach the costume pieces' step with very short presentations and simplified scorecards, while older kids can cut with safety scissors, sew or hot-glue details, build a more elaborate 'Build a small stage' backdrop, and film performances for DIY.org.

What are some ways to make the contest more creative or personal?

To enhance the contest, personalize the cardboard star from 'Cut a star shape' with layered materials, glitter, or stickers, add a ribbon or badge clip as instructed, include LED tea lights or colored paper on your 'Build a small stage' backdrop for lighting, and create extra scorecard categories before sharing photos or videos tagged @loltocalover on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to run a kids' character contest with a DIY star badge

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How To Make a Pokemon Game in RPG Maker - Part 26: Character Outfits

Facts about character design and costume-making for kids

🎨 Many famous characters started as tiny doodles — designers often refine a simple sketch into a full costume, backstory, and name.

🎭 'Cosplay' comes from 'costume play' — fans not only wear costumes but sometimes act, pose, and perform as characters.

🌟 DIY star badges can be made quickly from cardboard, foil, and a safety pin or sticker backing — great for instant awards!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Hosting a friendly character contest helps kids practice storytelling, teamwork, and public speaking while having fun.

🎬 Costumes are only part of it — skits, theme songs, and little performances often steal the show in character contests.

How do I organize a Make-a-Character contest with DIY Star @loltocalover?

Start by explaining the theme and rules, then give kids time to design and build an original character and a DIY star badge. Set up stations for crafting, sewing, and painting, allow rehearsal time for short performances, and arrange a simple stage area. Invite family or friends to judge friendly categories like Best Costume, Best Story, and Most Creative Performance. Finish with photos, prizes (stickers or ribbons), and positive feedback for every child.

What materials do I need for a character design and DIY star badge contest?

Gather basic craft supplies: cardboard, cardstock, fabric scraps, felt, markers, paints, glue sticks, craft glue, child-safe scissors, tape, string, safety pins, and a hole punch. Add decorative items like sequins, buttons, stickers, and ribbons. Include templates for star badges, name tags, a camera, speaker for music, judging sheets, and a prize box. Keep a few adult-only tools (hot glue gun, utility knife) for supervised use.

What ages is this Make-a-Character activity suitable for?

This activity suits ages 4–12 with adjustments: preschoolers (4–6) can decorate pre-cut shapes and tell short stories with adult help; ages 7–9 can design and assemble simple costumes and badges; ages 10–12 can plan character backstories and more complex builds. Always match tools and expectations to skill level, provide supervision for cutting or gluing, and offer simpler or more advanced challenge options so every child feels successful.

What safety tips should I follow during a DIY character contest?

Prioritize supervision and age-appropriate tools: restrict hot glue guns, needles, and sharp blades to adult use or close supervision. Use non-toxic paints and flame-resistant fabrics, check costumes for tripping hazards and loose small parts, and set a safe crafting zone with good lighting. Keep a first-aid kit nearby, limit performance stage height, and remind kids to move slowly on stage. Clear rules and calm organization reduce accidents and keep the event fun.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Make a character contest w/ DIY Star @loltocalover

Design and build an original character and a DIY star badge, then host a friendly contest to showcase costumes, stories, and creative performances.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to run a kids' character contest with a DIY star badge

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to create your own Gacha Character | Digital Art for kids | #doitwithdiy

What you need

Step 1

Pick a fun character name and write one short sentence about who they are.

Step 2

Draw your character on paper showing their outfit face and any cool details.

Step 3

Make a short list of the costume pieces and props you will need.

Step 4

Cut costume pieces from fabric scraps cardboard or old clothes using safety scissors.

Step 5

Attach the costume pieces to a shirt or outfit using glue tape or safety pins.

Step 6

Cut a star shape from cardboard to make your DIY star badge.

Step 7

Decorate the star badge with colours stickers and write your character name on it.

Step 8

Attach a ribbon or a safety pin to the badge so you can wear it.

Step 9

Build a small stage or backdrop from a cardboard box and masking tape.

Step 10

Make simple scorecards with three categories such as costume story and creativity.

Step 11

Invite friends or family to the contest and tell them the time and simple rules.

Step 12

Call up each performer one at a time to present their character for up to two minutes.

Step 13

Ask judges to use the scorecards to give points after each performance.

Step 14

Share photos or a short video of your character badge and contest on DIY.org and tag @loltocalover

Help!?

I can't find safety scissors or fabric scraps—what can I use instead?

My costume pieces won't stay on the shirt—how can I fix that?

If pieces peel off during 'Attach the costume pieces,' reinforce them by using safety pins through fabric, applying fabric glue and letting it dry fully, or stitching small sections for extra hold.

How can I adapt the activity for younger or older children?

What are some ways to make the contest more creative or personal?

Watch videos on how to run a kids' character contest with a DIY star badge

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How To Make a Pokemon Game in RPG Maker - Part 26: Character Outfits

Facts about character design and costume-making for kids

🎨 Many famous characters started as tiny doodles — designers often refine a simple sketch into a full costume, backstory, and name.

🎭 'Cosplay' comes from 'costume play' — fans not only wear costumes but sometimes act, pose, and perform as characters.

🌟 DIY star badges can be made quickly from cardboard, foil, and a safety pin or sticker backing — great for instant awards!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Hosting a friendly character contest helps kids practice storytelling, teamwork, and public speaking while having fun.

🎬 Costumes are only part of it — skits, theme songs, and little performances often steal the show in character contests.