Make a Gacha Character w/ DIY Star XxSquirrelyLoloXx

What can we use if we don't have cardstock, beads, or a black marker?

Use a flattened cereal or shoebox piece as the character card instead of cardstock, sequins or small punched paper circles for beads, and a fine-tip black pen or permanent Sharpie in place of the black marker.

My marker bled and colors smudged when I traced and colored—what should I do?

When you trace over your pencil lines with the black marker, test the marker on scrap paper first and use a fine-tip pen or let each colored area dry fully before coloring next to it to prevent bleeding and smudging.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, pre-draw simple body shapes and let them choose three traits and color with crayons while skipping the cutting and tiny accessories, and for older kids, add detailed hairstyles, layered clothing designs, glue beads and buttons during the 'Decorate the cutout' step, and write more complex stats on the cardstock card.

How can we make the finished Gacha character more special or lasting?

After you attach your cutout character to the card, personalize it by laminating the card or using a brad for movable limbs, adding layered paper clothing or sewn-on beads from the 'Decorate the cutout' step, and writing a short backstory on the card before sharing on DIY.org.