Modify another DIYer's drawing - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Modify another DIYer's drawing

Take another DIYer's drawing, redraw and modify shapes, add colors or patterns, and explain your creative choices in a short written note.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to modify another DIYer's drawing

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, coloring materials, another diyer's drawing (printout or on screen), pen

Step 1

Gather all your materials and put them on a clean flat surface.

Step 2

Choose the other DIYer's drawing you want to modify and place it where you can see it clearly.

Step 3

Look at the original drawing for one minute and pick three shapes or areas you want to change.

Step 4

Lightly sketch the main outline of the original drawing on your paper with your pencil.

Step 5

Redraw each of the three chosen shapes with new shapes or sizes to change the picture.

Step 6

Add new details and patterns like stripes dots or swirls inside the shapes.

Step 7

Pick your colors and color the modified drawing using your coloring materials.

Step 8

Erase any extra pencil lines and tidy up smudges to make your picture neat.

Step 9

Write a short 2 to 4 sentence note with your pen explaining why you changed the shapes and why you chose your colors and patterns.

Step 10

Attach your note to the back of the drawing or place it beside the artwork.

Step 11

Share your finished creation and your short note on DIY.org.

Help!?

If I don't have the other DIYer's drawing or certain coloring materials, what can I use instead?

If you don't have the other DIYer's drawing, use a printed photo or a picture from a magazine and substitute missing coloring materials with crayons, markers, colored pencils, or a drawing app on a tablet while still following the steps to sketch (step 4), redraw three shapes (step 5), color (step 6) and write your 2–4 sentence note (step 9).

My erasing smudged the paper and the drawing looks messy—how can I fix this during the tidy-up step?

To avoid smudges when you erase extra pencil lines (step 8), sketch lightly with your pencil from the start, use a clean soft eraser, place a scrap sheet under your hand while coloring, and gently brush away eraser crumbs before attaching your note.

How can I change the activity for different ages—what should younger or older kids do differently?

For younger kids, pick only one or two shapes to change (step 3), use chunky crayons and simple patterns in step 6, and help write the short note (step 9), while older kids can alter all three shapes with new proportions, add intricate patterns or shading in step 6, and write a reflective 2–4 sentence note (step 9).

How can we make the finished modified drawing more special before sharing it on DIY.org?

Personalize the modified drawing by adding textures like glued-on yarn or stickers to your changed shapes (steps 5–6), write your 2–4 sentence note on colored paper and attach it to the back (step 9–10), then take a clear before-and-after photo to share on DIY.org (step 11).

Watch videos on how to modify another DIYer's drawing

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Facts about drawing and illustration for kids

🎧 Remix culture lets people mix songs, drawings, or stories to create brand-new works like fan art and mashups!

🧩 Collage was popularized by Picasso and Braque around 1912, turning scraps and pictures into exciting new images.

📜 Creative Commons (founded in 2001) gives artists simple licenses to say how others can reuse or remix their creations.

⚖️ Fair use is a U.S. rule that sometimes allows copying for teaching, commentary, or parody — courts judge it using four factors.

🎨 Andy Warhol and other appropriation artists reused everyday images (like soup cans) to make famous new artworks.

How do I do the activity where a child modifies another DIYer's drawing?

Start by selecting a drawing (with permission). Place tracing paper or use a lightbox/tablet to redraw the main shapes. Change proportions or swap shapes to create a new composition, then add colors, patterns, or textures. Encourage the child to write a short note explaining their creative choices and what they changed. Finish by signing both the original creator (if credited) and the child to teach respect for others’ work.

What materials do I need to modify another DIYer's drawing?

You’ll need the original drawing (print or digital) and paper for the new version. Gather pencils, erasers, fine liners, colored pencils, markers, watercolor or gouache, and brushes. Optional tools: tracing paper, lightbox, ruler, scissors and glue for collage, or a tablet and stylus for digital edits. Also have a notebook or index card for the child’s short written note and a sticker or label to credit the original artist.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This remixing activity suits many ages: preschoolers (3–5) can do simple redraws and color with adult help; early elementary (6–8) can modify shapes and add patterns; upper elementary and middle schoolers (9–13) can experiment with composition, color theory, and written explanations; teens can explore digital edits and deeper creative choices. Adjust complexity, tools, and supervision to match fine-motor and reading levels.

What are the benefits and safety tips for modifying another DIYer's drawing?

Benefits include boosting creativity, visual problem solving, respect for others’ work, and written reflection skills. It strengthens fine motor and observation abilities. Safety tips: supervise scissors, paints, and small parts; use non-toxic art supplies; teach consent by asking permission before modifying someone else’s work; and discuss crediting the original creator. Keep sessions short and positive to maintain focus and confidence.

Ready to create?