Personify DIY in a Sketch
Draw and design a character that personifies a DIY tool or project, using pencils, markers, and simple props to tell a story.
About this tutorial
Draw and design a character that personifies a DIY tool or project, using pencils, markers, and simple props to tell a story.
What you need
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Choose one DIY tool or project to personify like a hammer a paintbrush or a birdhouse.
- 2
Step 2
Write three words on a sticky note that describe the tool's personality.
- 3
Step 3
Write a name for your character that matches those three words.
- 4
Step 4
Lightly sketch the basic body shape of your character on the paper with your pencil.
- 5
Step 5
Add tool-specific features to the sketch such as a handle bristles screws or a roof.
- 6
Step 6
Draw a face and an expression that shows the character's personality.
- 7
Step 7
Sketch accessories and small props that will help tell the character's story.
- 8
Step 8
Attach the real simple props to the drawing using glue or tape.
- 9
Step 9
Trace the final important lines of your character with a marker to make them bold.
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Step 10
Color your character using your colouring materials.
- 11
Step 11
Write a one-sentence backstory on a sticky note about what your character loves to do.
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Step 12
Place the backstory sticky note next to your drawing.
- 13
Step 13
Make any final touchups to colors lines or props so your character looks finished.
- 14
Step 14
Share a photo or scan of your finished character and its story on DIY.org with help from an adult.
Fun facts
How do you do a "Personify DIY in a Sketch" activity?
Start by picking a DIY tool or project (hammer, paintbrush, birdhouse). Brainstorm personality traits—brave, shy, helpful—and sketch simple shapes to form a character. Add facial features, limbs, or clothing that reflect the tool’s job. Use pencils for outlines, markers for bold colors, and props (fabric scraps, googly eyes) to add texture. Finish with a short caption or mini-story that explains who the character is and what they love to do.
What materials do I need for "Personify DIY in a Sketch"?
Gather plain drawing paper or cardstock, pencils and eraser for sketching, fine-tip markers and colored pencils for coloring, and a black marker for outlines. Add simple props like googly eyes, fabric scraps, craft sticks, tape, and glue to attach details. Optional items: scissors (adult-supervised), stickers, and a ruler. Keep materials organized in a tray so children can experiment safely and cleanly.
What ages is "Personify DIY in a Sketch" suitable for?
This activity suits a wide age range: preschoolers (4–6) can do simple shapes and stick-on props with adult help; elementary kids (7–10) can develop personalities, draw details, and write short captions; tweens and teens (11–15+) can explore character design, backstory, and mixed media. Adjust complexity, tools, and supervision to match fine-motor skills and attention span for the best experience.
What are the benefits of doing "Personify DIY in a Sketch" with children?
Personifying tools builds creativity, storytelling, and observational skills by asking kids to think about purpose and personality. It strengthens fine motor control through drawing and cutting, and supports language development when they describe or write a character’s backstory. The exercise encourages problem-solving and empathy by imagining objects with feelings, and is great for boosting confidence as children invent and share original characters.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of sticky notes, glue, or a marker if they’re not available?
Use small cut squares of printer paper taped next to the drawing instead of sticky notes, secure real simple props with double-sided tape, paperclips, or folded paper tabs if glue is missing, and use a dark pen or colored pencil to trace the final important lines when you don't have a marker.
My real props keep falling off or the marker smudges—what should we do?
Let glue dry fully before tracing or coloring, press down glued or taped real simple props firmly and use small pieces of tape on edges for weighty items, and test your marker on scrap paper to avoid smudging before you trace the final important lines.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, have an adult pre-sketch the basic body shape and pre-cut simple props so they can choose three words and color, while older kids can add complex tool-specific features, shading with their colouring materials, a richer one-sentence backstory, and prepare a polished photo to share on DIY.org.
How can we make the character more unique or continue the project after finishing?
Add movable parts with brad fasteners to the handle or roof, build a small shoebox diorama to attach the real simple props inside, create a series of personified tools to display together, or scan/share the drawing and its backstory on DIY.org as a mini portfolio.