Personify DIY in a Sketch

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.