Draw custom jewelry designs

What can we use instead if we don't have a thin black marker or special art paper?

If you don't have a thin black marker or the main paper, outline colored shapes with a fine-tip black pen or sharpened dark pencil and use sturdy cardboard or the back of a cereal box as your main paper for the layout and coloring steps.

My templates keep moving while I try to trace them—how can I fix that?

If your scrap paper templates shift when arranging or tracing, secure each template to the clear table or main paper with small pieces of tape or binder clips before you lightly sketch the outlines with the ruler and pencil.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages or skill levels?

For younger children, use large pre-cut scrap paper templates and washable markers and skip precise ruler measurements, while older kids can follow all steps including measuring with a ruler, adding pencil shading for 3D, and writing measurements and suggested materials.

How can we extend or make the jewelry designs more realistic or personal?

Turn designs into prototypes by cutting traced templates from cardboard, attaching actual chains or beads that match the 'suggested materials' notes, add metallic accents with foil or gel pens from your color swatches, and photograph the finished piece to share on DIY.org.