Make Your Own Emoji

What can we use if we don't have cardstock, a round object to trace, or a safety pin?

If you don't have cardstock use flattened cereal-box cardboard for both circles and the one-inch strip anchor, use a mug or jar lid as the round object to trace, and substitute a brooch back, a folded paperclip loop, or a small magnet instead of the safety pin.

My pin anchor keeps coming loose or the badge falls apart when I try to attach the pin — what should I do?

If the folded loop comes loose (step: glue the folded loop to the back circle), reinforce it by gluing a second small strip across the base, press and clamp the glued area while it dries, or use clear tape or hot glue with adult help before inserting the safety pin.

How can I adapt this activity for toddlers, school-age kids, and older kids?

Have an adult pre-trace and cut the circles and pre-fold/glue the pin anchor for toddlers so they can draw and color the emoji (steps: trace, cut, fold, glue), let school-age kids do the cutting and supervised pin attachment themselves, and challenge older kids to add mixed-media details, laminate the badge, or replace the safety pin with a sewn brooch back for a finished look.

How can we extend or personalize the emoji badge project beyond the basic instructions?

To personalize and extend the project, trace extra circles to make a set (step: trace a second matching circle), seal the colored front with clear glue or laminate for durability, add 3D details like googly eyes or foam stickers, or swap the safety pin for a magnet so the emoji can be used on a fridge before sharing a photo on DIY.org.