Challenge other DIYers to an art trade
Create a small handmade artwork (postcard, drawing, or painted rock), swap with another DIYer, and describe your inspiration before trading with permission.
Step-by-step guide to organize an art trade and create a small handmade artwork
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Step 1
Gather all your materials and put them on a clean table so you are ready to start.
Step 2
Decide whether you will make a postcard drawing a small picture or paint a rock.
Step 3
Lightly sketch your design with a pencil so you have a plan.
Step 4
Add color to your sketch using markers crayons colored pencils or paints.
Step 5
If you used paint let your artwork dry completely before touching it.
Step 6
Write a short sentence about what inspired your artwork on the back or on a small paper.
Step 7
Ask an adult to help you find another DIYer who might want to trade art.
Step 8
Show your finished artwork to the other DIYer so they can see it clearly.
Step 9
Read your inspiration note aloud to the other DIYer and ask if they would like to trade.
Step 10
If they agree pack your artwork safely with the inspiration note inside the envelope or box.
Step 11
Exchange the artwork with the other DIYer with an adult helping if you need to mail it.
Step 12
Say thank you to your trading partner and keep the note that explains their inspiration.
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a postcard or rocks for the art trade?
If you don't have a postcard or rock, use thick cardstock or a small painted piece of cardboard and follow the same steps: lightly sketch with a pencil, add color with markers/crayons/paints, let it dry, then pack it in an envelope or box to trade.
My paint smudged before I could trade—what should I do to fix it?
Follow the instruction 'If you used paint let your artwork dry completely before touching it' by leaving your postcard or painted rock on a clean table in a warm, dry spot or using a hairdryer on low until fully dry before packing it in an envelope or box.
How can I change the activity to suit different ages?
For younger kids, skip the detailed pencil sketch and let them color directly with crayons or washable paints on postcard-sized cardstock while an adult writes the short inspiration sentence, and for older kids encourage detailed pencil sketches, layered paints or colored pencils and a longer inspiration note before asking an adult to help find a trading partner.
How can we make our trade more special or long-lasting?
After the 'let your artwork dry completely' step, add a thin coat of clear acrylic sealer to painted rocks or postcards, tuck a small artist bio with the inspiration note into the envelope, and decorate the envelope before exchanging or sharing the finished creation on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to organize an art trade and make a small handmade artwork
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Facts about art trades for kids
✉️ Swapping handmade art helps kids practise storytelling, sharing inspiration, and making friends across distances!
📏 Artist trading cards (ATCs) are tiny artworks the size of a trading card—exactly 2.5 × 3.5 inches—so they're perfect for swapping and collecting.
🎨 Mail art began in the 1960s as artists swapped creative works through the postal system to connect with people worldwide.
📮 Postcards became a popular and affordable way to send pictures and short messages in the late 1800s.
🪨 The Kindness Rocks Project started in 2015 and encouraged people to paint uplifting messages on stones and hide them for others to find.
How do I organize an art trade challenge where my child creates and swaps small handmade artworks?
What materials do I need for a kids' art trade (postcard, drawing, painted rock)?
What ages is an art trade challenge suitable for?
What safety tips and permissions should I consider for a child's art trade?
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