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.
About this activity
Create a small handmade artwork (postcard, drawing, or painted rock), swap with another DIYer, and describe your inspiration before trading with permission.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials and put them on a clean table so you are ready to start.
- 2
Step 2
Decide whether you will make a postcard drawing a small picture or paint a rock.
- 3
Step 3
Lightly sketch your design with a pencil so you have a plan.
- 4
Step 4
Add color to your sketch using markers crayons colored pencils or paints.
- 5
Step 5
If you used paint let your artwork dry completely before touching it.
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Step 6
Write a short sentence about what inspired your artwork on the back or on a small paper.
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Step 7
Ask an adult to help you find another DIYer who might want to trade art.
- 8
Step 8
Show your finished artwork to the other DIYer so they can see it clearly.
- 9
Step 9
Read your inspiration note aloud to the other DIYer and ask if they would like to trade.
- 10
Step 10
If they agree pack your artwork safely with the inspiration note inside the envelope or box.
- 11
Step 11
Exchange the artwork with the other DIYer with an adult helping if you need to mail it.
- 12
Step 12
Say thank you to your trading partner and keep the note that explains their inspiration.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I organize an art trade challenge where my child creates and swaps small handmade artworks?
Set clear rules: choose size (postcard, small drawing, painted rock), timeline, and whether trades are local or mailed. Ask permission from each child’s caregiver and exchange contact details only with parental consent. Have the child create their artwork, write a short inspiration note, and package it safely. Arrange a supervised swap in person or via mail, and follow up with a thank-you. Emphasize respectful responses and that participation is voluntary.
What materials do I need for a kids' art trade (postcard, drawing, painted rock)?
Gather basic art supplies: paper or blank postcards, pencils, crayons, markers, watercolor or acrylic paints, paintbrushes, and sealant for rocks. Add scissors, glue, stickers, and labels for the inspiration note. For mailing, include envelopes, padded mailers, clear plastic sleeves, and return address labels. Ensure non-toxic materials and pack items securely to avoid damage. Parents should provide any mailing supplies and help with postage.
What ages is an art trade challenge suitable for?
Art trades work for a wide range: preschoolers (3–5) can decorate postcards or rocks with adult help; school-age kids (6–10) can plan a simple piece and write a short inspiration note with minimal supervision; tweens and teens (11+) can create more detailed work and manage safe swaps. Adjust complexity, supervision, and rules to match each child’s motor skills, attention span, and comfort with sharing their creation.
What safety tips and permissions should I consider for a child's art trade?
Always get written permission from caregivers before exchanging art or contact details. Never share home addresses or personal info without parental oversight. Supervise in-person swaps in public or trusted settings, or handle mailing through a parent. Use non-toxic art supplies and label any small parts that could be choking hazards. For online swaps, share photos instead of live locations and agree on privacy rules with other families ahead of time.
Watch & Learn
Need 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.