How to Draw a Compass Rose

1. Begin by drawing a small circle. This forms the center of the compass.

2. Extend four sets of lines from the compass center. Each set should meet at a sharp point. These are called rays and indicate the four cardinal directions.

3. Draw a straight line down the center of each ray.

4. Draw two circles around the center of the compass. Notice how they are partially hidden by the rays.

5. Draw four more rays extending from the center of the compass. First, draw straight lines between the existing rays and the middle circle.

Then, extend the lines beyond the outer circle. Allow the lines to meet at a sharp point. Notice that these rays are shorter than the original rays. They indicate the intercardinal directions.

6. Draw a straight line down the center of each of the remaining rays.

7. Draw a circle that meets the tips of the intercardinal rays. Then, draw another, slightly larger circle just outside it.

8. Draw lines across the circle - one at the tip of each intercardinal ray, and halfway between the intra cardinal and cardinal rays.

9. Write the abbreviation for each of the cardinal directions at the appropriate ray.

Write an "N" for "north" at the top, an "S" for "south" at the bottom, a "W" for "west" to the left, and an "E" for "east" to the right. Notice that the fancy script employs serifs, or short lines, at the ends of each stroke.

Color your compass rose. Traditional colors include blue, red, and gold.