How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf

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Learn how to draw a great looking Elf on the Shelf with easy, step-by-step drawing instructions, and video tutorial, plus FREE printable pages.

By following the simple steps, you too can easily draw a perfect Elf on the Shelf.

​Step by Step Instructions for Drawing​ the Elf on the Shelf

How to Draw a Great Looking Elf on the Shelf for Kids and Beginners - Step 1

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 01

1. Begin by drawing the elf's head. Start with a long, curved line to outline the shape of the face and jaw. Use a "C" shaped line to form the ear, and another curved line to continue the hairline. Use another long curved line to craft the top of the head. Then, use a series of curved lines, meeting in points, to outline the shape of the hair upon the forehead.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Drawing - Step 2

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 02

2. Draw a curved line beneath the head to enclose the neck. Extend two curved lines outward from the neck. Then, connect the lines using a zigzag line, forming the collar of the elf's garment.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Drawing - Step 3

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 03

3. Extend a long, curved line from one side of the collar. Double the line back upon itself until it almost reaches the collar. This is the elf's arm. Then, draw a curved line across the end of the arm to indicate the hand.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Drawing - Step 4

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 04

4. Draw two long curved lines from the opposite side of the collar. Allow them to meet the first arm so that it appears that the two arms overlap. Draw a curved line across the bottom of the arm to form the hand.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Drawing - Step 5

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 05

5. Draw a curved line descending downward from each of the elf's arms to begin outlining the torso.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Drawing - Step 6

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 06

6. Use curved lines to sketch in the bent legs, filling the space between the torso and the arms. Beneath the hands, extend two curved lines that double back upon themselves. Band the shapes with curved lines to differentiate the legs and feet.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Drawing - Step 7

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 07

7. Use a long, curved line to enclose a curved shape on top of the elf's head. Above this, enclose a curved triangle. This forms the elf's pointed hat.

Add More Details to Your Elf on the Shelf Picture - Step 8

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 08

8. Detail the elf's smiling face. Use curved lines to craft the mouth, nose, inner ear, and eyebrows. Use circles for the blushing cheeks, and ovals for the eyes. Detail the pupils, and use small curved lines to indicate the eyelashes.

Complete the Outline of Your Elf on the Shelf Drawing - Step 9

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 09

9. Give the elf a shelf on which to sit. Use straight lines to draw an angled rectangle beneath him. Draw short lines down from each corner, and connect them using long straight lines, giving the shelf a three-dimensional appearance.

Color Your Elf on the Shelf Drawing

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf Step 10

Color your elf on the shelf. His outfit is typically red with white details.

For more great Christmas & Winter drawing tutorials, see the 43 Easy and Fun Christmas & Winter Drawing Ideas post

Check out our character drawing guides, where you'll find Santa Claus, the Grinch, and more.

Easy, step by step Elf on the Shelf drawing tutorial
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Learn More About The Elf on the Shelf Drawing

The Elf on the Shelf began as a children's book published in 2005, entitled The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.

The story recounts the tale of a "scout elf," sent by Santa Claus to watch children from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve.

Each night, the elf reports on whether the children have been naughty or nice.

Scroll down for a FREE PRINTABLE PDF of this tutorial.

Accompanying the book is a small plush elf, which the family can use to perpetuate this tradition in their own home.

Each night, the elf is moved to a different location, and each morning, the children make a game of finding where he hides.

The Elf on the Shelf has appeared in an animated television show entitled An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf. The product line has expanded to include additional elf dolls, plush "elf pets," and a birthday tradition book.

A Jewish counterpart called Mensch on a Bench was also released for Hanukkah celebrations.

Would you like to draw the Elf on the Shelf? This easy, step-by-step elf drawing guide is here to help.

All you will need is a pencil, pen, or marker and a sheet of paper. You may also wish to color your finished drawing.

If you liked this drawing tutorial, see also the following guides: Fairy drawing, Grinch drawing, and Santa Claus drawing.

Elf on the Shelf Drawing Tutorial - Easy & Fun Printable Pages

The following printable pages are FREE to all readers.

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See a Google Web Story of this Elf on the Shelf Drawing Tutorial.


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