Draw Yourself as an Elf with DIY Star CraftyUnicorn10
Draw yourself as an elf with colored pencils, then make a simple paper star ornament to decorate or wear, practicing cutting, coloring, and creativity.
About this tutorial
Draw yourself as an elf with colored pencils, then make a simple paper star ornament to decorate or wear, practicing cutting, coloring, and creativity.
What you need
Instructions
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Step 1
Gather all the materials and spread them out on a clean table.
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Step 2
Look in a mirror or at a photo and pick three elf features you want to have like pointy ears a funky hat and a colorful outfit.
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Step 3
Use your pencil to lightly sketch the head and shoulders of yourself on one sheet of paper.
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Step 4
Draw the elf features you chose such as pointy ears a hat and hair on your sketch.
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Step 5
Draw eyes a nose and a big smile so your elf looks happy.
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Step 6
Color your elf with colored pencils using bright shades and fun patterns.
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Step 7
Take a second sheet of paper and draw a star shape large enough to decorate or wear.
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Step 8
Decorate the star with colors patterns or little designs to match your elf.
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Step 9
Carefully cut out the star with scissors while an adult watches.
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Step 10
Make a small hole near the top of the star with the tip of your scissors or a pencil.
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Step 11
Thread the string through the hole and tie a knot to make a hanging loop.
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Step 12
Glue the star onto your elf drawing if you want to decorate the picture.
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Step 13
Tie the string into a loop to wear the star as a necklace if you want to wear it.
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Step 14
Share your finished elf drawing and star ornament on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I draw myself as an elf and make a simple paper star ornament?
To draw yourself as an elf, start by sketching an oval face and add pointy ears, a small upturned nose, and an elfish hat. Use light pencil lines, then add hair, clothing details, and cheerful facial features. Color with colored pencils, layering shades for depth. For the paper star ornament, fold cardstock or paper, cut a simple five-point star (use a template), decorate, punch a hole, and thread ribbon to hang or wear.
What materials do I need to draw myself as an elf and make a paper star?
You'll need white drawing paper or light cardstock, a pencil and eraser, colored pencils (or crayons), child-safe scissors, a star template (print or draw), glue or tape, a hole punch, and string or ribbon to hang or wear. Optional extras: glitter glue, stickers, metallic pens, or felt for a sturdier ornament. For young children choose thicker paper and blunt-tipped scissors to make cutting easier and safer.
What ages is drawing yourself as an elf and making a star ornament suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers through tweens with the right support. Ages 4–5 can enjoy coloring and simple cutting with adult help. Ages 6–9 often manage drawing details and using child-safe scissors independently. Ages 10–12 can add more advanced shading and decorate the star with finer details. Always supervise scissors and small adornments with younger kids, and adapt complexity to each child's fine-motor skills and attention span.
What are the benefits and fun variations of this elf portrait and paper star craft?
Benefits include boosting creativity, self-expression, fine motor development and planning skills as children draw features and cut shapes. It encourages confidence by turning a self-portrait into a wearable ornament. Variations: use felt or foam for a plush star, make a double-layered star for dimension, try watercolor backgrounds, or create a family garland of elf-portraits. For safety avoid loose glitter with toddlers and choose non-toxic materials.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of colored pencils, string, or a mirror if we don't have them?
Swap colored pencils for crayons or washable markers, use yarn or ribbon in place of the string, and use a printed photo instead of a mirror when choosing three elf features so you can still complete the sketch and coloring steps.
My star tore when I tried to thread the string—what should I do?
If the star tears, reinforce the hole area with a small piece of tape or glue a scrap of paper behind it before poking the hole with the pencil tip and then thread the string as directed to make a sturdy hanging loop.
How can I adapt the steps for a 4-year-old versus a 10-year-old?
For a 4-year-old, pre-draw the head and have an adult help with cutting and hole-making using safety scissors, while a 10-year-old can add detailed patterns, mix colored pencils and markers, and make the star wearable as a necklace per the tying step.
How can we make the elf drawing and star more special or last longer?
Enhance the project by gluing on sequins or glitter before cutting, laminating the star or covering it with clear tape to preserve it, and gluing the finished star onto the elf picture or sharing the photo on DIY.org as the final step.