Learn how to draw Elf on a Shelf in a cheerful seated pose. This step by step drawing practices expressive features, festive clothing, striped legs, and a simple shelf.

What You Will Need

• Drawing paper
• Pencil and eraser
• Black pen or marker

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• Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
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• Crayola Coloring Pencils
• HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!

Time needed:

13 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Draw the Elf Hat

Sketch a floppy rounded cap ending in a circular pom-pom. Add a curved brim with three large pointed sections along its upper edge.

Pro Tip: Keep the brim wide enough to frame the entire face.

Step 2: Add the Face and Ears

Draw pointed ears, short hair, and a broad rounded face beneath the brim. Add shining eyes, brows, a small nose, and an open smile.

Pro Tip: Center the face beneath the tallest point of the hat.

Step 3: Draw the Upper Body

Add a two-point collar and curve the round torso downward. Draw relaxed arms along both sides, ending with cuffs and simple hands.

Pro Tip: Place the hands at the same height for a stable seated pose.

Step 4: Add the Belt and Legs

Wrap a belt around the waist and center its rounded buckle. Draw two bent legs pointing forward, then fill both leggings with curved stripes.

Pro Tip: Curve the stripes around each leg to suggest volume.

Step 5: Finish the Curled Shoes

Add a cuff below each striped leg. Draw broad shoes beneath them with toes curling outward into small spirals.

Pro Tip: Keep the shoe soles aligned and their curls equally sized.

Step 6: Draw the Shelf

Place a long thick shelf behind the hanging legs and beneath both hands. Add two curved support brackets below its left and right ends.

Pro Tip: Use a straight guideline to keep the shelf edges parallel.

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

• The Elf on the Shelf began as a 2005 children’s picture book with a keepsake elf.
• Families often place the elf in a different location during the holiday season.
• A long horizontal shelf clearly establishes the character’s seated pose.

Pin it now, Draw later!

Erase overlaps and strengthen the hat, face, outfit, curled shoes, and shelf. Your easy Elf on a Shelf drawing is complete, so add festive colors and a simple room background.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Elf On A Shelf Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the elf look seated?

Place the hands on the shelf while letting both bent legs hang forward.

Can I change the elf’s expression?

Yes, adjust the mouth and eyebrows while preserving the eye placement.

How can I draw a straight shelf?

Use a ruler or lightly mark two parallel horizontal guidelines.