GRID STEP. You can print out the base construction lines and start drawing on tracing paper, or you can draw the grid layout yourself using the following steps.1) Draw a rectangle that will define the conditional proportions and boundaries of the chosen drawing. 2) From the middle of the rectangle, draw one vertical and one horizontal line equally dividing the shape. 3) Draw another horizontal line equally dividing the upper half of the rectangle. Similarly, draw a horizontal line equally dividing the bottom half of the rectangle. 4) Draw a vertical line equally dividing the left half of the rectangle. Similarly, draw a vertical line equally dividing the right half of the rectangle.

STEP 1. Mark off the width and height of the Christmas elf. Define the general shape of his head. Draw a line, which will act as the center of his body.

STEP 2. Draw an oval for the nose. Define the shapes of the ears.

STEP 3. For the tummy, draw an oval, lower than the previous one. Add lines for a frock and boots.

STEP 4. Two ovals will help in drawing a hat. Join them with a smooth line. Mark a belt.

STEP 5. Outline the frock flaps and boot soles.

STEP 6. Draw guidelines for the arms. Define the shape of the trousers.

STEP 7. Delineate two ovals for eyes. Add shapes for the hat, arms and hands. Draw boot vamps.

STEP 8. Further illustrate the Christmas elf by adding more details: pupils, a mouth, collar, buttons and buckles.

STEP 9. Contour, adding more details and grass. Erase all the guidelines.