Bell Drawing: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
In this guide
Ding-a-ling! 🔔 There’s something so cheerful about a little golden bell, and lucky for us, bell drawing is one of the simplest holiday shapes to master. A bell is basically a rounded scoop with a flat top and a tiny ball hanging inside — three easy pieces that snap together in minutes.
In this guide we’ll shape the bell body first, then add the shine and a bow to make it feel festive. It’s a sweet little doodle to add alongside our easy Christmas tree drawing when you’re trimming a whole scene.
This is a great little doodle to warm up with on a chilly morning, and it’s simple enough that kids can join right in. Once you’ve got the shape down, you can turn a single bell into a whole jingling bunch. Ready your pencil, and let’s make some noise on paper.
What You’ll Need
- Paper
- A pencil
- An eraser
- Optional: gold or yellow markers for a shiny bell
Step 1: Draw the Bell Shape
Start with a shape like an upside-down U that flares out at the bottom, wider than it is at the top. Think of a scoop of ice cream melting outward, or a little tent. This curvy body is the heart of your bell, so keep the sides smooth and let them swing out gently rather than dropping straight down. A soft flare is what gives a bell its friendly, rounded shape.
Step 2: Add the Bottom Rim
Across the bottom, draw a gentle curve to form the open rim, like the edge of a cup seen slightly from below. Then add a second thin line just above it to give the rim some thickness. This makes the bell look hollow and ready to ring.
Step 3: Draw the Top Cap
On top of the bell, add a small rounded knob, like a little button. This is where the bell would attach to a ribbon or a hook. Sit it neatly in the center so your bell looks balanced and tidy.
Step 4: Add the Hanging Loop
Above the knob, draw a little oval loop for hanging. Keep it small and rounded. This tiny loop tells everyone the bell is meant to dangle and swing, which instantly makes it feel more real.
Step 5: Draw the Clapper
Just inside the bottom rim, draw a small circle peeking out — that’s the clapper, the little ball that makes the ringing sound. Let it sit near the center of the opening. It’s a small detail, but it’s what makes a bell a bell.
Step 6: Mark the Shine
On the upper-left of the bell body, lightly outline a soft streak you’ll leave blank. This will become the gleaming reflection later. Mapping it now keeps you from coloring over it. A bright bell needs that shiny patch to really sparkle. ✨
Step 7: Tie On a Bow
Around the loop or knob, add a small ribbon bow with two loops and two short tails. Give the tails a soft curl and a notched end. A little bow turns a plain bell into a proper holiday decoration, cozy and gift-like.
Step 8: Color and Shade
Fill the bell with a warm gold or yellow, coloring around your shine streak. Add darker shading along the bottom-right and just under the rim to give it a rounded, metallic feel. The trick with metal is strong contrast — keep the shine bright and the shadows deep, and the gold will really gleam. A touch of green on the bow ties the whole thing together. 🎨
Tips to Make Your Bell Drawing Even Cuter
- Draw two or three bells clustered together for a jingling bunch.
- Add little curved motion lines beside the bell to show it ringing.
- Try a silver bell with a blue bow for a frosty winter look.
- Give the bell a small holly sprig at the top instead of a bow.
- Sprinkle tiny sparkle stars around it to boost the festive shine.
FAQ
Is a bell hard to draw?
Nope — it’s a flared scoop with a rim, a knob, and a tiny clapper. Those few simple shapes come together into a bell in just a few minutes.
How do I make my bell look shiny?
Leave a blank streak on the upper-left and shade the opposite side darker. That contrast makes the gold look polished and metallic.
How long does a bell drawing take?
About 10 minutes, plus a few more for the bow and coloring. It’s a quick, satisfying doodle for any skill level.
Sketch a few bells in a row and you’ll feel your lines getting smoother with every jingle. 🔔 For more festive draw-alongs, head to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@hobbiesfor_fun. If you loved this, hang a shiny ornament drawing next to your bell next. ✏️
