"The Nutcracker" is a work written by the German storyteller Amadeus Hoffmann. A ballet was later created based on the fairy tale of the same name, which became very popular. The main character, the Nutcracker, was originally a prince who was turned into a nutcracker by the evil queen.
It is quite easy to draw a toy, and the resulting sketch can become a cover for New Year's decorations. Children and adults can handle the simple step-by-step instructions.
Pencils, paper and supplies
To create a drawing you will need the following set of tools:
- 2 simple pencils (with hard and soft lead);
- a sheet of thick white paper;
- eraser and sharpener;
- compasses (it is better for younger children to use round shapes);
- set of rulers.
Additional materials include paints and colored pencils, as well as brushes of different sizes and palettes for mixing colors.
Using geometric shapes
Nutcracker (drawing for children in pencil) - a device for cracking nuts. It consists of a base in the form of a soldier doll with a large jaw. A nut is placed in the mouth of the toy. There is a small braid at the back that you need to pull to close the jaws.
Step by step process of execution
Algorithm for performing work:
Stage | Description of the stage | Image |
1 | Place the album sheet in a horizontal position. Visually (or with a soft pencil) divide the sheet into equal parts vertically and horizontally. Determine the center of the sheet. Draw a rectangle stretched vertically. Its long side should be 2 times larger than the short one. The upper part should be slightly larger than the lower part. | ![]() |
2 | Using a ruler, draw 2 identical rectangles at the bottom of the drawing, ending at the bottom of the sheet. The thin rectangles should be the same size, located at the same distance from the center line. | ![]() |
3 | Add hemispheres to each thin rectangle at the bottom. All parts of the drawing should be the same size. Visually measure half of a small rectangle. Just below the measured point, draw a horizontal line dividing the figure into several parts. | ![]() |
4 | Draw the shoulders at the top of the large rectangle. As an additional element, you can use a compass, which will help you draw even semicircles. They should be similar in size to the previously drawn Nutcracker's boot toes. | ![]() |
5 | From the previously drawn shoulders, draw 2 lines down on each side, which will form thin rectangles - the character's arms. They should be equal in length to the Nutcracker's legs, but not intersect the lower edge of the body.
Add small circles to the bottom of the hands - fists. For convenience, you can use a compass or a small form. | ![]() |
6 | Draw a long rectangle at the top of the sheet. It should run along the middle line of the sheet, occupying approximately half of the body size. Divide the rectangle with a thin horizontal rectangle of a small size.
On the figure that forms the character's body, draw a thin horizontal rectangle at the bottom - the suit belt. And also add buttons - 3 small circles in 2 rows, connected by thin parallel lines. | ![]() |
7 | Draw the Nutcracker's hair using zigzag lines. Draw the beard in the same way. Add teeth, eyes and eyebrows. | ![]() |
The resulting image can be colored. In the classic version, the Nutcracker is dressed in a red uniform.
For older children
The Nutcracker (a drawing for older children) is very popular because it is a positive character. For many children, it is a model of nobility and courage. It can be drawn with smooth lines than in the previous version, where figures are used to create the image.
Step by step process of execution
Step-by-step process of completing the work:
- On a clean sheet of paper, draw a long horizontal line and also draw a vertical line at the bottom. This drawing will be the basis for the future character.

- Divide the previously drawn horizontal line into 3 parts using short vertical lines. Their approximate location can be seen in the figure.
- In the middle of the horizontal line, draw a small, vertically elongated rectangle.
- Draw an inverted trapezoid in the upper part of the drawing. Instead of the lower edge, add a vertically elongated oval to create volume for the element.
- Connect the lines and figures with smooth lines to form the outlines of the body and head. The lines should be symmetrical, as well as correct and even. For drawing, it is better to use a pencil with a soft lead so that it is possible to correct the lines.
- Using a ruler, draw 2 long legs that end at the original horizontal line. Add small semicircles at the bottom that will form the toes of the Nutcracker's boot.
- Draw a thin, elongated rectangle just below the head, as shown in the picture. Use the eraser to remove all unnecessary elements and auxiliary lines.

- From the previously drawn long rectangle - shoulder strap, draw 2 elongated rectangles. The arms should reach the belt, but not cross its lower border.
- Remove the guide lines between the legs and boots to form a cohesive image.
- Detail the limbs. Draw 2 parallel vertical lines, having previously marked the middle of the character's legs. Using these elements, you can mark the edge of the shoe.
- Add an inverted trapezoid that will form the Nutcracker's gloves and hands. Use oval shapes to form the character's hands. Draw the edges of the shoulder straps with square shapes.
- Detail the belt by adding a buckle of any shape. Draw a rounded detail on the top of the hat.

- Draw wavy hair from under the hat. Decorate the shoulder straps with horizontal dashed lines.
- Mark the jawline with an oval. Add a long beard that ends in the middle of the body.
- Detail the Nutcracker's mouth by adding large teeth. Detail the General's headdress by adding a border to the hat and various geometric shapes - optional.
- Draw the character's eyes, add a nose, eyebrows and a thick mustache.
The image can be shaded or colored - at your choice. When coloring, you can use paints or pencils.

Algorithm for performing work:
- Paint the base of the hat and the belt of the suit in blue.
- Mix brown and yellow on the palette. Use the resulting dirty shade to paint the Nutcracker's pants and the base of the gloves. Use the same shade to paint the decorative elements of the hat.
- Paint the Nutcracker costume red. Paint the shoulder straps alternating red and brownish shades.
- Paint the nutcracker's shoes and hair black.
- Paint the "beard" with a grayish tint.
- Mix pink and white on a palette and paint over the hands and face.
- Draw the remaining elements in any colors of your choice.
You can change the palette of the drawing as you wish.
With the help of smooth lines
The Nutcracker (drawing for children of grades 2-3 in pencil) as a cartoon character is a smoother and neater figure than a wooden toy. To color the finished drawing, you can use paints or pencils.
Step by step process of execution
Algorithm for performing work:
- On a clean sheet of paper, draw an inverted letter "D". It should be located at the top of the sheet, in the middle of the vertical line. For convenience, you can first draw a barely noticeable vertical line crossing the sheet in the middle, or visually measure the desired point.
- At the bottom of the previously drawn figure, draw a rectangle with smooth lines – the character’s neck. Using a ruler or by hand, outline the Nutcracker’s body. It resembles a smooth trapezoid or an asymmetrical rectangle that connects to the collar, forming sharp shoulders.
- Also attach an elongated, vertical rectangle with soft lines to the lower part of the body. This shape will form the belt of the Nutcracker costume, and will also mark the middle border of the body.

- Add rectangles to form the Nutcracker's coat. Later, you will need to add the character's pants and shoes, so the "tails" should not be too wide or long.
- From the edge of the collar, draw rounded isosceles triangles - future shoulder straps. From the edge, draw elongated rectangular figures, the edge of which begins from the middle of the body, and the lower border ends behind the tails of the coat. On the lower border, add cuffs and edges of the hands.
- Draw the legs. They resemble a three-dimensional letter "L". The legs need to be drawn up to the knee, since the Nutcracker's shape suggests high soldier's boots.
- Add more volume to the boots. Also draw a small fold along the heel line.
- Using an eraser, remove all auxiliary lines and correct some features. The image should be clean and neat.
- Add chest decoration shapes using long rectangles that intersect in the middle of the torso.
- At the top of the drawing, draw a wide rectangle with curved lines, and also add a small rectangle that connects to the base of the hat on the sides.
- Decorate the character. Add the remaining elements of the form, the belt buckle. Also draw the face - eyes, eyebrows, nose and long mustache.
The resulting image can be colored with paints or shading elements can be added. You can also diversify the background of the drawing by decorating it in a New Year's style.
Using a "framework"
The Nutcracker (drawing for children with a simple pencil using lines) is a rather complex character. It is quite difficult to draw it using lines, since all elements are based only on basic lines.
Step by step process of execution
Step-by-step process of completing the work:
- At the top of the clean sheet, draw a slightly elongated horizontal oval. Divide its 4 uneven parts with short parallel lines.
- Draw a long line at the bottom of the oval, using it as a basis for the body. Form a rectangle, the lower border of which does not connect to the sides.
- Divide the rectangle into equal parts with a horizontal line.
- From the bottom edge of the rectangle, draw 2 parallel long lines that will become the basis for the Nutcracker's legs. Place the figures on the sheet as shown in the picture.
- Draw the lines of the body and arms, add voluminous legs. The lines are curved, so it is recommended to focus on the provided image and the anatomical structure of the characters.
- Work on the Nutcracker's facial features. Use the top line as a base for drawing thin, curved eyelids.
- Place a wide mustache on the bottom line. They resemble large drops pointing in different directions from each other.
- Draw hair on the sides using zigzag lines.
- Draw the jaw and collar of the Nutcracker costume using straight and clear lines. Add a belt where the body narrows, and also add the outline of the buckle.
- In the middle, mark a place for the “jaw” to crack nuts.
- Draw the inside of the Nutcracker's legs. The lines should be straight and rounded at the bends. It is recommended to isolate the knees and toes from the main elements for convenience.
- Add a round stand for the toy – as shown in the picture.
- Finish drawing the Nutcracker's knees and socks, add lines for the arms, isolate the shoulder straps. Draw the cuffs of the suit.
- Draw thick, bushy eyebrows above the eyelids. Add a trapezoid-shaped hat. Immediately decorate the wardrobe element with vertical parallel lines.
- Draw round eyes and add a nose. Draw uneven large teeth.
- Decorate the shoulder straps with vertical parallel lines.

- Add decorative elements to the suit. Draw a buckle on the belt.
- Draw the Nutcracker's fists. Add a sword sheath to the right side of the character.
On the resulting image, it is necessary to delete all unnecessary lines. The resulting sketch can be colored and shaded.
Coloring pages
The Nutcracker is a fairly popular character that children get to know at an early age. If a child is unable to draw, or is not interested in this process, you can offer a useful alternative - coloring ready-made drawings.
The following images can be used as a basis:
- small children should pay attention to single characters without a background. This option does not distract the child from the main character, allows him to get to know its structure better and study the main lines. This option is suitable for preschoolers;
- Older children, or those who are more interested in drawing, will prefer a character surrounded by some kind of background. In this version, you can study not only the structure itself, but also in what situations it is appropriate to use this or that character.
The background also reflects the character of the hero, and the large space for creativity develops the child’s imagination;
- You shouldn't limit yourself to a single character format. The toy can look different - depending on the author's idea and the plot. It is recommended to combine colorings if several options are used. This also develops imagination, gives more opportunities for creativity;
- It is also relevant to get to know the main character in combination with other characters. This option is suitable for older children. Such images develop imagination and fine motor skills of hands due to the combination of many small elements.
New characters have not only a personal color palette, but also a unique story, which can also be told to the child and interest him. Coloring books can be the first step in learning to draw for a child. They allow you to introduce the child to all the elements of drawing, as well as lay the foundation for basic knowledge.
The Nutcracker is a character with a rich history. Amadeus Hoffmann first noticed the toy at a fair where Johann Hiemann had brought them in large quantities. To sell the toy, the peasant walked almost 300 km on foot with a cart, but still received a good profit.
The nutcracker was liked by the storyteller, so he depicted it in his children's book "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King". The book was published only at the beginning of the 19th century, and in the 21st century a modern Russian artist drew illustrations for it, which were included in many publications.
Video about drawing
Nutcracker drawing for kids: