How to Draw an Hourglass: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

This step-by-step tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 6+ looking to master geometric shapes. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring this vintage timekeeper to life. Follow along to practice symmetry and shading while creating a beautiful piece of art.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

easy man-made

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Top Frame

A pencil sketch of a flattened oval representing the top wooden cap of an hourglass.

Draw a flattened, horizontal oval to serve as the top of the frame. Tip: Make it about the size of a quarter, and use light pressure so it's easy to adjust later.

Step 2: Drawing the First Side Support

Drawing the first vertical support pillar on the left side of the hourglass frame.

Extend two curved lines downward from the left side of the oval. Tip: Imagine you are drawing a gentle 'S' curve to give the support a natural, sturdy look.

Step 3: Mirroring the Second Support

Adding the matching support pillar on the right side to create symmetry.

Repeat the process on the right side. Tip: Try to keep the curve identical to the first one to ensure your hourglass looks balanced and symmetrical.

Step 4: Extending the Frame

Extending the vertical supports further down to define the height of the hourglass.

Continue the side supports downward with another pair of long, curved lines. Tip: Keep your pencil strokes fluid to make the frame look smooth.

Step 5: Shaping the Top Bulb

Sketching the top glass chamber of the hourglass, narrowing at the center.

Draw the top glass bulb by connecting curved lines that narrow toward the center. Tip: The 'neck' of the hourglass is where the sand flows, so make it nice and narrow.

Step 6: Drawing the Bottom Bulb

Drawing the bottom glass chamber, mirroring the shape of the top one.

Extend curved lines from the neck down to the frame to form the bottom bulb. Tip: Keep the curvature consistent with the top bulb for a professional look.

Step 7: Adding the Base

Adding the bottom wooden base of the hourglass with parallel lines.

Close the bottom bulb and draw two parallel lines to create the wooden base. Tip: Ensure the base is wide enough to look like it can support the whole structure.

Step 8: Filling with Sand

Adding sand details inside the glass bulbs, including a mound at the bottom.

Draw the sand mound in the bottom bulb and a flat line for the sand level in the top. Tip: Use small, irregular dots to give the sand a grainy texture.

Step 9: Adding Final Details

Adding final decorative details and wood grain textures to the frame.

Add decorative lines to the wooden frame to give it texture. Tip: Use short, straight lines to represent wood grain.

Step 10: Coloring Your Masterpiece

A fully colored, finished drawing of an hourglass with wooden frame and golden sand.

Color your hourglass! Tip: Use warm browns for the wood and a bright yellow or gold for the sand to make it pop.