How to Draw a Jar of Love: Easy 10-Step Guide

Create a heartfelt gift that lasts! This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 5 and up, requiring only a pencil, paper, and your favorite markers. Follow these steps to practice layering shapes and lettering, resulting in a charming, personalized illustration.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished illustration of a glass jar filled with hearts, perfect for Valentine's Day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Lid

A simple rectangular outline for the lid of a jar drawn on white paper.

Draw the lid by creating two long, horizontal lines connected by short curves at the ends. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape if it looks a bit lopsided.

Step 2: Adding Lid Texture

The jar lid with added vertical hatch marks to create a textured metal appearance.

Add texture to the lid by drawing two horizontal lines across it, then filling the space with short vertical lines. Tip: Think of this as drawing the 'teeth' of a screw-top lid—keep the lines evenly spaced.

Step 3: Drawing the First Side

The left side of a glass jar outline extending down from the lid.

Draw the left side of the jar using a short curved line near the lid and a longer, sweeping curved line for the body. Tip: Use a fluid motion with your wrist to get a smooth, rounded curve.

Step 4: Mirroring the Side

The jar outline now complete with both left and right sides drawn.

Repeat the process on the right side to create a symmetrical jar body. Tip: If you struggle with symmetry, try drawing a faint vertical center line to use as a guide.

Step 5: Closing the Base

The bottom of the jar is closed off with a curved line to complete the container shape.

Connect the two sides at the bottom with two curved lines to form the base. Tip: A slightly rounded bottom makes the jar look like it has volume and depth.

Step 6: Starting the Hearts

Several heart shapes drawn inside the jar outline, some overlapping.

Begin filling the jar with hearts. Draw two full hearts and a few that are partially cut off by the jar's edge. Tip: Varying the sizes of the hearts makes the drawing look more natural and 'full'.

Step 7: Layering Hearts

More hearts added to the jar, creating a dense, layered effect.

Continue adding more hearts, allowing them to overlap. Tip: When drawing overlapping shapes, draw the front-most heart first, then draw the ones behind it to avoid messy erasing.

Step 8: Filling the Space

The jar is now completely filled with various sizes of heart shapes.

Fill any remaining gaps with smaller hearts to make the jar look packed with love. Tip: Don't worry about perfect placement; a scattered look is often more charming.

Step 9: Adding Messages

Hearts inside the jar now feature handwritten messages like 'Love you' and 'XOX'.

Write sweet notes like 'Love You' or 'XOX' on the larger hearts. Tip: Use a fine-tip pen for the lettering and try to dot your 'i's with tiny hearts for an extra cute touch!

Step 10: Adding Color

The finished Jar of Love drawing, fully colored with vibrant reds and pinks.

Bring your drawing to life with color! Use reds, pinks, and purples for the hearts. Tip: Leave a small white sliver on one side of the jar to simulate a glass reflection—it makes the jar look real!