How to Draw a Paper Clip (Easy Step by Step)
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A paper clip with a smiling face is a fun way to practice long, smooth curves. It is built from a tall pill shape, a smaller pill inside it, a tilted folder in front, and a couple of papers peeking out behind. Because everything is tilted a little, the drawing feels lively even though the shapes are simple.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 6 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw a paper clip step by step
How to Draw a Paper Clip · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The bent wire
Draw a tall, tilted pill shape with a rounded top and rounded bottom. Then draw a smaller pill inside it, leaving a gap, and stop the inside line partway down on the right side. Let the outer line on the left run a little lower and stop.
Step 3: The front folder
Draw a tilted rectangle with softly rounded corners across the bottom of the clip. Its top edge starts at the left side of the clip and, after the clip, picks up again on the right side, so the clip looks like it is holding the folder.
Step 4: The back paper
On the right, draw a line that starts at the clip, goes right, turns a corner, and runs down past the folder edge. Finish with a little curve at the bottom where it tucks behind the folder.
Step 5: The little tab
On the left, draw a short bump that starts at the clip, goes left, turns a corner, and runs down to meet the folder. It looks like a tab on a second folder peeking out from behind.
Step 6: The happy face
Inside the clip, draw two small dots for eyes. Under them, draw a small curved smile like a tiny bowl.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your paper clip? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a stapler or how to draw a chalkboard next.
Tips for drawing a paper clip
- Draw the outer pill first and the inner pill second, keeping the same gap all the way around so the wire looks even.
- Let the inner line stop early on the right side. That open end is what makes it look like a real bent wire.
- Tilt the folder rectangle the same way as the clip, so they look like they belong together.
Free paper clip coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this paper clip coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your paper clip drawing
Try a silvery gray or a bright blue clip with a yellow manila folder and white paper. For a creative twist, color each paper a different pastel.
Paper clip fun fact for kids
The paper clip most people use is called the Gem clip, and it is made from one piece of bent wire with two loops. It holds paper with just the springy squeeze of the metal, with no glue or staples.
Questions about drawing a paper clip
What shapes do I need to draw a paper clip?
You need a tall pill shape, a smaller pill shape inside it, and a tilted rectangle with rounded corners for the folder. Two thin papers peek out behind it, and the smile is just a small curve and two dots.
How do I make the paper clip look like it is holding the papers?
Draw the folder's top edge so it touches the clip on the left and picks up again on the right. Because the clip lines stay unbroken, it looks like the clip is gripping the folder.
How do I make my paper clip look cuter?
Place the eyes and smile in the middle of the inner pill and keep them small. Wide-set dots and a gentle smile give it a friendly look.
