17 Cross Drawing Ideas: Simple, Meaningful, and Beautiful Ways to Create

Sharing is caring!

Have you ever seen a hand-drawn cross and thought, “I wish I could draw something like that”? The good news is, you absolutely can. Cross drawings are not only timeless and symbolic, but they’re also wonderfully simple for beginners. Whether you’re sketching for Easter, journaling, home décor, or just a peaceful moment of creativity, cross art can be as basic or detailed as you like.

In this guide, we’ll explore 17 inspiring ways to draw crosses, each one beginner-friendly, easy to personalize, and perfect for any skill level. You don’t need fancy tools or art training, just a pencil, paper, and a little imagination.

So grab your sketchbook (or even a napkin!), and let’s dive in. You’ll be amazed by how expressive something as simple as two lines can become once you add your own creative touch.

---

Key Takeaways

• You can create beautiful cross art with just a pencil and paper.
• Every cross design can be customized with shapes, shading, or patterns.
• Mistakes often lead to more interesting, one-of-a-kind drawings.
• Try mixing your cross with flowers, words, or abstract designs for extra meaning.
• The process is calming, mindful, and rewarding, no perfection needed.

---

#1: Simple Cross Outline

Start with two intersecting lines, one vertical, one horizontal. Make the vertical line a bit longer, then round the edges or leave them sharp. This basic shape is perfect for beginners and can be dressed up later with patterns or shading.
Pro tip: Try lightly sketching your lines first, then darken once you’re happy with the proportions.

#2: Wooden Cross

Give your cross a rustic feel by adding wood grain texture. Draw short, uneven lines along the length of each arm to mimic wood. You can even add tiny nail marks or cracks for character.
I love this one because it looks impressive but is actually quite easy once you get the hang of the texture

#3: Floral Cross

Sketch small flowers like daisies, roses, or wildflowers, wrapped around the cross. You can place them along the edges or weave them like a garland.
Pro tip: Keep your flower shapes simple, circles for buds, ovals for petals. A few leaves can make it pop.

#4: Celtic Cross

Add a circle connecting the arms of the cross and include knot-like patterns inside. Don’t worry about making it perfect, the charm is in the curves and loops. Try drawing lightly with a pencil first, then trace with a fine pen once you like the balance.

#5: Heart and Cross Combo

Draw a heart shape behind or at the base of your cross. It’s a beautiful symbol of love and faith. Shade the cross darker than the heart for a layered effect.

#6: Cross in Rays of Light

Draw your cross first, then sketch light beams radiating from behind it. Use soft, outward strokes that fade gradually. You can even blend with your fingertip for a glowing effect.
Pro tip: Use an eraser to “lift” brightness in the middle for a halo-like look.

#7: Decorative Cross

Add simple patterns inside the cross like dots, swirls, or zigzags. Think of it like doodling or coloring inside a shape. This one’s great for relaxing and letting your creativity flow freely.

#8: Cross with Banner

Draw a small ribbon or banner wrapping around the cross, then write an inspiring word like Hope, Faith, or Love. It’s a great mix of art and lettering.

#9: 3D Cross

Give your cross depth by adding a second outline slightly offset from the first. Connect the corners with short diagonal lines, and shade one side. Suddenly, it looks like it’s popping off the page!

#10: Broken or Weathered Cross

Draw cracks, chips, or vines growing around the cross to show time and resilience. This one tells a story, perfect for journal art or symbolism.

#11: Cross in a Circle

Sketch a circle around the cross for a balanced, meditative look. You can divide the circle into colored sections or use it as a sun, moon, or stained-glass window frame.

#12: Abstract Cross

Use flowing lines, curves, or geometric patterns to suggest a cross shape rather than draw it directly. Abstract art gives you total freedom, there’s no wrong way to do it.

#13: Shadowed Cross

Draw your cross, then lightly sketch its shadow falling to one side. Shade gently and blur the edges. It gives a sense of realism and mood.

#14: Cross with Wings

Sketch angel wings extending from behind the cross. Start with gentle curved outlines for the feathers, then fill with light strokes. It’s a gorgeous piece for a notebook or canvas.

#15: Cross and Crown

Place a small crown resting at the top of the cross. It’s a simple but powerful image that looks amazing outlined in pen or colored gold.

#16: Stained-Glass Cross

Divide the inside of your cross into sections with lines, then fill each with color or pattern. You can even shade lightly in pencil to mimic the glow of glass.

#17: Cross on a Hill

Draw a curved hill line and place your cross on top. Add a sunset or soft clouds behind it. This peaceful scene makes a perfect little landscape sketch.

---

Conclusion

See? Drawing crosses doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s about expressing something meaningful in your own style. Each idea here can be as simple or as detailed as you like, and every line you draw adds a personal touch.

Remember, art isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. If a line goes crooked or a flower looks lopsided, keep going! Those little “mistakes” often make your piece more beautiful and alive.

When you’re done experimenting with these ideas, try adding color, shading, or even digital touches. Or move on to something new, maybe hearts, angels, or symbolic patterns. The important thing is to keep creating. Because when you make art, you’re not just drawing, you’re expressing a piece of yourself.