In this class, I’ll show you how to draw a traditional Geometric Compass Star using just a ruler and compass.

This elegant symbol has been used for centuries to represent adventure, guidance and hope — the light that helps us find our way — which makes it such a lovely motif for this festive time of year.

Whether you’re completely new to compass drawing or you’ve explored geometric art before, this project is a calming, satisfying way to build your confidence and practice your skills using traditional drafting tools.

I’ll walk you through the entire process step by step. We’ll look at

the materials you’ll need
how to set up your page and divide your circle into four equal sections
how to construct a harmonious grid of ever-smaller, diminishing squares
how to create the set of cardinal and intercardinal points that give the Compass Star its iconic, elegant look
and how to trace and transfer your pattern ready for decorating.

And I’ll also be demonstrating a simple wet-on-wet watercolour technique for adding colour to finish off your artwork beautifully.

By the end of the class, you’ll have a beautifully symbolic motif that can be used for festive cards, handmade decorations, or even framed gifts.

Hi, I’m Clarissa, a geometric artist and educator with a passion for turning classical construction techniques into accessible, meditative creative practices. I specialise in compass-and-straightedge drawing, sacred geometry and ancient patterns, and I love teaching students how simple tools can create incredibly beautiful results.

My classes focus on clarity, calm instruction, and the joy of building something precise and elegant from scratch. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned geometer, I’m here to guide you through each step with confidence and curiosity.

Let’s draw something beautiful together!

Is this class for me?

Absolutely! No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a hobby artist or an experienced practitioner looking to add a new technique to your skillset, the wonderful thing about geometric art is that it is accessible to everyone – you don’t need to be ‘good at art’ (whatever that even means!).

Even if you’re completely new to constructing geometry, you’ll be able to follow these step-by-step techniques to create your own artwork. And what’s more, you’ll gain skills that you can apply to more ambitious projects in the future. The possibilities really are endless!

Materials Needed

A drawing compass, ideally with a pen/pencil attachment
A 30cm / 12in ruler, a HB or 2H pencil and an eraser
A surface to press on, such as a cutting mat
A sheet of cartridge or sketch pad paper, around A4 / Letter size
A sheet of tracing paper
Low tack tape (e.g. masking tape, washi tape)
A soft pencil, e.g. HB, B or 2B
A spoon or smooth, tumbled stone, to use as a burnisher
Watercolour or mixed media paper, or card
A colouring medium of your choice (e.g. paints, watercolour pencils, coloured pencils, marker pens, paint pens)
An oil-based metallic pen to outline your pattern (optional, but fun to use!)

Downloadable resource pack

Find this in the Projects & Resources section.

Time to get started - I can’t wait to see what you create!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/roger-gabalda/winters-tale

Susan Edmondson

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