Mouse Asleep in a Walnut Shell

A little mouse sleeps peacefully in a walnut shell, tucked under a patchwork blanket with its head on a striped pillow. Above, Christmas tree branches hold baubles, candy canes, star ornaments, bead garlands and a pine cone, with wrapped presents behind and holly, a jingle bell and fallen leaves on the ground. A detailed page for ages 10 and up and adults.

Level

Detailed

Areas to color

251

Ages

Ages 10+ & adults

Time to color (estimate)

1–2 hours

Paper

A4 or US Letter, standard printer paper

Make the blanket a real patchwork by giving each patch its own color, then add tiny dots or checks to the plain ones with a fine pen. Color the walnut shell golden brown and go over its ridges with a darker brown. Soft, sleepy colors suit the mouse: gray-beige with pink ears.

Use a light gray or pale blue for snow shadows: it makes white areas look three-dimensional.

Red and green side by side can look flat; add gold or a warm yellow to lights and stars to make the page glow.