How to Make Angels - Decorations and Crafts
Creating Christmas decorations and crafts is an American tradition. In our family, we love to make our own decorations and ornaments and many are passed down from generation to generation. I have included some patterns and instructions for a few of the Christmas Angels that I have made. Some are old patterns and some are based on old designs, but with my own special alterations. Some of the angels would make nice holiday gifts. We hope you enjoy making them and using them.
We've also included Angelic music for your enjoyment while you view the page and links where you can purchase ready made Angels, craft books, Angel ornaments and other Angelic things that you may like.
Just scroll down to the bottom of the page or use the links in the table of contents.
Contents at a Glance
Christmas Angel Crafts
We think that the best and most cherished holiday decorations are made by hand and that are passed down from generation to generation. There are a lot of artists and "crafters" in our family who have shared patterns and directions for some lovely Christmas crafts.
Some of my favorite Christmas crafts are the Angels. I have made them in all shapes and sizes and from a variety of different materials and I'd like to share some of my favorites with you. I hope you enjoy making and using them as much as we have. Some of these are over 30 years old and I have added a few of my own touches and altered a couple to suit my tastes. I've included the original pattern and also my changes to the design.
Angel Ornaments
LACE ANGEL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT (Original Pattern)
MATERIALS
- 18 inches of 3 inch wide lace (which has like edges and a uniform pattern of holes along the middle and the edges) per angel.
- 1 (12") gold pipe cleaner
- 24" of narrow ribbon
- 1 (1") round wooden doll head with hole all the way through
- 2 miniature roses
- 1 small jingle bell (if desired)
- 6" gold cord
DIRECTIONS
1. GLUE HAIR TO HEAD AND LET DRY. MAKE A CIRCLE 1/3 OF THE WAY ON THE END OF THE PIPE CLEANER. PUT BOTH ENDS THROUGH HEAD. WRAP SHORT END AROUND THE STEM FOR A COLLAR.
2. COUNT DOWN 11 HOLES IN THE LACE (@ 6") AND CUT. WEAVE THROUGH THE CENTER HOLES ONTO THE LONG END OF THE PIPE CLEANER AND PUSH UP FOR WINGS.
3. GATHER THE REST OF THE LACE ALONG THE LONG EDGE. PULL TIGHTLY AND TIE OFF. SLIDE UP ONTO THE LONG END OF THE PIPE CLEANER & GLUE UNDER THE WINGS.
4. MAKE A BOW WITH THE 12" OF RIBBON. GLUE AT THE WAIST. GLUE ON ROSE. REPEAT FOR THE BACK.
5. MAKE A LOOP OF THE GOLD CORD. DIP THE ENDS INTO CLEAR NAIL POLISH. SLIP IT OVER THE HALO & GLUE KNOT AT HEAD FOR HANGER.
6. CUT OFF PIPE CLEANER UNDER SKIRT OR LEAVE IT & ATTACH A SMALL BELL.
Angel with Fan Style Skirt
- Follow Directions number 1 & 2 above.
- 3. Instead of gathering the lace to make a skirt, fold the lace like a fan and bend the pipe cleaner at a right angle, then thread it through the edge of the lace. Fan out the lace to make the skirt (see photo). Bend pipe cleaner up in the middle of the back and twirl it and cut off access. Glue bow to hide it.
- Follow directions 4 & 5 above.
Little Lace Angel for a Small Tree
Use the directions for the original angel, but use 6 inch lengths of 2 different types of gathered decorative ribbon instead of lace. Fold a third 6 inch piece of lace for the bodice and glue the pipe cleaner to it. Use 2 long white feathers for the wings. Add hair and other decoration if desired. Christmas with Southern LIving
Christmas with Southern Living 2011: Savor * Entertain * Decorate * Share
Amazon Price: $14.60 (as of 02/17/2012)
Beaded
Materials:
1 18mm White Pearls Item # 1438-12
60 6mm White Pearls Item # 1438-06
50 4mm Gold Pearls Item # 1439-07
1 1/3 yd. 24 ga. Wire Item # 1430-01
1 pin back
Tools Needed: Wire Cutter, Needle Nose Pliers, Scissors, hot glue gun
Instructions:
- Slip 9 white pearls onto 1 yard of the wire.
- Fold wire up at each end of the pearls, making sure ends of wire are even. Now slip 8 white onto the right side of the wire.
- Slide the left wire through the 8 pearls on the right. Since the wire is going through the pearls for the 2nd time it is best to keep the wire straight. Instead of pulling the wire through each pearl, slide all the pearls onto 2nd wire, then pull both wires until pearls come together. Try to keep the wire as even as possible.
- Slip 8 pearls onto whichever wire is shorter. Fold pearls over toward the previous row, then slip the other wire through the pearls just as you did before.
- Repeat (step 4) six more times, each time decreasing 1 white pearl. The top row should have 2 pearls.
- To make the wings, put 10 gold pearls on each wire and thread the end through the wire loop on the edge of row 5 and 6. Put 8 gold pearls on each wire and 2 white pearls on the shorter wire. Run each wire through 1 of the 2 white pearls and come up in between the pearls.
- To attach the head and halo: Slip the 18mm pearl onto both wires, then slip 10 gold pearls onto one wire. Twist the wire (with the pearls) around the other wire to form a tight circle. Trim off excess wire.
- To form the arms: Use about 1 foot of wire and run it through the row with 3 white pearls, making sure the ends are even. Put 3 white pearls and 1 gold pearl on each end. Run the wire back through the 3 white pearls to form the 2 arms and back through 1 of the 3 body pearls on each side to come out on the back. Put the wires together to secure the pin back. You may also need a little hot glue.
Another variation can be found at: Angel made from pearls
Angels A to Z: A Who's Who of the Heavenly Host
Amazon Price: $6.84 (as of 02/17/2012)
Twisted Paper Angel
Instead of the paper covered plastic foam ball, I used a large bead for the head, painted a face and glued on doll hair. The traditional corn shuck or twisted paper dolls do not have faces.
reference for Instructions: Sandy Dye, Paper Ribbon Welcome Dolls 13 Delightful Paper Ribbon Dolls to Make Using Twisted Paper, Plaid Express, 1990.
Twisted Paper Angel Supplies
Christmas Angels
explained by Christmas World
'Angels' in Greek means 'Messengers'. In the Bible, heavenly angels are mentioned as messengers of god. Christmas angels are perhaps the most popular form of angels that are used in our celebrations. Angels are believed to be immortals, who live in Heaven, and act as intermediaries between God and Humankind. Traditionally, pictures and poems on angels portray them having human bodies with wings sprouting from their backs. 'Wings' are said to symbolize Innocence, Virtue, Purity, Peace and Love, which place them above Humans though they are still under God. It was the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of Christianity, which first mentions that angels had a human body and angel wings and could fly.
more at Christmas World
Christmas Angels on Amazon
Angels Video
Angel Poll
Crochet Angels
Crocheted Angels are also quite beautiful. Instructions for this Small Angel and many other Angel patterns can be found at Crochet Pattern Central. There are also many patterns for crocheting angels in the crochet pattern books listed below. Christmas Angel Crochet Books
Counted Cross Stitch Angel Books
Counted cross stitch is a lovely form of needlework that can be used to make some beautiful keepsake Christmas ornaments. Here are several good counted cross stitch books that feature Angels.
Raphael Angel
Angel Gifts and More
Angel Christmas Gifts and More
Angel Gifts for Any Occasion
If you don't have time to craft some Christmas Angels, then here is a nice selection of ready made Angel gifts, decorations and ornaments.
You'll also find Christmas cards, posters and many other Angelic offerings from Zazzle. One of the nice things about Zazzle's print on demand site is that each item can be personalized and customized to make the gift even more special.
If you want to learn more about Squid Angels, crafting Angels and other Christmas crafts, there are links to many other pages at the end of this page.
Angel Cats
Lovely Angels to Add to Your Collection of Ornaments
Praying Angel Personalized Christmas Ornament - $ 16.95
Hands clasped in front of her, she is your little angel. Makes a wonderful keepsake for a religious event.
Ethnic Angel with Gold Star - Girl Personalized Christmas Ornament -
$ 10.50
She is your little shining star and always an angel that you can count on to inspire you to greatness.
Standing Angel Holding Wreath Personalized Christmas Ornament - $ 13.95
This Christmas angel has come to bless the bearer with holiday wishes.
Our Little Angel on CafePress
Just Click on the Banner to See Photo Links of All of Our CafePress Designs.
For more designs visit our Naturally Native Shops
Christmas Cat Nap Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)
Photograph of sleeping black and white cat wearing a Santa hat.
Price:
'
Christmas Cat Nap Tile Coaster
Photograph of sleeping black and white cat wearing a Santa hat.
Price:
'
Christmas Cat Nap Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Photograph of sleeping black and white cat wearing a Santa hat.
Price:
'
Christmas Cat Nap Rectangle Sticker
Photograph of sleeping black and white cat wearing a Santa hat.
Price:
'
Christmas Cat Nap Tote Bag
Photograph of sleeping black and white cat wearing a Santa hat.
Price:
'
Cute Angel Ornaments
White Cat Personalized Christmas Ornament -
$ 18.95
Most cats are black and white or grey and white, but this cat is as snowy in color as they get.
Angel with Banner Personalized Christmas Ornament - $ 16.95
Give her a sign that she is your little angel or for a friend who is your guardian angel and always lends a helping hand.
Cocker Spaniel Angel Christmas Ornament
Price: 6.47
Available during the holiday season. This little angel of a Cocker Spaniel is ready to decorate your tree. This adorable Christmas Ornament is made of the finest quality porcelain and will make a treasured keepsake. The ornament measures approximately 3.5" long X 2.25" wide X 3.25" high.
Color Changing Angel Lights
Brite Star (Set of 2) LED color changing Angels at SearsThis set includes 2 boxes of LED ANGEL lights that change colors from YELLOW TO WHITE. Each strand includes 5 Angel lights. Bulbs change colors automatically when turned on. The light strand is on a timer chip, on for 6 hours, off for 18 - set it and forget it! It is BATTERY OPERATED, so no extension cords needed and the battery pack comes with a clip making it easy to hang wherever you are placing your lights. LED lights save energy are are cool to the touch, making them safe around children and pets. Each strand has a 24" lead cord and 12" spacing in between bulbs. UL listed, suitable for indoor use. Requires 2D batteries, not included.
Christmas Angels on eBay
Guardian Angel
More Angels on Amazon
Sterling Silver Angel Pendant on Snake Chain
This guardian angels wings and body are graceful c more...1 point
Angels Among Us
Angels are God s messengers who protect and comfor more...0 points
HOMESPUN PORCELAIN ANGEL FIG
As her wings and flowing gown stir gently in the c more...0 points
Angels in America
Academy Award-winners Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and more...0 points
Sterling Silver Guardian Angel Pendant with 18" Chain
An angel to watch over you! This gorgeous sterling more...0 points
White Marabou Angel Wings & Halo Headband
These beautiful wings are perfect for your little more...0 points
Silver & Diamond Guardian Angel Cameo Pendant
An icy look of sophistication. Crafted in Sterling more...0 points
Dictionary of Angels: Including the Fallen Angels by Gustav Davidson
The result of sixteen years of research in Talmudi more...0 points
Garden Angel with Bird Verdigris
Garden Angel w/Bird-Verdigris - Verdigris-finish a more...0 points
White Feather Wings & Halo Angel Fairy Nymph Photo Props Teens & Adults Costume
A thin piece of cardboard is used as a base to def more...0 points
The Trouble with Angels
Hayley Mills and June Harding act up in this affec more...0 points
Twilight Angel
Christmas Angel Movies
Other Christmas Craft Lenses
Squid Angel Lenses
More Squid Angel Lenses
Still More Squid Angels
Craft a note for us, please.
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TopToysForKids
Dec 14, 2011 @ 3:18 pm | delete
- Wow, these are beautiful, you are very talented. Keep up the good work!
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Becksta
Oct 11, 2011 @ 11:44 am | delete
- A great lens, but perhaps you'd like to look through the first two sections and check your "I" and "We" references. They seem to alternate a little and can make for confusing reading.
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naturegirl7
Oct 29, 2011 @ 7:25 am | delete
- Thanks for the comment. The we refers to my family and myself together. The I refers to me, the crafter. I hope that clears up the confusion and we hope you find the angel crafts useful. ;)
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GonnaFly
Aug 20, 2011 @ 12:59 am | delete
- Lovely crafts. I've made a couple of similar little angel decorations myself.
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anaamhussain Aug 16, 2011 @ 9:07 pm | delete
- The cat angels are so cute :)
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About Naturegirl7
Please Vote for Angel Crafts for Christmas
Christmas Angel Blog Posts
- 'Angels' honored in Oneida for Christmas Day 'miracle'
- By CAITLIN TRAYNOR ONEIDA ? What happened to Wayne Ray on Christmas morning has been described as nothing less than a miracle. The quick actions of on- and off-duty emergency responders, and a civilian passerby, have been credited with saving Ray's ...
- Whitney Houston funeral to be a star-studded event
- She is pictured here singing at the 85th annual New York Stock Exchange Christmas tree lighting festivities in New York City in 2008. NEWARK ? They are so famous, you don't need a last name to identify them. All are expected at the private funeral in ...
- Linton author to be on national TV show
- By Nick Schneider, Assistant Editor Award-winning Linton author Ruby Moon-Houldson will be appearing as a guest on "The Balancing Act" on Lifetime Television Network this June, sharing her "More Than Angels" book series. Here, she is shown holding some ...
- Could These 'Blue Angels' Be the Future Lady Centaurs?
- The Blue Angels finished the regular fall season strong and capped it with a championship at the Huntington Beach Turkey Shoot-Out Tournament. They rested over the Christmas holidays and on returning to play they clinched the Area 1-P Extra ...
Links to More Angel Crafts
- ANGEL CRAFTS
- If you love angels, this page is has many angel crafts to make.
- Free Angel craft projects.
- Beautiful, free angel craft projects and patterns at Craftown. Lovely angels to make. Tole, glass, beaded, feathered angels and more.
- Angel Crafts
- Crafts
- Craft Site Directory - Angels
- Craft Site Directory guide to hand crafted angels.
- Free Angel Crafts - Web Of Angels Class Room - Crafty College
- Over 60 Free Angel Crafts!
- Crochet Angel - Free Craft Pattern - Web of Angels
- Crochet Angel - Free Craft Pattern - Web of Angels
- World of Christmas
- Christmas
- AngelCrafts - Crocheting for Charity ~ Free Patterns
- Free crochet patterns and links to Crochet for Charity sites. Patterns for afghans, baby booties, caps, and blankets, and lots more.
- Angel Crafts for Kids : Ideas for Arts & Crafts Activities to Make fabric, paper, beaded Angels for jewelry and decorations for Children, Teens, and Preschoolers
- Angel Crafts for Kids : Ideas for Arts & Crafts Activities to Make fabric, paper, beaded Angels for jewelry and decorations for Children, Teens, and Preschoolers
This Happy Snowman page written by
naturegirl7
My husband and I have always loved nature and the outdoors. We currently maintain a 9 acre private wildlife preserve.
We are Master Gardeners...
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Willow Tree Angel of Healing
Willow Tree Angel of Prayer, Susan Lordi 26012
Amazon Price: $8.75 (as of 02/17/2012)
A beautiful, delicate Angel of Healing by Susan Lordi.
In the Arms of Angels
In the Arms of Angels: True Stories of Heavenly Guardians
Amazon Price: $9.51 (as of 02/17/2012)
True stories of guardian angels.
Songs of Angels
Christmas Hymns and Songs
Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols
Amazon Price: $5.73 (as of 02/17/2012)
A beautiful collections of celestial songs.
