DIY Christmas Decorations: How to Make Kraft Paper Angels

DIY Christmas Decorations: Make Angels from Kraft Paper

Kraft paper has a warm, natural look and is sturdy enough for three-dimensional figures. It’s inexpensive and easy to work with, so you can make personalized Christmas decorations to reuse year after year.

These angels make lovely table decorations, additions to an Advent wreath or hanging ornaments for a window. Pair them with other crafts, such as stars or Christmas trees made from the same material.

Add small LED lights for a cozy glow. Our range includes suitable products such as the .

What materials and tools do you need?

You don’t need any special craft supplies. You can find most of these materials at home or at a craft store.

Basic supplies at a glance

• Kraft paper: Choose brown or white paper with a grammage of at least 120 g/m². It should bend without creasing.
• Scissors: Sharp craft scissors make clean, precise cuts. Safety scissors are suitable for children.
• Glue: Liquid all-purpose glue or a glue stick will hold the pieces together. Hot glue sets quickly and works well for thicker layers.
• Pencil and ruler: Use these to draw the templates. A ruler helps you make straight lines.

You can also keep some string or thin wire handy for hanging the angels. Decorative materials such as gold foil, glitter or acrylic paint add a festive touch.

How do you make a template for the angel?

The template determines the angel’s final shape. Draw your own design or use a template from the internet.

Draw simple shapes

The body can be a long triangle or a cone. The pointed end forms the bottom. The width of the base affects how stable the angel will be.

Cut out the wings separately. Symmetrical teardrop or heart shapes create a balanced look. Make sure they’re in proportion to the body.

The head can be a small circle or oval. You can also draw it directly onto the body and cut it out as one piece.

To make several identical angels, transfer the templates onto sturdy card. They’ll last longer and be easier to trace.

“The beauty of handmade decorations lies in their imperfections. Small deviations from the template give each angel its own character.”

How do you cut out and assemble the pieces?

Place the kraft paper on a smooth, cut-resistant surface. Trace the templates with light pressure so you don’t leave deep grooves.

Cut and glue with care

Cut along the lines with steady, long strokes. Short, choppy cuts can leave ragged edges. To make small cutouts, such as a pattern in the wings, pierce the paper with the tip of the scissors first.

Start by assembling the body. Roll the triangle into a cone and secure the seam. The size of the opening determines whether the angel can stand or will need to hang.

Glue the wings to the back of the seam so it hides where they’re attached. Place the head on top, then reinforce the joint with a small strip of paper on the inside.

If you’re making a hanging decoration, attach the hanging cord before sealing the body completely. Tie a knot at one end, then thread the cord through the top of the body.

How do you decorate and embellish the angels?

Kraft paper’s natural color makes a beautiful base. Leave it as is or add a few decorative touches.

Add color, sparkle and light

Use a sponge to dab on acrylic paint. This creates a subtle, textured finish without completely covering the paper. Glue strips of gold or silver foil along the edges of the wings.

Use clear lacquer spray or glitter glue to keep glitter in place. Brush on the glue and sprinkle glitter over it right away. Once it’s dry, shake off the excess.

To make an illuminated angel, place a small LED string light inside. Our product is ideal for this, thanks to its warm light and battery-powered convenience. The light shines through the paper to create a soft glow.

Alternatively, use a fine brush to paint faces or patterns. Waterproof pens or acrylic markers help prevent the colors from running.

“Kraft paper is a versatile material for many techniques. You can punch, emboss or paint it, or combine it with other materials such as fabric or felt.”

What variations and sizes can you make?

Adapt the angels to suit your decorating style. The basic technique is the same for every variation.

From minimalist to elaborate

For a minimalist look, leave the angels unpainted and use only white string. A group of angels in the same size makes a striking display.

For a rustic look, add a belt or hair bow made from coarse jute ribbon. Glue on small natural decorations such as pine cones or twigs.

For a playful angel in a child’s bedroom, cover the body with colorful paper or use patterned wrapping paper. Find inspiration in our decorative animals category.

Create a whole choir of angels in different sizes. Use our ready-made templates . Hang them at different lengths from a branch or chandelier.

How can you use the angels in your Christmas decorations?

You can display your finished angels in lots of places. They complement your existing decorations or make a festive centerpiece on their own.

Place them and pair them with other decorations

Place small angels among fir branches and candles on a gift table. They also make personalized place cards.

Hang them in front of a window with clear string. Daylight brings out their silhouettes, and in the evening they cast striking shadows against the dark glass.

Attach the angels to the wall with double-sided tape. Arrange them with other paper figures to tell a Christmas story. Find matching wall decorations in our children's room wall decor category.

For a door wreath or Advent wreath, tie the angels between the branches with wire or ribbon. Make sure they aren’t too heavy or they may pull the wreath out of shape.

Pair the angels with lights. Place battery-operated tea lights behind them or add a string of lights. Our decorative lighting category offers plenty of ideas.

Kraft paper angels are a sustainable, creative way to decorate your home. They’re easy to make and leave plenty of room for personal touches. With the right tools and a little patience, you can create unique decorations to enjoy for many Christmases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kraft paper is best for making angels?

Use sturdy brown or white kraft paper with a weight of 120 g/m² or more. It’s sturdy enough to hold its shape for the wings and stand on its own. Thinner paper creases easily. For a rustic look, choose unbleached kraft paper.

How do I hang the angels as decorations?

Before gluing the pieces together, make a small hole in the head or back. Thread clear nylon line or thin string through it. Alternatively, glue a loop of craft wire in place. For extra stability with larger angels, use hangers from our hanging decor section.

Can I make these angels with kids?

Yes, this is a great project for children around five and older. Have them cut out the pre-drawn pieces and join them with a glue stick. Use safety scissors with rounded tips. Kids can easily decorate the angels with glitter or markers.

How can I make the angels weatherproof for outdoor use?

Spray the finished angels with several coats of clear craft sealer. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next. For the garden, it’s better to use weather-resistant materials such as felt or plastic sheeting from our decorative objects category.

What can I use instead of glue?

As well as hot glue or all-purpose adhesive, double-sided tape works well for flat connections. For quick, removable adhesion, use adhesive pads. You can also sew the pieces together with thick yarn, creating a visible seam as a design element.