DIY Christmas Decor: How to Make Angels from Kraft Paper?

DIY Christmas Decor: Make Angels from Kraft Paper

Kraft paper has a warm, natural look and is sturdy enough for three-dimensional figures. It is inexpensive and easy to work with. You can create personalised Christmas decorations that can be reused every year.

The angels are suitable as table decorations, for an Advent wreath or as hanging decorations in the window. Combine them with other craft elements, such as stars or Christmas trees made from the same material.

For atmospheric lighting, add small LED lights. Our range includes suitable products such as the .

What materials and tools do you need?

You do not need any special craft supplies. You can find most of the materials at home or in a DIY shop.

Basic equipment at a glance

• Kraft paper: Choose brown or white paper with a grammage of at least 120 g/m². It should tear rather than crease.
• Scissors: Sharp craft scissors cut precise outlines. Safety scissors are suitable for children.
• Glue: Liquid all-purpose glue or a glue stick joins the pieces. Hot glue provides quick adhesion for thicker layers.
• Pencil and ruler: Use these to draw the templates first. A ruler helps you create straight lines.

You can also have some string or thin wire ready for hanging. Decorative materials such as gold foil, glitter or acrylic paints give the angels a festive sparkle.

How do you make the templates for the angel?

The template determines the final shape. You can draw your own designs or use templates from the internet.

Drawing simple basic shapes

The body consists of a long triangle or cone. The tip forms the bottom end. The width of the base determines the stability.

Cut out the wings separately. Symmetrical teardrop or heart shapes create a harmonious look. Make sure their size matches the body.

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

For precise repetition, transfer the templates onto sturdy card. This makes them last longer and easier to trace around.

“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. Transfer the templates using light pressure to avoid leaving deep grooves.

Precise cutting and gluing

Cut along the lines with steady, long cuts. Short, chopping movements create frayed edges. For inner cut-outs, such as a pattern in the wings, pierce the paper with the tip of the scissors first.

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

Glue the wings to the back of the seam. This allows the seam to conceal the wing attachments. Place the head on top. Reinforce the connection with a small strip of paper on the inside.

For a hanging decoration, attach a hanging cord before sealing the body completely. Tie one end and pull it through the top tip of the body.

How do you decorate and embellish the angels?

The natural colour of kraft paper provides a beautiful base. You can leave it as it is or add targeted accents.

Adding colour, sparkle and light

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

Fix glitter with clear lacquer spray or special glitter glue. Apply the glue with a brush and sprinkle the glitter over it immediately. Shake off any excess glitter once it has dried.

For an illuminated angel, place a small LED string light inside. Our product is ideal for this, with its warm light and battery-powered flexibility. The light shines through the paper and creates a soft glow.

Alternatively, use a fine brush to paint faces or patterns. Use waterproof pens or acrylic markers to prevent the colours 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 are possible?

Adapt the angels to suit your decorating style. The basic technique remains the same for all variations.

From minimalist to elaborate

For a minimalist look, leave the angels unpainted and use only white string. Several angels of the same size make a striking group.

Create a rustic version with coarse jute ribbon as a belt or hair bow. Glue on small natural materials such as pine cones or twigs as accessories.

For a playful angel in a child's bedroom, cover the body with colourful pieces of 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 the angels at different lengths from a branch or chandelier.

How can you incorporate the angels into your Christmas decorations?

The finished angels can be displayed in many places. They complement existing decorations or become a centrepiece in their own right.

Placing and combining them with other decorations

Place small angels among fir branches and candles on the gift table. They make personalised place cards.

Hang them in front of a window with clear string. Daylight highlights their silhouettes. In the evening, they create 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. You can find matching wall decorations under children's room wall decor.

For a door wreath or Advent wreath, tie the angels between the branches with wire or ribbon. Make sure they are not too heavy and do not pull the wreath out of shape.

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

Kraft paper angels are a sustainable and creative way to decorate your home. They require little effort while offering plenty of scope for creativity. With the right tools and a little patience, you can create unique decorations to enjoy for many Christmases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which kraft paper is best for making angels?

Use sturdy brown or white kraft paper with a grammage of 120 g/m² or more. This material is stable enough for wings and can stand on its own. Thinner paper creases easily. For a rustic look, use unbleached kraft paper.

How do I attach the angels as hanging 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 made from craft wire in place. For greater stability with larger angels, use hangers from our hanging decor section.

Can I make these angels with children?

Yes, this project is well suited to children aged around five and up. Let children cut out the pre-drawn pieces and join them with a glue stick. Use safety scissors with rounded tips. Children can easily decorate the angels with glitter or pens.

How can I make the angels weatherproof for outdoor use?

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

What alternatives are there to 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. A traditional method is to sew the pieces together with thick yarn, creating a visible seam as a design element.