Last updated on October 26th, 2024 at 10:04 pm
One of the most popular Angel crafts for AFC on Pinterest – and for good reason, I think. This lace angel is beautiful, versatile and timeless.
Hang a pretty lace ribbon angel on the top of your Christmas tree or make a dozen for a tree with an angel theme. Add a recycled plastic cup under the lace skirt for an angel that stands beautifully for tabletop decoration anywhere.
How to Make a Lace Ribbon Angel
Here’s how to make a lace ribbon angel from about a yard of four-inch lace plus a few shiny strings of beads and ribbon and a one-inch Christmas ball.
You can easily change some of the embellishments to individualize each angel.
Supplies and Tools
- 1 yard of 4″ wide lace (approximately 36 inches)
- 1 one-inch iridescent or gold Christmas ball
- 12″ of small string iridescent pearls or gold balls
- 15″ narrow gold ribbon
- 1 plastic jewel or ribbon rose
- 12″ inch thin craft wire
- cord for hanging
You will also need: scissors, a glue gun, a stapler and, for the tabletop angel only, a plastic fruit cup container.
Make a Lace Skirt and Wings
Begin by cutting the yard of lace in half, then cut one piece in half again and set both of these shorter pieces aside for the wings.
Glue the ends of the long piece of lace together forming a round circle for the skirt.
Pleat the top of the skirt and fasten around the top with the craft wire, leaving both ends of the wire extended at the back.
Pleat (this is sometimes called fan fold) one wing. Make sure the edges of both ends are folded in the same direction. If they are not, adjust the pleats until they end the same way. In the photo below, I am holding one wing with both ends folded up. This is actually the back of the wing and it was turned over before attaching to the skirt.
Hold the pleats together and form the wing by stapling the pleated lace in the center. Make two wings.
Attaching Lace Wings to the Pleated Skirt
Now take one length of craft wire left behind the skirt and wrap this around one wing, securing the wing to one side of the angel, with the wire ending at the back. Repeat for the other wing. Snip off any remaining wire ends.
Can you see an angel yet? She’s on the way!
Make a tiny ribbon bow from narrow ribbon or use a pre-made mini bow. Hot glue the bow to the top of the skirt.
If the Christmas ball you are using as the angel’s head has pick wire on it, as mine did, cut off all but a small stub. Apply a dab of hot glue to this area and quickly insert the wire stub into the top neck of the skirt.
Cut about 3″ from the iridescent string beads or pearls. Cross over the last two beads, forming a small circle halo.
Apply hot glue to the crossed-over beads then glue at the top back of the angel’s head. This anchors the circle in one spot so the rest of the halo hovers just above the angel’s head.
For a stand-alone angel (like the one shown at the top of this project) adjust the folds of her lacy dress over the bell shape of a recycled plastic fruit cup and glue down for permanent tabletop display.
Wind the rest of the iridescent beads around the angels neck, securing with a small dab of hot glue.
Finally, glue a colorful faux jewel, or a small ribbon rose, to the center of the gold bow.
For a hanging tree ornament, knot a piece of gold cord into a loop and hot glue to the back of the angel.
Theresa Jenkins says
could you share where to buy the 1 inch Christmas ball
KAREN R SPRINGER says
This looks like an awesome project. I love angels. I have bags of lace and cannot wait to get started. Will get back to you with more feedback.
Jane Lake says
Karen, you warmed my heart today! I’d love to see your angels or hear how they turn out for you. Please stay in touch!
~ Jane, Editor (at) AllFreeCrafts.com
Lauren says
Can you share about how large the Angel is?
Jane Lake says
I’ve just packed my angels away until next Christmas or I would measure to tell you exactly. But I’d say about 5.5 inches tall, give or take a little. Hope this helps!
Tp says
Beautiful! Love it!
Jane Lake says
Thank you so much. I love this angel too!
Stephanie Robinson says
Love,Love This site , I’m making this little Angel Today, I’m so excited !!!!
Jane Lake says
Thank you for your kind comment, Stephanie. I’m sure the angel you make will be lovely.
barbara B. wade says
I am so happy that I found a website that has the instructions printed with the pictures . I am really fed up with all the foreign language and no instructions for a project. Thanks so much! Barbara
crazyoldquilter@gmail.com
Jane Lake says
I’m glad you like it. The cornerstone of allfreecrafts.com has always been to provide photos and instructions right here on this site. It’s nice to get some positive feedback. Thank you so much!