How to Make a Stained Glass Angel With Tissue Paper

Tissue-paper stained glass angels mimic the appearance of a real stained-glass window.

Making "stained glass" out of tissue paper is a fun, easy craft for kids and adults alike. These tissue paper stained glass angels will catch the eye just like a real stained-glass window!

Things You'll Need

• Tissue paper, cut or torn into 1-inch pieces
• Construction paper
• Wax paper or contact paper
• Glue (if using wax paper)
• Scissors
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Make the frame. Draw the outline of the angel in pencil on a piece of construction paper and cut it out with scissors. If you want your angel to be one panel, cut out the center of the construction paper angel leaving a 1/2- to 1-inch border all the way around. If you want your angel to be multiple panels, sketch where they will be on the construction paper and then cut them out one at a time, leaving a border around each one.

2. Add the "glass". If using wax paper, trace the outline of the angel frame onto a piece and cut it out so that it will be the same size. Then, use small amounts of glue to cover the entire piece of wax paper in tissue paper. If using contact paper, cut a piece larger than the angel and place the form directly onto the sticky side. Then, fill in the frame by placing pieces of tissue paper directly onto the contact paper.

3. Finish the window. If using wax paper, allow the glue from the tissue paper to dry for at least two hours. Then, add dots of glue to the construction paper frame, align it with the wax paper, and press the two together to create the window. If using contact paper, place a second sheet of contact paper over top of the first, sealing in the frame and tissue paper and pressing out any air bubbles. Cut away the excess contact paper.

4. Hang your tissue-paper stained-glass angel in a window. Use tape to attach it to the glass or punch a hole in the top part of the frame and hang it with yarn or ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• To cut out the interior of the panels, make a small crease inside the borders and cut through it to make a hole for the scissor blade.

• If the glue causes the angel to curl when drying, place a heavy book on top to flatten it out.

• Small children should be supervised when using scissors.

References

• Look What Mom Found... & Dad Too!; "Craft Time with Tissue Paper"; Melinda Babiak; April 2011
• Wee Folk Art; "Tissue Paper Stained Glass Hearts"; Michelle; January 2010