How to Make Angels out of Recycled Christmas Cards

You can use recycled Christmas cards to make little angel decorations.

With a little creativity and some supplies you probably already have around the house, those old Christmas cards you've saved year after year can make great new Christmas decorations. You can use recycled Christmas cards to make little angel decorations that stand by themselves and can be used as table decorations or Christmas tree ornaments, and can be added to a Christmas wreath or to the top of a Christmas gift. They are also a great classroom activity for students.

Things You'll Need

• 1 or 2 Christmas cards per angel
• Yarn
• Wooden beads
• Gold or silver pipe cleaners
• Circle template
• Glue
• Decorative accessories

Instructions

1. Trace a perfectly round circle onto the front of a Christmas card, using the bottom of a soup can or other circle template. Carefully cut the circle out, and then cut it in half, making two equal half circles.

2. Fold one of the half circles into a cone shape, and glue it at the back. To make sure the glue holds, staple it or overlap the edges a bit.

3. Place the other half circle on a flat surface in front of you. Starting at the straight edge, fold it accordion style, as you would a paper fan. Make the pleats as large or small as you wish. Unfold and pinch it in the center. Glue the wings to the angel's back.

4. Use fine-tipped permanent markers to draw a face on the wooden bead.

5. Create hair from the yarn, then glue the hair to the top of the wooden bead. Glue the bead to the top of the cone, making sure the face is facing the front of the angel's skirt.

6. Make a halo from silver or gold pipe cleaners and attach it to the angel's head.

7. Decorate her body with glitter, sequins or other accessories of your choice.

8. Add a loop of yarn to the back of the angel if you want to hang the angel from a tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Use tacky glue to make the cards to one another better.

• Use silver card stock for the wings and different colored beads for the heads for more elegant angels.