How to Make a Fabric & Porcelain Angel Tree Topper

Sometimes it can be difficult to find just the right angel topper for a Christmas tree. One might find angels that are red, gold or silver. However, it can be difficult to find one that is blue, pink or bronze. The solution is actually quite simple: It is easy to make the perfect angel tree topper, one that perfectly matches any Christmas design.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Porcelain angel head and arms Pipe cleaners Plastic cone Fabric Trim Angel wings Glue Gun Glue sticks Sewing machine Needle and thread

1. Using the bottom of the plastic cone for the angel, measure out the width of the dress fabric. It should be between one to two times the circumference of the bottom. Measure the length from the top of the cone to 2 inches below the cone's bottom.

2. Secure the porcelain angel head and bodice to the top of the plastic cone. Make certain that the glue is completely dry before proceeding on to the next step.

3. Sew both ends of the skirt by turning it under for a clean "blind" hem. Close the dress off by placing right sides together to seam the raw edges. Then make a running stitch 1 inch below that top hem. Using the ends of the running stitch, gather the top of the angel's dress until it will fit around the porcelain bodice as planned. Turn the fabric inside out and secure it in place with glue.

4. Hem and/or trim the bottom of the angel dress as desired using lace, fur, braid, jewels, beading or anything else desired. Make certain that the skirt at least skims the bottom of the cone. It can also be up to ¾ inches longer if so desired.

5. Measure out the length of the arm desired for the angel, cutting the heavy-duty pipe cleaner appropriately. Secure the porcelain arms onto one end of the pipe cleaner. Cut off extra length if necessary in order for the arms to fit as desired.

6. Use fabric that measures roughly 4 by 4 inches to make sleeves for the angel's dress. Hem one end of the fabric and then sew the square into half with the raw edges together. Measure to make certain that the sleeve will cover the arms (and pipe cleaner) as desired. Make a running stitch around the top of the unhemmed fabric to make the gather for the sleeve. Turn the fabric right side out and secure it in place around the pipe cleaner and arm.

7. Secure the angel's arms in the proper location on the porcelain bodice with glue. Make sure that the glue is thoroughly dry before moving on to the next step.

8. Use a piece of ribbon or lace across the top of the porcelain bodice to form the top of the angel's dress, both in front and back. Glue the wings to the back of the dress, making certain they lay flat and secure. Finish trimming out the dress and wings with jewels, beads, lace, braid or anything else desired.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to sew this either by hand or with a sewing machine. Gluing the dress underneath the porcelain bodice makes for a cleaner, more polished product. If heavy-duty pipe cleaners cannot be found, twist two or more regular pipe cleaners together to achieve the same effect.

Resources

• Michael's carries all of the supplies needed for this project.
• Hobby Lobby carries all of the needed supplies.

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