How to Make Fairy Doll Wings

Fairy wing pattern

The thought of fairy wings conjures up images of fluttering wings as thin and light as gossamer. Doll wings can range in size to fit any doll. They can be made to fit the tiniest doll, as well as larger dolls who stand a foot-and-a-half tall. You can make wings out of any lightweight material, from gauze or silk to tissue paper. Fashion the frame for the wings from either pipe cleaners or florist's wire. For smaller dolls, keep the design simple so the wings will be easier to work with.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe cleaners or florist's wire
• Gauze bandages, tissue paper or silk
• Ribbon or elasticized fabric
• Glitter
• Tape

Instructions

1. Measure the doll to see how long to make the wings. The wings should reach above her shoulders and just below her waist. They should reach out horizontally beyond her shoulders.

2. Use a long, thin oval-shaped piece of cardboard to make the center back support for the wings--the way a butterfly's wings are connected. Make it large enough to support the wing size you measured. The back support fits between the two wings. Cut a piece of gauze or silk big enough to cover the cardboard back support. Wrap the fabric around the back support, and glue it in place.

3. Tape two narrow ribbons to the back support to use on small dolls. These ribbons will go over a small doll's shoulders to hold the wings on. For larger 18-inch dolls, use a piece of elasticized fabric attached to the back support to stretch over the doll's shoulders and hold the wings on.

4. Form pipe cleaners into a simple wing design, as in the illustration above. If you want wing outlines thinner than pipe cleaners, use florist's wire. Both are equally sturdy.

5. Wrap gauze around the pipe cleaners/wire, or cut silk or tissue paper slightly larger than the wing shape. Glue the wing covering to the pipe cleaners.

6. Tape the wings to the center back support.

7. Sprinkle glitter on the fairy wings. Slide the wings onto the doll.

Tips & Warnings

• For a variation on the wings, use a more elaborate shape, outlining them more like butterfly wings. You can also add a thin strip of velvet to the back support or to the edge of the wings. When you've finished making the doll's fairy wings, make a matching set for your child.