How to Make Angel Tree Ornaments

Dried corn husks can be fashioned into angel tree ornaments.

Angel ornaments are a traditional addition to the Christmas tree in many households. Families who enjoy creating their own ornaments can create angel tree ornaments using a variety of methods. One method of making angel Christmas tree ornaments is to use corn husks. These ornaments are made from dried corn husks that are commonly available in the produce section of most grocery stores.

Things You'll Need

• Dried corn husks, 1 bag
• Large bowl
• Warm water
• Paper towels
• Hot glue gun
• Hot glue sticks
• Ribbon, 6 inches
• Scissors
• Twine
• Embellishments (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak a small stack of corn husks in a large bowl of warm water. The warm water will make the husks pliable. Remove the husks from the water after about 30 minutes, and dry them off with a paper towel.

2. Pull four thin, long strips of corn husk off the side of a large husk. Tie one of the pieces around the middle of a separate husk.

3. Fold the corn husk in half so that it conceals the knot. Form the head and neck of the angel by tying another thin strip of corn husk around the husk about an inch below the fold. The knot will be on the back of the angel.

4. Roll up a narrow corn husk to form the arms of the angel and secure the length of the roll with hot glue. Position the arms under the neck of the angel and in between the front and back flaps of the corn husk body and glue in place.

5. Tie the arms together in front of the angel with a thin piece of corn husk. Trim off any excess length. Tie another thin piece of corn husk around the waist of the angel with the knot to the back.

6. Fold two corn husks in half, and hot glue them to the back of the angel's body for wings. Alternatively, cut wing shapes from two large husks and glue them in place. Tie the ends of a 6-inch length of ribbon together, and glue the knotted end to the back of the angel with hot glue to form a hanger.

7. Create a simple halo for your corn husk angel. Loop a small piece of natural twine around the crown of the angel's head and hot glue it into place. Add additional embellishments to your angel, such as ribbons, small dried flowers or glitter, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• If your corn husks are still stiff after soaking them for half an hour, refill the bowl with warm water and allow the husks to soak for another 30 minutes.

References

• "Treasures for the Christmas Tree: 101 Festive Ornaments to Make & Enjoy"; Carol Taylor; 2002
• Disk Us Publishing: Old Time Ornaments