Folded Paper Angel Ornament Tutorial

I am always looking for ways of upcycling the things that we already have around the home. After birthdays, Christmas and other occasions you may have lots of greeting cards. And some of these may be unable to be recycled due to glitter or plastic coatings. So here is a great way of using up these cards to make something amazing and pretty. Here is how to make a folded paper angel ornament.

How To Make A Folded Paper Angel Ornament

this Idea!

I have seen lots of these angels made out of accordion folded paper. But you could use old books, old magazines or old wrapping paper. 

Today though I will be using old greeting cards, as I always have lots of these. Some I hate to throw away, and others I know cannot be recycled, so I like to find other uses for them.

These folded paper angels make wonderful decorations for your Christmas tree. But angels are popular all year around, so are a wonderful gift for any friend who loves all things to do with angels and angelic protection. You could even make mini paper angels to use as gift tags! 

Plus, this easy angel crafts idea is a brilliant project for making with the kids too as all they need to do is fold up paper to make fans.

So, would you like to find out how I made my pretty DIY angel ornaments? Heres how to make an angel.

You Will Need

• Old cards, paper, stiff wrapping paper, book leaves, magazines or newspaper.
• Scissors – obviously an adult may need to use these depending on your child’s ability.
• Glue, a glue gun or a glue pen – I love the glue pen as there is no mess and they are great for using with children!
• Ribbon or thread to hang your decoration. 

Take your old paper or card and I cut

• 1 piece that was 6 inches by 5 inches
• 2 pieces 3 inches by 3 inches
• 2 pieces half an inch by 4 inches 

I like to use glitter or shiny card for the half inch thick pieces as these are going to be the head and halo. Glitter and shiny foil cards definitely cannot be recycled. 

Fold the 6 inches by 5 inches piece of card and make half inch folds all the way along . Fold the concertina piece in half, and then glue the two sides of the lower half together to make a fan shape.

Repeat with the two 3 inch by 3 inch pieces to make 2 smaller fans that are the wings

Fold one of the half inch pieces around your finger to make a circle. Fold the second to make a second circle that is a little larger (like a halo) Glue the circles to each other.

Assemble the angel by glueing the two wings to the skirt fan piece, and then glue the head with halo in place on the top of it all.

Finally, thread a ribbon, thread or string through the halo to hang your angel. Alternatively you can use a hole punch in the top of the halo card as a place where you can tie the string.

And your angel is finished!

If you make a series of 3D paper angel ornaments of these you could even make a paper angel garland. You know I love my garlands! 

Other Posts Of Mine You Might Like

Do you think that you will be making a folded paper angel ornament? And have you enjoyed this post on how to make a folded paper christmas angel? If you love all things zero waste crafts  and sewing then you may also like the following posts. I also have plenty of handmade gift ideas projects on my site, so go take a look.

• DIY Upcycled Greeting Card Bunting
• Fabric Scraps – How To Use Every Last Piece.
• How to Have A Zero Waste Christmas

 I love to see all your projects. Do comment below, or tag me in your makes on social media. Find me at

Instagram: @ARoseTinted

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Twitter: @ARoseTintdWorld

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