Create a chain of paper angels by cutting multi-folded paper strips. It's just like folding and cutting paper doll chains! The angels can be used to decorate your Christmas packages or as part of a centerpiece. Join two or more chains of angels together to form a circle around a festive candle. The angels stand on their own and can be used to add some sparkle anywhere you are decorating for the holidays!
This craft project is great for family, classroom or group craft time. With a little preparation by the adult or teen leader, this project is both quick and easy for groups of kids.
Have more paper crafting fun (and learn about symmetry) by making classic Paper Doll Chains!
Read through the project and gather the materials needed for creating chains of paper angels. If you are doing this project with a group, pre-cutting the strips of paper will make the craft go faster.
You may also want to make some angel templates that can be traced. Create your own or download and print Aunt Annie's Paper Angel patterns on cardstock. The templates are available in two sizes. Select the size that best fits your folded strips of paper, and adjust as needed. Pre-cut enough templates so there is one template for every three or four people making angel chains.
Tip: The angels with wings down are the easiest to cut. Instead of holding hands, these angels are joined at the tips of their wings and the bottoms of their skirts. For an example of how you might decorate these angels, see the Tips section.
Cut strips of paper that are approximately 4½" by 12" from lightweight craft paper. If you are using computer paper, cut each sheet in half lengthwise.
Tip: If you are planning to use construction paper, it is best if shorter strips are used to reduce the bulk after folding. Try strips that are 4½" by 6", folded in four equal sections to cut a chain of two angels. These shorter chains can then be taped together.
Fold the paper strip into eight equal sections of accordion pleats.
1) Fold the strip in half, matching edges and making a sharp
crease.
2) Fold one edge back to meet the fold just made, and crease. Turn
the paper over and repeat with the other edge.
3) Fold the top layer back to meet the center fold, turn over and
repeat.
4) Open the center fold like a book. There are three layers on
each side with a single layer in the center.
5) Fold one side of three layers in to meet the center fold. Repeat
with the other side.
6) Fold the center fold back to complete the accordion folds.
With the cut edge of the folded strip to the right, draw half of an angel along the left (folded) edge with arms extending to the cut edge. You can trace a precut template or draw an angel of your own design!
Tip: If you plan to stand the chain of angels, it is best if the angels are connected in two places. So, like the arms, extend either the wings or the skirt to the cut edge.
Hold the folded strip firmly and cut carefully around the angel outline. Do not cut along the folds.
Unfold the paper strip to reveal your chain of angels. The chain of angels will stand if each angel is folded just a bit. Tape two or more chains of angels together and form a circle. Why not make a whole choir of angels?
Leave the angels plain or decorate them with markers. Use black markers on angels cut from white paper for a dramatic effect. You might also add glitter to the wings!
That's it! Your paper angel chain
is done!.