NEW POST - Fabric Christmas Angel

It has been awhile since I last posted on my blog, so here is what's been happening.  After an earlier than expected retirement last June as a High School Principal's Administrative Assistant, I waited the mandatory 6 months then signed up on the sub list.  2 days later I got a call that I was needed to fill in for 4 or 5 days until a replacement could be hired for a departing Administrative Secretary at the District Office.  4 or 5 days turned in to 7 weeks!! My retirement routine went down in flames and crafting and blogging were put on hold.  This body just doesn't have the get up and go that it used to.  I thoroughly enjoyed the job but was dog tired when I got home at the end of the day.  

Now that I'm back to being "retired" I am slowly getting back to the things I love to do. Today I want to share with you a darling fabric Christmas Angel that I adapted from a picture I saw on Pinterest.  These are easy to make.  Hope you will give it a try.  

Supplies: 
2 6" squares contracting fabrics
1  1 1/2" x 3/8" wooden circle
2  8"x 8"  pieces wool felt
8" piece gold cording for hanging
1 small wood heart button or other button of your choosing
small piece of lace for halo (optional) 
Embroidery thread
Hot Glue Gun 
Powder blush & Q-Tip
Craft paint:  flesh, black, white
Thin chipboard or an empty cereal box to make templates

First you will need to make a circle template for the body.  I used a piece of chipboard (thin cardboard) but if you have an empty cereal box that will work, too.  Re-use and recycle is always a good thing.  Using a protractor ( or you could use a bowl or a small plate if the dimensions are right) make a circle 4 1/4 inches in diameter.  

You will need 2 pieces of contracting fabric cut to about a 6 inch square.  Place your fabric right sides together and trace a circle using your cardboard template.  An ink pen or dark pencil works for tracing.

Stitch around the line you have drawn using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  Leave about a 1 1/2 inch opening for turning your angel dress right side out.  After you have stitched, use your scissors to clip to the stitching line about 1/4 inch apart all the way around where you have stitched.  You won't need to clip the opening.  

Turn right side out.  I like to use a chopstick for turning and run it around inside to shape my circle.  You won't need to slip stitch the opening closed because it won't been seen on the finished angel.  Press your circle with a warm iron to flatten and smooth out the wrinkles.  

Decide which side you want as the inside of the dress.  Place that side up facing you and make sure that the opening you used for turning is at the top.  

Then fold back about 1/3 of the circle.  The picture above could have been folded just a little bit more.  I also slip stitched the opening closed in the picture above, then realized that I didn't need to.  Imagine the unstitched opening at the top.  

Use a few stitches to tack the opening down.( I was making a dozen of these so don't think your eyes are playing tricks on you because of the different fabrics.).  

It should look like this on the front.  If you like, you can press with your iron to help keep the shape.  Woo Hoo!!  Your angel dress is finished.

The next step is to paint the faces.  I used a 1 1/2" x 3/8" wooden circle.  Paint both sides of the wood and the edge with a flesh colored craft paint and let dry.  For the eyes, I used a stylus (or you could use the handle of a small paint brush) to "dip dot" the eyes with black. After the black has dried, "dip dot" the white part of the eyes and let dry.  I used powdered blush and a Q-tip to brush on the cheeks.  It you have spray wood sealer, a list misting will keep the blush in place.  I also added a small piece of lace for a halo or you could paint on a gold halo with craft paint if you prefer.  Use your imagination here to put your personal touch on the face.

Next comes the wings. 

I cut a 3 1/2 inch square of copy paper, folded it in half  and free handed a heart shape.  Once you have the shape and size that you like, use your paper template to trace a sturdier one from your cardboard/cereal box.  Cut out and use to trace the wings on your felt which has been folded double so you only have to cut once for double ply wings. 

I used the heavier wool felt  that you can buy at Joann's or other fabric stores.  I used an ivory color but white or even gold felt would look amazing.  I would not recommend using lighter weight felt squares unless you make the wings 3 layers thick.  You need some stiffness so they won't be floppy.  

Once you cut out your wings, use embroidery floss or several lengths of sewing thread to stitch around the heart. Do some fancy stitching if you like. You can coordinate the thread to match your fabric or use gold thread as an accent.  

To assemble your angel you will need a hot glue gun or fabric glue.  I really like Fabri-Tack glue.  It adheres very well and I don't have to worry about burned fingers.  You can get it at Michael's or Hobby Lobby.  

Cut an 8 inch piece of cording, ribbon, jute or what ever your choice for a hanger.  Glue it in place on the front side of the dress between each side of the collar.  Next glue on the head. Once the head is in place, turn the angel over and glue on the wings making sure to cover the the opening that was left open for turning.  Once the wings are set you can add a wooden button as shown in the picture or use fancy gold heart buttons that you might have on hand. Again, add your own personal touch.

I hope you enjoy making a few of these for gifts or to decorate your Christmas tree.  If you have questions about any of the directions please let me know.  I always enjoy your comments.  Happy Crafting...until the next time.