Holiday Angel Wing Tutorial
Ready for some great news!? I had a Peace on Earth Christmas project featured in Twinkle Twinkle Little Party Magazine this week! A special thanks to Andressa for all her hard work curating such an incredible issue! You've got to head on over to the publication to see the full display but so many people have inquired about the angel wings in my article that I wanted to share them with everyone! If you're looking to add Christmas Spirit into your home decor this Angel Wing Tutorial is the perfect Holiday project for you.
I did a lot of searching for the right shape and style of angel wings and found some metal ones I loved on Etsy but the feathers weren't exactly what I was looking for. So I borrowed the shape and created a feather layout of my own. The finished product ended up a little differently than this but that's what concept sketches are all about; just a springboard to get you moving. I'm all about letting the creative process run its course.
- Level of Difficulty: MEDIUM to DIFFICULT {depending on your craft comfort level}
- Time Commitment: 4-6 hours {4 days if you have children!}
Angel Wing Tutorial Supplies
Affiliate links are provided for your shopping convenience. By clicking and purchasing, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure page for any questions. Thanks for supporting Halfpint Design so we can continue providing awesome party and decor ideas!
- Posterboard, cardboard, or other heavy material that you can bend slightly
- White cardstock, 80lb {65lb paper would work ok too, but do NOT use 110lb cover stock}
- Printer {If you print the rib design on feathers}
- Cricut Explore Air 2
- Color Bloom Empress Gold Metallic Spray Mist: JoAnn's does carry this brand if you have one accessible
- Stiff bristle Stencil Paint Brush
- Cup for paint
- Scotch Permanent Double sided tape you could also use a Glue Gun, or Glue Dots, with Scotch foam tape added at the end for peace
on Earthof mind - (26) Small cut feathers
- (32) Medium cut Feathers
- (24) Long cut Feathers
Angel Wing Tutorial:
Step 1: Cut the base and feathers
I just sketched the wing outline on the piece of poster board. If you'd like to use this same shape as a template feel free to download it below. You'll need to print it out on six pages and tape together to create the template. Get the Base Template HERE
The Cricut Design Space files are designed with the “Print and cut” feature and have the interior pattern of the feather ribs included. If you have a different brand of electronic cutter you can pick up the feather outline svg files here. {Please note that they will NOT have the interior ribbing}
UPDATE: The feather files with pattern fill are now available HERE. If you are new to Cricut, please check out the step by step instructions on how to create a print then cut project.
-
- (26) Small cut feathers – for use in Cricut Design Space
- (32) Medium cut Feathers – for use in Cricut Design Space
- (24) Long cut Feathers – for use in Cricut Design Space
Step 2: Shape & Attach Long Feathers
Softly bend each feather at the tip to add dimension and give it a more realistic 3D appearance. Attach feathers using adhesive on the quill end, allowing the feather tips to move freely. You can see how I added the first layer of long feathers in the image for STEP 1. You'll want to slightly overlap each feather keeping the leading edge on the same side all the way up {I chose the left side to show and right to tuck under} so your shadows are consistent.
Step 3: Add Paint for Shadows
I love the Color Bloom Spray Mist because it is already the perfect consistency. You can spray it straight from the nozzle but I found that the “fine mist” was not even and I ended up with drips on my “test wing”. The best technique was to spray it into a cup, using the stiff bristle stencil paint brush to lightly stipple it on. Use a paper towel to remove excess paint before adding to avoid “over painting”. I added gold accent paint to the quill end of each feather and lightly down the inside edge to add shading and depth. Add the paint one layer at a time allowing each layer to dry before adding a new one.
Step 4: Affix Medium Feathers
After you've done 2 layers of long feathers, add 2 layers of medium feathers. I liked the rows that I curved a bit instead of the one row I made really straight. Can you spot which one I wish I could change in the photo below? Keep adhering the feathers, then adding the paint one row at a time, remembering to let it dry in between.
Step 5: Top it off
Add your final 2 layers of small feathers and paint. Then, you'll need to finish off the top. These small feathers are affixed sideways in a curved shape to give definition to the top of the wing. Trim off the quill and round the edge of the final feather on each side, closest to the center.
Step 6: Repeat
Go through the same steps on the other side for your second wing. The only tricky part was where the wings met in middle. You might need to trim the quill off a few more feathers to get a nice finished look. Make sure your rows line up in the center. Start at the same point of your base for each row and try to end at the same height as well. You can use a yardstick to make sure your feathers are lining up on the edges.
To Hang
Adding a strip of cardboard with flexible wire on each side gave me the ability to attach it to this reclaimed window for display.
DO NOT hang from only one point of contact or your wings may droop.
I hope you enjoyed this Holiday Angel Wing Tutorial and are ready to roll up your sleeves and start MAKING them. I'd love to hear what you think of these, where you'd put it in your own home, and which holidays and events you could use it for. Light plastic wings would be perfect for a Halloween Angel Costume. Angels are wonderful for Christmas of course, but could work equally well at Easter. Angels are a sweet theme for a baby shower as well. I loved them to create “Cupid's Corner” in my own home for Valentine's Day.
And if you haven't checked out the whole article on Twinkle Twinkle Little Party Magazine….you're missing out!
Until next time,
How long are each feather? And how large are the wings? I am trying to create a backdrop.
These are smaller, it ends up being about 3-1/2 feet wide. You could enlarge the feathers and cut them out by hand. Or print and cut one feather at a time. This would certainly make a beautiful backdrop.
Good morning Bro, your wings are adorable!! I have two questions- what else would you use if one doesn’t have circuit machine?
#2. Who inspired you most when doing crafts?
Thank you so much
Julie Ducastel
Bri! I didn’t mean Bro, I meant Bri
sometimes my phone has a mind of its own. 😆 Haha
Julie Ducastel
And not to worry- spell check changes my name EVERY time from Bri to Bro. 😂
Hi Julie! You can absolutely cut these feathers out by hand if you don’t have an electronic cutting machine. It’ll just take a really long time!
As for your other question – I think my Grandmother inspired me most to be creative and use my hands. But that was supplemented as I grew by other wonderful teachers, artists, and friends that have encouraged and supported my creative endeavors.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It took me almost a month to put it all together. I did have to cut every feather by hand and I have 3 year old who kept me busy as well. Because I don’t have Cricut so I imported the same files into Photoshop, squeezed few more feathers per page and printed it all out.
It absolutely beautiful. <3 xxx
I’m so glad that you were able to get a few more feathers to a page. It makes me crazy that the print area is so small with the print and cut feature. I’d be honored to see a photo of your labor of love. I have a 4 year old so I totally understand! I’m so proud!!
I have been wanting angel wings for my fireplace..these are not smaller but am.going to use for Christmas and Valentine’s!! Thank you so much for all patterns and details. You are amazing!
You are so welcome! I love hearing about all the projects people do. I hope that it works out well for you and that you have the perfect piece for your Christmas and Valentine decor!
Brianna, my daughter painted angel wings for her boyfriend’s birthday bc of his best friend that passed. I had been wanting to either paint really large angel wings with texture but I haven’t been able to find what I could use. I love your wings & thx for sharing. When I first saw the pic I really thought they were real feathers so thx again , I can’t wait to get started once I get all the supplies I need.
I am so happy you wrote to let me know! What a wonderful tribute. I’m so happy these wings could bring a little peace and comfort. Good luck with your project.
I am looking for a reason or verse people are making angel wings . I know they are beautiful and are angel wings from heaven. but is there a verse that goes with them?
There are many verses in the Bible talking about Angel’s. Their servants of God, they are at his beacon call. There messengers from God. Not all have wings some have multiple. One thing to remember God made us and Angel’s. But we were made in GOD’S image. We all have a personal guardian angel. Read your Bible it’s so fascinating you’ll love GOD’S word.
I am so happy I found your beautiful angel Wing project. Just what I’ve been looking forever!
Hello, I’m trying to recreate this DIY. However when I open the largest feather on cricut design space it says it is too large to print then cut. Are the dimensions on your feathers different? I’m new to cricut so I’m a little lost =/
How do I sign up or register?
When I clicked on Design Space link it says private. How can I access it?
This is such a great DIy. This is probably my favorite so far.
Angela
The gold was a must. Without it the wings fell flat. The shimmer added just the right amount of magic! And they are so easy to hang. I’ve toying the idea of making them out of other materials but this was pretty slick! Thank you so much.
These are gorgeous! I love the touch of gold on them and that they are made from card stock so really not too heavy to hang and display at all! Great job on these!
Amazing tutorial Bri!! They’re just so stunning!!
These are so pretty! I want to wear them!
Omg, these are absolutely gorgeous and sadly I have 2 kids so the 4 days to make would probably be double that here though LOL 😉