Easy Paper Christmas Angel Craft Ornament for Kids

Step 1: Fold Your Paper

Start with an A4 sheet of thin paper (80 grams printing paper) or origami paper, thinner paper is easier for kids to fold. Fold it in half along the long side, then unfold to create a crease in the middle. See image A above.

Step 2: Mark the Folds

Fold each side toward the center crease and unfold again. You’ll now have three fold lines along the long side. See image B above.

Step 3: Create a Paper Fan

Turn the paper into a fan by folding it in 1.5 cm (½ inch) sections, back and forth like an accordion. Repeat until the whole sheet is folded. See image C above.

Tip: Encourage kids to take their time here, this step helps with focus and hand-eye coordination!

Step 4: Cut and Fold

Find the middle of your paper fan and cut it in half. Take one half and fold it again, about one-third of the way from the middle. Repeat with the other half, these will be your angel’s wings and dress. See images D, E and F above.

Step 5: Add the Bead Head and Twine

Cut a 30 cm (12 in) piece of twine and thread a wooden bead through the middle. Tie a knot under the bead to keep it in place. This will be your angel’s head and hanging loop. See images G and H below.

Step 6: Glue It Together

Glue the twine between the two halves of your paper fan. We used hot glue for a quick stick, but regular school glue works too. Hold it together for a few seconds until it sets.

Parent tip: Hot glue sets fast, but if kids are doing the gluing, school glue or tacky glue is safer.

Step 7: Paint and Decorate

Now the fun part, decorating with color! Use watercolors to paint your angel’s wings, a watercolor palette works great with kids. You can choose a classic gold-and-white look or go for rainbow colors like we did. Pre-wet the watercolor palette so kids can easily dip their brushes in and start painting. See images J, K and L below!

Craft idea: Try mixing soft pastels for a dreamy look, or metallic shades for festive sparkle.

Step 8: Add a Face to your Christmas Angel (Optional)

Once the paint is dry, use a fine marker or pencil to draw a sweet little face on the bead. You can even add a touch of blush with pink watercolor or add some googly eyes if you wish!

And just like that,  your adorable paper angel is ready to hang on the tree, attach to a gift, or give to someone special.

More Christmas Craft Ideas

If you enjoyed this project, check out these festive favorites:

• Egg Carton Christmas Angel Craft: Transform egg cartons into Christmas angels. Kids can paint, decorate with yarn hair, and add glittery pipe cleaner halos. See images above!

•  29 Fun and Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids: creative ideas for all ages!

• BIG Christmas Craft Printable Bundle: packed with festive templates, coloring pages, and easy crafts. Perfect for home or classroom fun, see the graphic below! This bundle helps spark imagination and joyful learning all season long. Find it now on Teachers Pay Teachers or in our Etsy craft printables shop.

Final Thoughts

Crafting with kids isn’t just about the final result, it’s about the laughter, the mess, and the memories you make together. These watercolor angels bring a touch of handmade magic to your holidays and remind us that sometimes, the simplest crafts are the most special.

Enjoy crafting,  and may your holiday season be filled with creativity, color, and joy!