Hark! The herald angels sing! As soon as the Christmas season rolls around, we see images of angels everywhere—from the top of the tree to holiday cards. These “herald angels” are often shown with glowing halos and beautiful wings, representing peace and joy.
But have you ever wondered why we imagine angels this way? Artists and sculptors have been depicting angels in gowns with wings since as far back as the 15th century! From the classic paintings in Italy and Spain to ancient artifacts in Egypt, Greece, and Turkey, the image of the angel has traveled across the globe and through time.
Today, we’re going to create our own little piece of angel art! This Handprint Angel Craft is a wonderful way for young kids to get involved in holiday decorating. Plus, it uses their own handprints, making it a precious keepsake for years to come.
The History of Angel Art
Before we start crafting, let’s look at how people across different cultures have imagined angels throughout history:
- International Symbols: Angelic figures appear in the art of almost every country, including Belgium, France, Scotland, America, and Syria. While their clothes or colors might change, the message of being a messenger of peace remains the same.
- The Wings: In ancient art, wings were a way to show that a being belonged to the “heavens” and could travel between worlds.
- The Halo: Many artists added a circle of light around an angel’s head to show they were special and filled with light.
How to Make Your Handprint Angel
This craft is simple, personal, and looks like the angel is truly flying!
Supplies Needed:
- White or cream cardstock (for the angel’s gown)
- Colored paper (for the wings—gold, silver, or light blue work beautifully)
- Skin-tone paper (for the face)
- Markers (to draw a happy face)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Glitter or gold tinsel (optional, for the halo)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Trace the “Wings”
The most special part of this craft is that the angel’s wings are made from your child’s handprints!
- Trace both of your child’s hands on your colored paper.
- Carefully cut out the handprints. These will be the wings that help your angel “fly.”
2. Create the Gown
- Cut a large triangle shape out of the white or cream cardstock. This will be the angel’s body/gown.
- Pro Tip: You can decorate the bottom of the gown with silver markers or lace for a fancy touch.
3. Assemble the Angel
- Glue the two handprints to the back of the triangle. The fingers should point outward and slightly upward, making them look like feathers in flight.
- Cut a small circle for the head and glue it to the top point of the triangle.
4. Add the Details
- Use markers to draw a peaceful, smiling face.
- The Halo: Bend a small piece of gold tinsel into a circle and glue it to the back of the head, or simply cut a small yellow ring from paper.
5. Making it Fly
If you want to hang your angel on the Christmas tree, poke a small hole in the top of the head and thread a piece of ribbon through it.
Why Handprint Crafts are Special
Handprint crafts are a favorite for parents and teachers for a few big reasons:
- A Snapshot in Time: Kids grow up so fast! A handprint craft lets you remember exactly how small their hands were during a specific holiday season.
- Tactile Learning: Tracing hands is a great way for kids to learn about the shape of their own bodies and practice sitting still for a “trace.”
- Ownership: When a child sees their own hand turned into a wing, they feel a huge sense of pride in their “magical” creation.
Conclusion
Whether you’re celebrating a long-standing family tradition or just looking for a fun way to spend a snowy afternoon, this angel craft is a beautiful reminder of the peace and joy the holiday season brings. Every time you see those little handprint wings, you’ll be reminded of the “little angel” who made them!