How to Make "Punched Tin" Paper Angels

Very simple "punched tin" paper angel ornament to make with the kids!

Since I celebrate both Guadalupe Day (December 12th) and St. Lucy Day (December 13th), I became very excited when I came up with this little ornament idea  -  a perfect ornament that blends two cultures whose special celebrations fall so close together. 

I go to bed on December 12th with my tummy full of Sopillas and Green Chile and wake up on December 13th to Saffron Buns and gingerbread! These sweet little "punched tin" paper Scandinavian angels fit in perfectly don't you think?

You are all very busy! I will keep this tutorial short and sweet!

1. Metallic card weight paper is easy to find this time of year in the scrapbooking section of any craft store.

2. The pattern can be found here on my favorite holiday site - "Yule in Iceland".

Beginning December 12th, the Jolasveinar (Yule Lads) begin returning from the mountains to visit the villages and cities in Iceland and leave gifts for all good children living in Iceland. They also leave little gifts on "Yule in Iceland" but only during the 12 days they are out and about the villages in Iceland.

So to get your very own copy of the pattern, you will need to visit "Yule in Iceland" and beginning December 12th click on "Jolasveinar" and then the drummer boy. Every day a new gift from the newely arrived Jolasveinar is waiting! To receive yours be sure to mark "nice" when the question is asked "have you been naughty or nice" and then read and follow any further suggestion to click on the image of the gift iteslf.

Some of you are having difficulty finding the angel pattern so I will tell you that the pattern (as well as several other patterns) has been brought by the first Jolasvenier.  Since only one gift is given a day, and the Jolasvenier, Stekkjarstaur (Gimpy) brought the angel pattern, it will be necessary for you to click on the Jolasvenier of that name in any box inwhich you see a list of all twelve lads.  Then proceed with clicking "nice" and then the gift image itself.

You will only be able to download your angel pattern between December 12th and December 24th.  So even if you may not have time to make your angels before Christmas, be sure to download your copy of the pattern!

3. Follow the instructions that come with the angel pattern. Cut your angels from the metallic paper.

4. On the shiny side, using a pencil, lightly draw a design on the skirt. (I found the pencil lines erase quite easily.)

5. Punch little holes in the paper following the design lines. I used a push pin.

It works best to completely punch through the paper and try to make the holes about the same size and the same distance apart.

I place a couple layers of cardboard under mine.

6. Turn your angel over and draw a design on the wings.

7. For the wings, punch from the back side of the paper following your design lines.

Design punching completed! Notice the difference in the appearance of the holes in the skirt and those in the wings. When you assemble the angel, you will see  the importance of punching holes from the back and the front.

8. Fold your angel as directed on the pattern. I like to add a staple to the back as shown.

9. Thread a hanging string through the top of the head if you wish to hang as an ornament.

If you are not into punching holes into your little angels, gold metallic paper and golden stickers make a lovely alternative! See my little gold angel hanging near the bottom of my Iceland Advent Calendar Tree?

Of course any paper will work.  I just happen to like the look of the metallic sheen.

Now! Go play!!! Make Christmas angel magic! And while you are at it find more holiday magic waiting behind the doors of the Advent Calendar on "Yule in Iceland".