A hymnal angel is a beautiful Christmas decoration and a wonderful way to use up old hymnals that aren’t being used anymore.
A few years ago, I wanted to make these, but I just couldn’t get myself to alter the precious books that my husband had used in leading music.
So recently, I was setting up our new library, and I ran across the very dusty and never used hymnals. I decided that hymnal angels would be an easy craft my kids would enjoy making.
How to Make a Hymnal Angel
Supplies Needed
- Old hymnal
- Styrofoam, wood, or paper mâché ball for head (I used an old doll head.)
- Ribbons (or anything else you would like to use)
- Glitter
- Glue
Directions
- Gather materials.
- Open hymnal and turn to the first page which should show the first song (with music) on the back side of a page.
- Take the bottom corner of that page and fold toward the center of the book. This is the Angel’s wings.
- Turn to the back of the book. Find the last page with music on it and make another wing doing the same thing. (Folding the bottom of the page to the center of the book.)
- Go back to the front of the book after the wing fold. Start a new fold from the upper corner of the page toward the center of the book.
- Continue making the hymnal angel’s dress until the end of the book.
Make sure the folds are straight and even. - After all the folds are done, the book should be able to stand on it’s own.
- Now add a head and details.
- Add a ribbon, hair or even a halo.
- Enjoy your new creation!
Other ideas:
- Use as a centerpiece.
- It makes a very simple and inexpensive gift to give to a music minister or choir director.
- Change the ribbon and decorate for every season.
- Make a Fall Village and add some angels.
Get my 100 Homemade Gifts on Amazon with step-by-step instructions.
By contributing writer Lana (like banana).
Robin in New Jersey says
I love this! Easy and inexpensive. But, now to find an old hymnal!
Becky Hanemaayer says
I have 2 shelves of old hymnals! Got them at thrift stores – usually 50 cents each! Sometimes they have a special: buy 1 get 1 free! I’m going to make these for my craft shows!!
Rita says
Try old churches in your area. They may well have old hymn books lurking in a cupboard somewhere that they’d be happy to give/sell for a few dollars. Often they’re kept long after they’ve been superseded because someone thinks it’d be a “waste” to throw them out.
Karen says
I just saw one of these at a friends house the other night and thought I need to make one of those. I guess I have to find an old hymnal and make me one now that I know how.
Jasmine says
These are beautiful, Lana! My oldest daughter loves hymns (and can be heard playing them all day). I will have to keep my eye out at the thrift stores for an old hymnal. I think she would love one of these to set on her piano!
Rachel says
OMG I love this idea!!!! My dad loved books and when he passed away this summer he had a book with him at the hospital which I ended up with… Althought it isnt a hymn book I will still do this with it has it was his and it’s a way of having him with me at Christmas time. Thank you for the wonderful idea 🙂
Kris Dougherty says
Looked at a lot of sites re book angels and yours is the absolute best. Good job. Congrats!!!
Shirley Pitney says
Is there some place I can buy one already made?
PEGGY KIRTON says
I have some for sale…a tad bit different…I use foam ball head wrapped in music sheet …hair of spanish moss and crochet doily for dress and huge bow …for Christmas I stick some sort of ornament into the crochet doily. Will send you photo in email or text if you like…my email is
pkproductions3@gmail.com…text phone is 904=707 2665
Peggy Kirton
Sharon says
Question….what do you do with the pages that do not have songs on them?