How to Make an Autumn Pinecone Angel

Love angels? Got pinecones? Then you're on your way to a beautiful pinecone angel that can be used as an ornament, implemented into a wreath, or simply hung on the front door. The angels are so easy to make that you'll want to make dozens. And, the kids can join in on this project, too.

Choose a large pinecone and spray paint it gold or silver. Purchase angel wings or make your own. You can make your own simple wings by using girls' tights, or white pantyhose, and a shaped wire. Craft wire is easy to shape and will adhere easily to the "wings". Simply shape the wings, dip the wire in glue, and lay it onto the pantyhose. After the glue is dry trim around the wire.

Glue the wire wings onto the pine cone with hot glue. Attach a large wooden bead on the top of the pinecone. Use paints to add a face. Instead of a wooden bead you can also shape a head by using the toe of a knee-hi stocking and some pillow stuffing. Place a little stuffing in the stocking and work it around until you have the head shape. Tie it shut with rubber band or string.

Trim the excess off below the string. Glue the head onto the pinecone. If it's easy to see the spot where the stocking meets the pinecone, use a piece of white or gold ribbon around the angel's "neck". Paint a face onto the stocking shape or use craft eyes for the angel instead. You can use a needle and thread to make a mouth or just paint one onto the pantyhose.

You'll find bags of craft hair in any craft department to use for the angel. Glue the hair onto the head. Make the hair long enough to cover the back part of the wings, at the area where they're glued to the pinecone.

You'll find small craft wedding rings, in the wedding department of a craft store, to use for the halo. You can also use a tinsel pipe cleaner or just a shaped piece of craft wire, spray painted gold. Place the ring directly onto the hair of the angel, or attach it to a small wire and attach the opposite end of the wire to the angel's hair, in the back.

There are lots of substitutions you can make to create different angels. Use silk leaves for wings instead of wired stockings. Arrange one large leaf, with a smaller one on top, then glue them to the wing area of the pinecone. Use yarn instead of craft hair for the angel, or use something like Spanish moss for hair. You can even add tiny white bows to the pinecone or "gown" to give it even more elegance.

The angels are simple but beautiful. Make a set to give to a friend or just use them to decorate your own tree or home this year.