My Christmas Angel (November 2018)

I wanted to make a proper Christmas Angel, something that will be our family heirloom (though I haven’t been blessed with my own human children). To me, it didn’t matter how long she took to make, or how fiddly, I just wanted to make her the right angel for us.

For inspiration I looked through my stash of craft magazines and books and then with a rough idea in mind, I sketched out a torso and head and arms. I wanted a stump doll – one without legs. Legs wouldn’t be necessary with the long dress, and anyway, might hinder the sitting on the Christmas tree!

I love raw calico. I like the black one too, which is an intense black which looks great contrasted with colours. Raw or natural calico has a cream colouration, perfect for my angel. I only had to go through my fabric stash to find the right fabrics. Likewise, I already had the embroidery threads, strong sewing thread, safe toy filling and wire. My mum donated the golden yellow wool.

I hand sewed and hand embroidered everything. It’s a slow enjoyable process which is strangely hypnotic and relaxing.

Here are some photos, noting my progress.

.

.

Now she comes alive!

.

.

I wanted her to have gold hair being an angel, but instead of the traditional blue eyes I opted for soulful brown ones! Her lips and eyes and even strands of her hair have metallic threads.

I laboriously made her wings from scratch.

.

.

They’re made of wire frames couched together with gold gauze like fabric. They can be gently molded.

Well, the hard bits are done! When I’ve finished her dress I’ll fix the wings – and update the craft page.

I’d love to see any festive decorations you’ve made yourself. Please give me the direct link in the comment section.

.

.

*

Copyright Faith McCord 2018

Story and artwork belongs to Faith McCord who is the author and artist holding the copyright. This is not a public domain work. Worldwide rights.