by Veronica Bergschneider

Created on: February 19, 2010

Angel lovers of all ages can recycle and make a craft to enjoy at the same time. Old telephone books become angels with minimal effort so even preschoolers can join in the fun. Several techniques can be used in various parts of the project, making it appropriate for many age ranges.

To begin, tape or glue the front and back covers of the telephone directory to each other. This helps the finished angel stand on the table or other surface later on. Fold each page of listings toward the center of the book and in the same direction. This will create a fan effect in a circular pattern. The full circle at the bottom helps to hold the finished angel in a standing position. Glue ribbon or fabric, or allow young children to attach stickers to the folds of the pages to decorate the bodice of the angel’s robe.

Cut cardboard into the shapes of arms, wings, and any accessories the angel needs. Some will make the hands look as if they are praying, while others may use songbooks or musical instruments with the angels, depending on the interests of the maker or recipient of the angel. Draw outlines to delineate where the robe ends and hands begin or for the feathers on the wings. Paint, glue fabric, or let children place stickers in these areas, the glue them onto the book..

Place a Styrofoam ball in the correct proportion for the size of book being used as the body on top for a head. This can be painted skin tone if desired, or left white. For hair, glue on yarn or thin strips of felt or other fabrics in the desired color, or paint on a short style. The face can be painted on by more accomplished artists, or younger children can glue on plastic googly eyes or ones made of art materials, and felt or construction paper noses and mouths. The crafter can use anything from craft wire to wire tinsel with stars or other motifs attached as a halo.

Using materials found around the home and for little money in art shops, families can make angel decorations. This allows for lessons on both art and recycling to happen at the same time. Making a telephone book angel thus includes all members of the family, from preschool age up, in making a decorative craft for the home or as a gift.

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