When you transform it into a graceful angel, you’re not just making a craft; you’re telling a story of transformation.
Each pod, with its unique texture and elegant taper, becomes a tiny body, ready to take flight with ribbon wings and a whispered song.
Also, these little angels carry a kind of celestial grace, turning a piece of the garden into a timeless symbol of peace and hope for the holidays.
Materials Needed
- 10-12 dried okra pods (select long, straight pods)
- Small wooden craft beads (approx. 1” diameter)
- White or ivory ribbon (a mix of textures or patterns adds character)
- Natural fiber (Spanish moss, raffia, or fine twine)
- Fine gold wire or metallic tinsel cord
- Small decorative sprigs (fake pine, berries, mini pinecones)
- Fine-tipped black marker or paint pen
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine or ornament hooks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start by choosing your okra pods. Look for pods that are long and have a nice, straight shape, these will be the body of your angels.
Then gently clean them with a dry cloth to make sure they’re ready for crafting.
Step 2: Glue the wooden bead to the top, narrow end of the okra pod using a dab of hot glue.
This will be the angel’s head. You hold it in place for a few seconds until the glue sets firmly.
Step 3: Next, give your angel some personality with hair and a halo. Take a small tuft of natural fiber and glue it to the top of the wooden bead for hair.
Then, create a tiny circle with your gold wire or tinsel and glue it on top of the hair to form a delicate halo.
Step 4: Now for the wings. Cut a piece of your white ribbon and tie it into a simple bow.
You use a drop of hot glue to attach the bow to the back of the okra pod, right below the head. This gives your angel a sense of graceful flight.
Step 5: Time to add the final, festive touches. Glue your small decorative sprigs such as a bit of pine, some red berries, a tiny pinecone to the front of the okra pod.
Feel free to play with the placement to create a unique look for each angel.
Step 6: Finally, give your angel a face! Use a fine black marker or paint pen to draw two small, closed eyes and a tiny ‘O’ shaped mouth on the wooden bead.
To finish, loop a piece of twine or an ornament hook through the back of the halo for easy hanging.
Tips:
When I made a set of these for my own holiday decor, I found that using different ribbons for the wings gave each angel a completely unique personality.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. The beauty of these ornaments is in their natural, rustic feel, so remember that imperfections are part of their charm.
Making these is a perfect way to spend a peaceful afternoon, creating a whole chorus of little messengers for your holiday tree.