Give your old jeans a beautiful new life by turning them into stunning angel wings for your home.
This easy, no-sew project lets you create unique wall art or tree decorations using just scissors, glue, and some imagination.
The layered denim brings a cozy, rustic vibe that fits any season, and each pair of wings becomes a special piece of eco-friendly décor.
Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or just want a meaningful accent on your wall, these jeans angel wings are fun and approachable.
With some patience and a few simple materials, you’ll craft something eye-catching that tells a story, no sewing skills required!
What You’ll Need
- 2–3 pairs of old jeans (the more shades, the better!)
- Large piece of plywood (recommended) or sturdy cardboard (at least 18″ x 24″ for medium wings)
- Scissors (sharp fabric scissors work best)
- Strong craft glue or hot glue gun with glue sticks
- Pencil or chalk (for tracing)
- Blue or denim-colored acrylic paint and a paintbrush (optional, for plywood base)
- Paper and pen (for making a wing pattern)
- String, ribbon, or wire (for hanging)
- Lace or ribbon (optional for accents)
- Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing plywood edges)
Links to everything you need are available below in our step by step guide!
Step 1: Create Your Wing Shape
Start by drawing a wing shape on a large piece of paper. You can keep it simple, a curved, teardrop shape works well. Once you’re happy with it, cut out the paper pattern.
Lay this pattern on your plywood or cardboard and trace around it.
Use scissors for cardboard or a small saw for plywood to cut out your traced wing shape. If you’re making a double-sided wing, remember to cut out two identical pieces.
Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper to prevent splinters.
Here’s the free pattern to get the wing shape right and to use as a guide for placing the feathers 👇
Step 2: Paint the Base (Optional)
If you’d like your plywood or cardboard to blend in with the denim, paint the surface with blue or denim-colored paint.
This step helps any small gaps between denim pieces look intentional and neat. Let the paint dry completely before moving on.
Step 3: Cut Denim Feathers
Take your old jeans and cut off the seams to open up the fabric. Then, cut out lots of feather shapes, about 2–4 inches long each.
Don’t worry about making them perfect! A little variety and some frayed edges add to the charm. Aim for at least 40–60 feathers for medium wings, depending on size.
Mixing different shades from various jeans will give your wings a lovely, textured look.
Step 4: Attach Denim Feathers to the Base
It is better to start at the bottom tip of your wing. Apply a thin layer of glue to the base and press on the first row of denim feathers, slightly overlapping each one.
Work in rows, moving up the wing and layering each new row over the last for a realistic, feathered effect.
Be patient and let each row set for a few minutes before adding more. If you like, add a few lace or ribbon pieces in between for extra flair.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Hang
Once the entire wing is covered, let the glue dry thoroughly. If you want a double-sided piece, repeat the layering process on the second side.
To hang your wings, attach a loop of string, ribbon, or thick wire to the back using glue, a staple gun, or bolts across the plywood (depending on the size and weight of your creation).
Hang your angel wings on a wall, door, or even your holiday tree. If you want, you can decorate the wooden side with painted feather details for an extra personal touch.
Troubleshooting and Pro Tips
- Don’t use too much glue; it can soak through the denim and make your wings heavy or stiff.
- Layer the feathers loosely for a more natural, fluffy look. Tight stacking can make them appear flat.
- If your denim pieces curl, press them under a heavy book for a few hours before gluing.
- Mix up light and dark denim for visual depth.
- If you’re using cardboard instead of wood, keep your wings smaller to avoid bending.
Enjoy Your Eco-Friendly Angel Wings!
Turning old jeans into angel wings is not only fun, but it’s also a wonderful way to reduce waste and add personal charm to your home.
Every pair of wings tells a story and brings a cozy, handmade touch to your space.
Give it a try, your friends and family will be amazed at what you created from something as simple as a pair of worn-out jeans!
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