Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda, fresh and finely powdered
- 1/2 cup cornstarch, plain pantry cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water, divided as needed
- 1 tablespoon white craft glue, optional for added flexibility
- 1 set of star, moon, or circle cookie cutters, 2 to 3 inches wide
- 1 sheet parchment paper, at least 12 inches wide
- 1 rolling pin or a smooth drinking glass about 10 inches long
- 1 wooden skewer or drinking straw, for hanging holes
- 1 small saucepan, 1 to 2 quart capacity
- 1 silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup set, including a 1/2 cup and 1 cup measure
- 1 measuring spoon set, including a 1 tablespoon measure
- 1 flat baking sheet or tray, at least 12 inches wide
- 1 sheet of fine sandpaper, 220 grit, optional for smoothing edges
- 1 small bottle dark blue acrylic paint, 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small bottle purple acrylic paint, 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small bottle white acrylic paint, 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small bottle silver or light blue acrylic paint, 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small flat paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 small detail paintbrush, about 1/8 inch wide
- 1 cup clean water for rinsing brushes
- 1 paper towel or cotton cloth, for blotting brushes
- 24 inches cotton cord or narrow ribbon, cut into eight 3-inch pieces
- 1 disposable table covering or reusable drop cloth, about 2 feet by 3 feet
- 1 pair disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves, optional for painting
- 1 roll painter’s tape, optional for holding parchment in place
Instructions
- Cover the table first with a reusable drop cloth or a sheet of paper.
- Measure 1 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup cornstarch into a 1 to 2 quart saucepan. Add 3/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon white craft glue if using.
- Stir the mixture over low to medium-low heat with a silicone spatula until it thickens into something like mashed potatoes.
- Remove the pan when the dough pulls away from the sides and gathers around the spatula.
- Spoon the hot dough onto parchment paper and let it cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes on the parchment. If sticky, dust with a small amount of baking soda.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut eight shapes with your cookie cutters.
- Use a wooden skewer or drinking straw to make one hole near the top of each ornament.
- Transfer the shapes to a flat baking sheet lined with parchment and leave them uncovered at room temperature for 24 hours, turning them once after about 12 hours.
- Sand any raised edges lightly with 220 grit sandpaper after the pieces feel fully dry.
- Paint the ornaments with a thin coat of dark blue acrylic paint, letting it dry for 30 to 45 minutes before adding a second coat.
- Blend small areas of purple and light blue into the blue while it's slightly damp, or layer colors afterward.
- Use the detail brush to add white and silver dots and tiny stars, varying the sizes.
- Let the painted ornaments dry for 2 to 4 hours.
- Thread one 3-inch piece of cotton cord or ribbon through each hole and tie a small knot.
- Rinse brushes before the paint dries, wipe the work surface, and allow any remaining paint water to settle before disposal.
- Let the ornaments rest overnight before packing them away or hanging them.
Notes
Keep the saucepan on a stable burner and use adult hands for the hot dough. Children age 8 and older can help with supervision.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
