Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fine table salt
- 1/2 cup used coffee grounds, cooled and squeezed mostly dry
- 1/2 cup warm water, plus up to 2 tablespoons more if needed
- 1 tablespoon white craft glue, optional for slightly stronger pieces
- 1 sheet parchment paper, 12 inches by 16 inches
- 1 piece of plastic wrap, about 12 inches square
- 1 medium mixing bowl, at least 2-quart capacity
- 1 wooden spoon or silicone spatula, 10 to 12 inches long
- 1 rolling pin, about 12 inches long, or a clean straight-sided glass
- 1 set of small cookie cutters, 2 to 3 inches wide, optional
- 1 drinking straw, 1/4 inch wide, for ornament holes
- 1 small butter knife, for trimming edges
- 1 cooling rack, at least 10 inches wide
- 1 sheet of fine sandpaper, 220 grit, for smoothing dry edges
- 1 pair of disposable gloves, medium or large, optional if you have sensitive hands
- 1 table covering, such as a reusable silicone mat or 1 old kitchen towel
- 1 small paintbrush, 1/2 inch wide, if you want to add paint
- 1 small container of water, 4 fluid ounces, for cleaning the brush
- 1 ounce acrylic craft paint, optional
- 1 ounce clear water-based sealer, optional
Instructions
- Cover your table before you measure anything.
- Line the cooling rack with parchment paper and place it near your work area.
- Stir the flour, salt, and coffee grounds together in the mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup warm water and the 1 tablespoon of glue, if using, and stir slowly until it forms rough clumps.
- Turn the mixture onto the covered table and knead it for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Unwrap the dough and divide it into 4 to 6 portions.
- Roll each portion to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut shapes with 2 to 3 inch cookie cutters, or use the butter knife for simple shapes.
- Use the drinking straw to make one hole near the top of each ornament or tag.
- Move each piece to the parchment-lined rack and smooth rough edges with a damp fingertip.
- Let the pieces air-dry for 24 to 36 hours, turning them after the first 12 hours.
- Once completely dry, smooth sharp edges with sandpaper.
- Paint the pieces with a thin coat of acrylic craft paint, if desired.
- Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the paint to dry and add a second coat if needed.
- Brush on a thin coat of clear water-based sealer for surface protection, if desired.
Notes
Be mindful of drying times and avoid direct heat or sunlight during the drying process. Use gloves if coffee grounds irritate your skin.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
