Salt dough ornaments are a delightful and creative way to express your artistic flair while creating meaningful keepsakes or holiday gifts. This simple craft is not only enjoyable for people of all ages, but it also provides an opportunity for family bonding and creative exploration. With just a few common ingredients, you can create beautiful ornaments that can be customized for any occasion, from Christmas to birthdays. The process is hands-on and engaging, allowing you to mold, shape, and decorate each piece to reflect your personal style. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, salt dough ornaments can bring joy and a sense of accomplishment as you watch your creations come to life.
Why You’ll Love This Salt Dough Ornaments
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and tools.
- Kid-Friendly: Safe and fun for crafters of all ages to participate.
- Customizable: Paint, glitter, or embellish to match any theme or decor.
- Budget-Friendly: Inexpensive materials make it an affordable craft.
- Durable: Baked salt dough can last for years if stored properly.
- Gift-Worthy: Perfect for personalized gifts during any holiday or special occasion.
Materials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (various shapes)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Acrylic paint or washable markers
- Paintbrush
- Ribbon or string (for hanging)
- Glitter or other embellishments (optional)
Full Step-by-Step
Making the Dough
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of salt.
- Add Water: Gradually add 1 cup of water and, if desired, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir until combined.
- Knead Dough: Once the mixture starts to form a dough, knead it on a floured surface until smooth and pliable (~5-10 minutes).
Shaping the Ornaments
- Roll Out Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Create Hanging Holes: Use a straw or a toothpick to poke a hole at the top of each decoration for the ribbon or string.
Baking the Ornaments
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place Ornaments: Arrange the shapes on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and bake for 1-2 hours or until the ornaments are hard and dry. Allow them to cool completely.
Decorating
- Paint and Embellish: Once cool, use acrylic paints, markers, glitter, and other embellishments to decorate your ornaments to your liking.
- Add Ribbons: Thread ribbon or string through the holes for hanging.
Tips & Variations
- Customize Colors: Mix food coloring into the dough to create colored ornaments before baking.
- Texture: Press leaves, lace, or textured fabric into the dough to create unique patterns.
- Scented Ornaments: Add a few drops of essential oils to the dough for scented ornaments.
- Resin Coating: For a glossy finish, apply a clear resin or glaze once the paint is dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I store leftover dough?
Yes, wrap any extra dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. What if my ornaments crack while baking?
Make sure your ornaments are uniform in thickness and check for bubbles before baking. If they do crack, you can paint over the cracks as a decorative feature.
3. How do I store finished ornaments?
Keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or wrapped in tissue paper to avoid moisture.
4. Can I use flour that has been sitting for a long time?
Yes, but ensure that it’s free from clumps and has no strange odors. Old flour may affect the texture of the dough.
Suggestions
- Create a themed set of ornaments, such as holiday figures or seasonal themes.
- Host a crafting day with friends or family, providing different paint colors and embellishments for everyone.
- Use the ornaments as gift tags for special presents, adding a personal touch to your gifts.
Final Thoughts
Salt dough ornaments are not just a fun craft, but a wonderful way to create lasting memories. Whether you adorn your tree, give them as gifts, or simply enjoy the crafting process, the possibilities are endless. We’d love to see your versions of salt dough ornaments! Please leave a comment and share your creations or any special variations you tried!
Salt Dough Ornaments
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt Regular table salt or sea salt
- 1 cup water Room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Optional for added pliability
For Decoration
- as needed acrylic paint or washable markers For decorating the baked ornaments
- as needed ribbon or string For hanging the ornaments
- as needed glitter or other embellishments Optional for additional decoration
Equipment
- 1 rolling pin
- as needed cookie cutters Various shapes for cutting dough
- 1 baking sheet For baking the ornaments
- 1 parchment paper To line the baking sheet
Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of salt.
- Gradually add 1 cup of water and, if desired, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir until combined.
- Once the mixture starts to form a dough, knead it on a floured surface until smooth and pliable (approximately 5-10 minutes).
Shaping the Ornaments
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Use a straw or a toothpick to poke a hole at the top of each decoration for the ribbon or string.
Baking the Ornaments
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the shapes on the baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch.
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and bake for 1-2 hours or until the ornaments are hard and dry. Allow them to cool completely.
Decorating
- Once cool, use acrylic paints, markers, glitter, and other embellishments to decorate your ornaments to your liking.
- Thread ribbon or string through the holes for hanging.