Baking Soda Winter Ornaments
Create delightful winter ornaments using a simple dough made from baking soda, cornstarch, and corn syrup, perfect for a fun family activity.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda Main ingredient for the dough.
- ½ cup cornstarch Essential for texture.
- ¾ cup water To bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup For a smoother texture.
Materials
- Mixing bowl For combining ingredients.
- Saucepan For cooking the dough.
- Rolling pin To roll out the dough.
- Cookie cutters (optional) For shaping ornaments.
- Baking sheet To place the ornaments for baking.
- Straw (optional) For making holes for hanging.
- Decorative paint or glitter (optional) For decorating the finished ornaments.
- Ribbon or string for hanging To hang your ornaments.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda, ½ cup of cornstarch, and ¾ cup of water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of corn syrup for a smoother texture.
- Stir the mixture until smooth.
Cooking
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the dough thickens and forms a ball (around 5-10 minutes).
- You will notice it pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Cooling
- Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool slightly.
- Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead it for a few minutes until it’s smooth and pliable.
Shaping
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick using a rolling pin.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- If you want to hang your ornaments, use a straw to make a hole at the top before baking.
Baking/Drying
- Place the cut-out shapes on a baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) and bake for about 1-2 hours, or until completely dry.
- Alternatively, let them air dry for 24-48 hours.
Decorating
- Once completely dry, you can paint or add glitter to your ornaments for a festive touch.
- Thread a ribbon or string through the holes for hanging.
Notes
You can add food coloring to the dough for a pop of color. Mix in cinnamon or essential oils for a seasonal scent. Use different cookie cutter shapes to create a variety of ornaments. Seal with a clear sealant to preserve paint on your ornaments.