Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Create lasting memories by crafting salt dough handprint ornaments. Perfect for holidays or as heartfelt gifts.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Standard flour works best.
- 1 cup salt Essential for texture.
- 2 cups water Add gradually.
Tools and Materials
- 1 mixing bowl For mixing ingredients.
- 1 baking sheet To place ornaments for baking.
- 1 rolling pin To roll out the dough.
- 1 straw or cookie cutters For poking holes or creating shapes.
- 1 paint and paintbrushes Optional for decoration.
- 1 string or ribbon For hanging the ornaments.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of salt.
- Gradually add 2 cups of water while stirring.
- Mix until a dough forms. It should be pliable but not sticky.
Kneading
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Rolling Out
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Creating Handprints
- Press your child's hand (or pet's paw) into the rolled dough firmly but gently to create a clear impression.
- Use cookie cutters to create shapes around the handprints if desired.
Making Hanging Holes
- Use a straw to poke a hole at the top of the ornament for threading string or ribbon later.
Baking
- Place the dough ornaments on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 200°F (93°C) for approximately 2-3 hours or until completely hard. Check regularly!
Cooling and Decorating
- Allow the ornaments to cool completely before decorating with paint or other embellishments.
- Let the paint dry fully before adding string or ribbon for hanging.
Notes
Consider using different colors of paint or adding glitter for a festive touch. Customize by writing names or dates on the ornaments.