Salt Dough Leaf Ornaments
Create beautiful and customizable leaf ornaments using simple salt dough, perfect for festive décor or personalized gifts.
Ingredients
For the Salt Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
For the Ornaments
- Fresh leaves various sizes and shapes Fresh leaves (various sizes and shapes)
- 1 piece Rolling pin For rolling out the dough.
- 1 piece Baking sheet For baking the ornaments.
- 1 piece Parchment paper To line the baking sheet.
- Optional Acrylic paint For decoration after baking.
- 1 piece Paintbrush For applying paint, if desired.
- String or twine String or twine (for hanging)
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of salt.
- Gradually add 1 cup of water while mixing. Knead until you form a smooth dough.
Rolling Out the Dough
- Dust your work surface with flour.
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Creating Leaf Imprints
- Choose fresh leaves and press them firmly into the rolled dough to make a clear imprint.
- Carefully peel the leaf away, leaving the imprint behind.
Cutting Out Shapes
- Use cookie cutters (or a knife) to cut around the leaf imprints to create your ornament shapes.
Making Hanging Holes
- Use a straw or your finger to make a small hole near the top of each ornament for stringing later.
Baking the Ornaments
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Place the ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 2-3 hours, or until completely dry and hard.
Decorating
- Once cooled, you can paint your ornaments with acrylic paint.
- Allow the paint to dry completely.
Adding String for Hanging
- Thread your string or twine through the holes and tie a knot for hanging.
Notes
Customize colors with food coloring, experiment with different leaf varieties for designs, or leave unpainted for a natural look. Store leftover dough tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to one week.