Make ornaments that’ll last a lifetime. This salt dough recipe is easy for kids to make and fun to decorate.
Salt dough ornaments are a classic and easy DIY project for the holidays. Not only are they a fun activity to do with kids, but they also make for beautiful and sentimental decorations that can be hung on your tree or given as gifts.
What is a salt dough ornament?
A salt dough ornament is a type of ornament made from a dough made of salt, water, and flour. The dough is formed into shapes and then baked. After baking, the ornaments are painted and varnished. Salt dough ornaments are a popular craft for both children and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They are budget-friendly. All you need are a few basic pantry staples: flour, salt, and water. You can also add food coloring for a personalized touch.
- They are customizable. You can use cookie cutters or freehand shapes to create a variety of ornaments. You can also use stamps, stencils, or other tools to add patterns or designs to the dough.
- They are long-lasting. Once the ornaments are baked and painted, they can last for years if properly cared for. This makes them a great option for creating meaningful, handmade holiday traditions.
Making handmade ornaments for the holidays is a special tradition in my family. Every year, we gather together and spend an afternoon rolling out the salt dough, cutting out shapes, and baking them in the oven. It’s a fun and festive activity that brings everyone together and gets us into the holiday spirit. Let’s get crafting!
Here’s What You Need
- Flour
- Salt
- Water
- Cookie cutters
- Paint and/or glitter
- Kitchenaid mixer
- Rolling pin
- Straw
- String
How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments
Step 1: Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
Step 2: In a Kitchenaid mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the water a little bit at a time while it’s mixing and mix until the dough is firm and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if it’s too dry, add more water. Knead the dough with a dough hook for about 5 minutes or by hand.
Step 3: Roll out the dough on a piece of wax paper about ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Use a straw to make a hole at the top of the ornament so you can thread a string through later.
Step 5: Bake at 200 degrees for 2 hours flipping halfway. Let cool completely before painting or decorating as desired.
Step 6: Allow paint to dry then thread string through the hole. Give as gifts or hang on tree.
Recipe Tips
If you’re new to making salt dough ornaments, here are a few recipe tips to keep in mind:
- Be sure to mix the dough well until it is smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, it will be crumbly and difficult to work with. If it is too wet, it will be sticky and hard to shape.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Any thicker and the ornaments will take longer to bake and may be prone to cracking. Any thinner and they may be fragile and difficult to handle.
- Use a straw or a toothpick to poke a hole in the top of each ornament before baking. This will make it easier to thread a ribbon or string through for hanging.
- Bake the ornaments in a preheated oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 hours, or until they are firm and dry to the touch. Allow them to cool completely before painting or decorating.
Best Paint for Salt Dough Ornaments
The best paint for salt dough ornaments is acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is specifically designed for use on porous surfaces, like salt dough, and it dries quickly so you won’t have to wait long to see your beautiful creation. Plus, it’s non-toxic so you can feel good about using it with kids.
How to Preserve Salt Dough Ornaments
It is important to preserve salt dough ornaments so that they will last for many years. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Use a clear sealant or varnish on the ornament. This will help to protect it from moisture and keep the colors vibrant.
- Store the ornament in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can cause fading.
- If you want to hang the ornament, make sure to use a strong string or wire so that it does not break.
- Take care when cleaning the ornament – avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard as this can damage the surface.
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour?
I would suggest sticking with all-purpose flour but have heard others use white whole wheat flour and they turned out okay. I wouldn’t use any other kinds of flour as it will may affect the texture and consistency of the dough.
Can I use different types of salt?
We highly suggest using regular table salt but you could also use kosher salt in this recipe.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
You can add food coloring or a few drops of essential oils to the dough for a personalized touch.
More Holiday Crafts
- Mini Gumball Machine Christmas Ornament
- Dollar Tree Tumbling Tower Christmas Ornaments
- Paper Plate Christmas Countdown Craft
- Rustic Rudolph Ornament
Recipe
Salt Dough Ornaments
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1 ½ cup salt
- 1 ½ cup water
- Cookie cutters
- Paint and/or glitter
- Kitchenaid mixer
- Rolling pin
- One straw
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
- Step 2: In a Kitchenaid mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the water a little bit at a time while it's mixing and mix until the dough is firm and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if it's too dry, add more water. Knead the dough with a dough hook for about 5 minutes or by hand.
- Step 3: Roll out the dough on a piece of wax paper about ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 4: Use a straw to make a hole at the top of the ornament so you can thread a string through later.
- Step 5: Bake at 200 degrees for 2 hours flipping halfway. Let cool completely before painting or decorating as desired.
- Step 6: Allow paint to dry then thread string through the hole. Give as gifts or hang on tree.
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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