How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt Dough Ornaments are a classic Christmas craft and so easy to make too!

With the holiday season just around the corner, why not get into the festive spirit and add a personal touch to your decorations?

These decorations are perfect for making one-of-a-kind creations or trying out new ideas; they also make lovely gifts and mementos.

It’s the perfect time to let your creativity shine!

Creating salt dough ornaments is such a fun and wallet-friendly idea!

This awesome craft is super easy and flexible, so you can create your own unique decorations for your tree, to give as gifts, or even for decorating your home.

Get ready for a super fun and festive crafting experience as we guide you through the step-by-step process of making salt dough ornaments.

We’ve got some awesome tips and ideas to make this activity a total blast!

Get the whole family together, crank up the holiday music, and take pleasure in the soothing and pleasant process of creating salt dough ornaments that will bring a lifetime of memories into your home.

Materials Needed

Before diving into the crafting process, gather the following materials:

• Flour
• Salt
• Water
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Pipe cleaners
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• Ribbon or twine for hanging

How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments

Full steps on how to make this salt dough recipe are in the printable recipe card.

This is a quick walk-through.

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Expert Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.

Step 2: Rolling and Cutting

Once your dough is ready, use a rolling pin to flatten it to about 1/4 inch thickness.

This is where the fun begins!

Choose your favorite cookie cutters to create various shapes.

Stars, Christmas trees, and snowflakes are classic choices, but feel free to get creative with personalized shapes that hold special meaning for you and your loved ones.

Step 3: Making Impressions

Before baking, you can make impressions on your ornaments using various household items.

Press lace, textured fabric, or even your child’s handprint onto the dough for unique and personalized designs.

Ensure that the impressions are deep enough to remain visible after baking.

Use a straw to punch a hole in the top of the ornament.

Step 4: Baking

Place your salt dough ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours.

Keep an eye on them to prevent browning.

The slow and low baking process ensures that the ornaments dry thoroughly without cracking.

Step 5: Painting

Once your ornaments have cooled completely, it’s time to unleash your creativity with paints.

Acrylic paints work well for this step.

Paint each ornament with vibrant colors and intricate details.

You can opt for a traditional holiday color scheme or experiment with bold and unconventional choices.

Let the painted ornaments dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Sealing the Ornaments

To protect your beautifully painted designs and add a glossy finish, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or clear varnish to each ornament.

This step not only enhances the aesthetics but also ensures the longevity of your creations.

Step 7: Adding Ribbons

The final touch to your salt dough ornaments is the addition of hanging ribbons or twine.

Cut the ribbon into the desired length and create a loop, securing it to the top of each ornament.

This step not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a charming and festive element to your creations.

Ideas for Personalization

Family Handprint Ornaments: Capture the essence of togetherness by making handprint ornaments. Press each family member’s hand onto the dough and paint the prints with individual colors.

Pet Paw Prints: Include your furry friends in the festivities by making paw print ornaments. Press your pet’s paw gently into the dough and paint the impressions with pet-safe paints.

Photo Embedding: Cut out shapes from the dough, leaving a space in the center. After baking, insert small photos into the openings and seal them with clear varnish.

Custom Messages: Use alphabet cookie cutters to create ornaments that spell out festive messages or the names of your loved ones.

More Christmas Crafts

If you liked this Christmas craft activity, you’ll love these too:

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