introduction

Simple salt dough ornaments are easy to make and fun for everyone. You can mix basic ingredients in a bowl, shape the dough, and bake it. These ornaments dry hard and last a long time. Kids can help with the mixing and cutting. Adults can add paint or ribbon. This craft makes good gifts and sweet keepsakes.

If you want a small food idea to give with your handmade gifts, try an easy cookie dough truffles recipe to add a tasty touch. This project is simple, low-cost, and only needs a few supplies you might already have.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

You will love this recipe because it uses plain ingredients that sit in your pantry. The dough feels soft and easy to shape. You can cut any shape you like — stars, hearts, trees, or circles. After baking, the ornaments feel sturdy. You can paint them in any color. You can write names and dates on them. They make thoughtful gifts and holiday decorations.

The dough is non-toxic when dry, and you control the look. You can keep them plain, paint bright colors, or add glitter. This makes the craft great for a family day, a classroom activity, or a quick homemade gift.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is quick and kind. It uses flour, salt, and water — nothing fancy. It costs little and creates a nice result. If you want a craft that does not need many tools, this is it. You also get to choose the size and color. The bake time is not long, and many steps are safe for kids.

You can also use this as a learning activity. Kids practice measuring and shaping. They learn to follow steps. The finished ornaments give a sense of pride and a memory to keep.

What You Need for Simple Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

You need only a few simple tools:

A mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
A rolling pin
Cookie cutters or a knife
A straw or skewer to make a hole for hanging
A baking sheet and parchment paper or a silicone mat
Paint and brushes if you plan to decorate
Clear varnish or glue for sealing (optional)

You can find these tools at any home store or use what you already have in the kitchen. Keep a towel or wet wipes handy for quick clean up.

How to Make Simple Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

This is the plan in plain steps:

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
Add water and mix until you get a soft dough.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out.
Cut shapes with cookie cutters or a knife.
Use a straw to poke a hole for a ribbon.
Bake the shapes slowly until they dry.
Let the shapes cool, then paint and seal if you like.

Work in small batches if you plan to make many ornaments. The dough is easy to fix if it dries a bit while you work. Just add a few drops of water and knead it briefly.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fine salt (table salt)
1 cup warm water (about; add a little more or less as needed)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother dough)
Acrylic paint, ribbon, and varnish for finishing (optional)

Directions:

Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Stir well so the salt spreads evenly.
Add the warm water slowly. Stir as you pour. Add the oil now if you use it.
When the dough starts to hold together, knead it for 2 to 4 minutes. Make a smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, add a little flour. If it is dry, add a few drops of water.
Put the dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick for small ornaments. Thicker pieces need more bake time.
Use cookie cutters or a small knife to cut shapes. Make a hole near the top with a straw or skewer for hanging.
Place the shapes on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 2 to 3 hours, or until they are dry to the touch and hard. Thicker pieces may need longer. You can also air dry them for 24–48 hours.
Let the ornaments cool fully before you touch them. Sand any rough edges lightly if needed.
Paint the ornaments with acrylic paint. Let paint dry fully.
Seal with a clear varnish or white glue thinned with water to protect the paint and add shine. Let the seal dry.
Thread ribbon, yarn, or twine through the hole and tie a knot.

Work in a warm oven and check the pieces every 30 minutes after the first hour so they do not brown too much. If you use bright paint, one or two coats usually work.

Best Ways to Serve Simple Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

You do not “serve” ornaments like food, but you can present them in lovely ways. Wrap each ornament in tissue paper and place it in a small box. Add a short note with the year and the maker’s name. Hang a set of ornaments on a small branch or a miniature tree for a pretty gift.

For holiday displays, hang them on the tree or string several on a garland. You can also attach them to gift bags as a tag that people can keep. This turns a gift tag into a small gift on its own. If you give a set of ornaments, pair them with a bake like an easy apple cinnamon bread recipe to make a warm, homemade bundle.

How to Store Simple Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

Store your ornaments in a dry place. Keep them in a box or a plastic container with tissue paper between pieces to avoid scratches. If you sealed them well, they can last many years.

Avoid places with high humidity because the dough can soften if it gets wet. Do not store in direct sunlight for a long time; paint may fade. For long storage, place a small packet of silica gel in the container to keep things dry.

Easy Tips to Make Simple Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

Work on a clean, flat surface and use just a little flour to stop sticking.
To speed baking, make thinner ornaments. Thin ones dry faster.
If your cutter sticks, dip it in flour before cutting.
Mark the back with a toothpick to add a name or date before baking.
Keep spare dough in an air-tight bag in the fridge for a day or two.
If an ornament cracks while drying, glue the pieces with PVA glue and touch up the paint after it dries.
Use cookie cutters for clean shapes and a straw for the hanging hole to make it easy for small hands.

These small steps help you make nicer ornaments with less stress.

Try These Variations of Simple Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

Mix a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a faint spice smell.
Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for colored ornaments without paint.
Press leaves or lace into the dough to add texture before baking.
Make small magnets by gluing a magnet on the back when finished.
Create handprint ornaments for children and write their names and ages.
Add glitter to the wet paint for a sparkly finish.

You can also use the same skills to make gift tags, garlands, or small figures. These craft ideas pair well with home gifts like baked bread or sweet treats.

Common Questions About Simple Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

Q: Will salt dough last a long time?
A: Yes. If you bake and seal the ornaments well, they can last for many years. Keep them dry and out of direct sun.

Q: Can I bake these in a toaster oven?
A: You can if you watch them closely. Use a low temperature and check often so they do not burn.

Q: Is it safe for children to play with salt dough?
A: It is safe to touch, but it is not food. Do not eat the dough. Watch small children to make sure they do not put it in their mouths.

Q: How do I fix a crack?
A: Use white glue or PVA to glue the crack, press gently, let dry, and sand if needed. Then repaint and seal.

Q: Can I air dry instead of baking?
A: Yes. Air drying works well for thin pieces. It may take 1–2 days depending on thickness and humidity.

Final Thoughts

This simple salt dough ornament recipe is a quick, low-cost craft. It brings joy and makes good keepsakes. You can do it with kids and do many styles. The steps are easy, and the tools are simple. With a little paint and ribbon you can make a personal gift in one day. Keep a small stock of dough for more projects and try different textures and colors to find what you like best.

Ready to Give It a Try?

Gather the flour, salt, and water. Preheat your oven on a low setting, and clear a space for rolling and painting. Make some shapes, bake them slowly, and have fun decorating. This craft is quick, and the results are special. You will enjoy giving or keeping these handmade ornaments.

Conclusion

If you want another take on salt dough recipes and tips for strong, long-lasting pieces, see this helpful guide: The Best Salt Dough (for Ornaments and Crafting!) to Make with the …

Simple Salt Dough Ornaments

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Author: nobakedessertsrecipes_admin
Total Time: 135 minutes
Yield: 10-15 ornaments 1x
Diet: N/A

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Description

Create beautiful handmade salt dough ornaments that are easy to make and perfect for gifts or holiday decorations.

Ingredients

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2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fine salt (table salt)
1 cup warm water (about; add a little more or less as needed)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother dough)
Acrylic paint, ribbon, and varnish for finishing (optional)

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Instructions

Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Stir well so the salt spreads evenly.
Add the warm water slowly. Stir as you pour. Add the oil now if you use it.
When the dough starts to hold together, knead it for 2 to 4 minutes until you form a smooth ball. If the dough is sticky, add a little flour. If it is dry, add a few drops of water.
Put the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick for small ornaments. Thicker pieces need more bake time.
Use cookie cutters or a small knife to cut shapes. Make a hole near the top with a straw or skewer for hanging.
Place the shapes on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 2 to 3 hours, or until they are dry to the touch and hard. Thicker pieces may need longer. Alternatively, you can air dry them for 24–48 hours.
Let the ornaments cool fully before you touch them. Sand any rough edges lightly if needed.
Paint the ornaments with acrylic paint and let dry fully.
Seal with clear varnish or thinned white glue to protect the paint and add shine. Let the seal dry.
Thread ribbon, yarn, or twine through the hole and tie a knot.

Notes