Why You’ll Love This DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are simple, cheap, and fun. You can make them with things you likely already have in the kitchen. Kids can help mix, roll, and cut shapes. These ornaments dry hard and hold paint well. They make your tree feel personal and warm.
You can make them plain or bright with food coloring. You can add a drop of essential oil for a nice smell. If you want a sweet baking idea while you craft, try the apple cupcakes with salted caramel frosting for a treat during your session by visiting apple cupcakes with salted caramel frosting.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it uses only three main pantry items. It does not need special tools or chemicals. The dough feels like play dough, and it bakes into a firm, light ornament. You can keep these ornaments for years if you store them right. They also make a cheap, heartfelt gift. For busy days, the low-cost and low-time steps are very helpful.
What You Need for DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
You need a few tools and little space. A table or countertop is enough. Use a rolling pin or a bottle to roll the dough flat. Cookie cutters give neat shapes, but you can also cut shapes freehand. A straw or skewer can make hanging holes. Paints or markers finish the look. If you want scent, add essential oil drops after baking or mix a tiny amount into the dough.
Basic tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Rolling pin or bottle
- Cookie cutters or knife
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- Paints, brushes, markers
- Twine, ribbon, or string for hanging
How to Make DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
Follow these clear steps. Read them first, then work. The dough is easy to shape. Be gentle when you move raw shapes to the tray so they keep their form.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, Optional: food coloring, essential oils for scent
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water until the mixture forms a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out ornament shapes.
- If desired, use a straw to make a hole at the top for hanging.
- Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours until hard.
- Allow to cool, then decorate with paint or markers as desired.
Tips while you make:
- If dough is sticky, add a little flour. If too dry, add a few drops of water.
- Work on a floured surface to stop sticking.
- Bake on parchment paper so pieces do not stick to the tray.
- Let small pieces bake less time; check often so they do not brown.
If you like to enjoy a snack while you craft, you may also like the cookie dough truffles recipe which is quick and easy to make while your ornaments bake.
Best Ways to Serve DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
These ornaments are not food, so do not serve them to eat. But you can “serve” them as gifts and decorations. Here are ways to present them:
- Tie a set of three ornaments with ribbon and give as a small gift.
- Attach a name tag and use them as place settings for a holiday meal.
- Make a set for neighbors or friends; they feel personal and handmade.
- Use different colors for a themed tree: red and green, white and gold, or natural tones.
You can also use them as keepsakes. Add the year and a small drawing to remember a special moment.
How to Store DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
Store ornaments in a cool, dry place. Wrap them in tissue paper or newspaper to protect paint and edges. Use a box or plastic container to keep out dust and moisture. Do not store in a damp basement or garage; salt dough can pick up moisture and soften.
If you want to keep them long term:
- Place a sheet of wax paper between layers.
- Use silica gel packets to reduce moisture.
- Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid color fade.
With good care, these ornaments can last many seasons.
Easy Tips to Make DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
Keep tips simple and clear. They will help you make better ornaments.
- Mix dough well: Knead until it is smooth and even.
- Thin rolling helps shape: Roll to about 1/4 inch for even baking.
- Use cookie cutters: They make quick, neat shapes for kids.
- Keep hole size big: Make holes a bit larger than your string so it does not pull when dry.
- Paint after full cooling: Paint chips if you try to paint too soon.
- Seal the paint: Use clear craft sealer or mod podge so the paint lasts.
- Add scent last: A few drops of essential oil on the finished piece can make it smell nice.
Small practice batches help you find the right thickness and bake time for your oven.
Try These Variations of DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
Change color, add texture, or use different shapes for variety.
- Colored dough: Mix a few drops of food coloring into the water before adding it to the dry mix.
- Stamped texture: Press lace, leaves, or a textured cup into the dough for pattern.
- Glitter finish: After painting, add a thin layer of glue and sprinkle fine glitter.
- Natural look: Leave dough plain and brush with a light wash of watered-down brown paint for a rustic feel.
- Scented ornaments: Add a drop of cinnamon or orange essential oil to the finished piece.
- Photo ornaments: Make a flat round, press a small printed photo on the surface, and seal with clear glue after baking.
Mix and match these ideas to make a set that fits your style.
Common Questions About DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
Q: How long do these ornaments last?
A: If kept dry and stored carefully, they can last for years. Avoid damp places.
Q: Can I paint them with regular craft paint?
A: Yes. Acrylic paint works well. Add a clear seal after painting to protect the color.
Q: Can kids help make these ornaments?
A: Yes. Kids can mix, roll, and cut shapes. Just watch them in the oven step and with small tools.
Q: What if my ornament cracks while baking?
A: Small cracks can be filled with a mix of flour and glue or sanded later and repainted. Try rolling the dough evenly next time to avoid cracks.
Q: Can I hang these outdoors?
A: They can hang outdoors for short times in dry weather, but moisture and cold can damage them. Keep them indoors for the best life.
Final Thoughts
DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments are a simple and warm way to make holiday memories. You need little time and little money to create something that looks special. They let you add personal touches like names, dates, and designs. The steps are easy to follow, and the result is a handmade piece you can keep or give. Try small batches first to get used to dough feel and oven time.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your flour, salt, and water. Call the kids or a friend and make a few shapes. Paint them bright or keep them natural. Wrap a small set and give them to someone you love. The joy is in making and sharing.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas for the best salt dough and tips for ornaments, check this helpful guide for more details and tricks: best salt dough for ornaments and crafting.
Print
DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 20 ornaments 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
Simple and fun DIY salt dough ornaments that you can make with your kids using basic pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Optional: food coloring
- Optional: essential oils for scent
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water until the mixture forms a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out ornament shapes.
- If desired, use a straw to make a hole at the top for hanging.
- Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for 120-180 minutes until hard.
- Allow to cool, then decorate with paint or markers as desired.
Notes
Mix dough well and knead until smooth. Paint only after cooling to prevent chips. Keep shapes thick to avoid cracking during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Craft
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ornament
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg