I love simple holiday crafts that kids and adults can do together. These salt dough fingerprint Christmas tree ornaments are one of those easy projects. They use items you may already have at home and make lovely keepsakes or gifts.
introduction
Salt dough ornaments make a warm and simple craft for the holiday season. This project uses basic pantry items and only a little time. You can press fingerprints into each tree to make a personal mark. Families like these ornaments because they are easy, cheap, and fun to decorate.
If you enjoy small, homemade gifts, you might like this apple cupcakes with salted caramel frosting idea. It is a different type of homemade treat that also makes a nice gift.
Why You’ll Love This Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
You will love these ornaments because they are:
- Cheap to make. The dough needs only flour, salt, and water.
- Kid-friendly. Little hands can press fingerprints and help cut shapes.
- Personal. Each ornament shows a fingerprint or a small design.
- Long lasting. Once dried, these ornaments harden and last for years.
- Versatile. Paint them, leave them natural, or add glitter.
The process is calm and simple. You do not need special tools. This craft makes many ornaments from one batch of dough. You can make a few quickly or many to give away.
Why Make This Recipe
Make these ornaments for keepsakes, gifts, or tree decorations. They are a good way to mark a year with a child’s fingerprint. You can use them for grandparents, friends, or as a small classroom project. They also make a simple activity for a holiday party or family night.
The recipe is forgiving. If the dough dries a bit, you can add a tiny water and knead again. You can also change the shape or add letters, dates, or small drawings before baking. This makes each ornament unique and meaningful.
What You Need for Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
Gather these items before you start:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Optional: food coloring or acrylic paint for decorating
- Rolling pin or smooth bottle
- Cookie cutter shaped like a Christmas tree
- Baking sheet
- Straw or skewer to make a hole for hanging
- Paintbrushes or markers for decoration
- String or ribbon for hanging
You only need simple, common tools. If you do not have a tree cookie cutter, you can cut a tree shape with a small knife or use another holiday cutter.
How to Make Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
Follow these steps in order. Work on a clean, floured surface and be gentle with the dough while you shape and press.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, Optional: food coloring or acrylic paint for decorating
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes for the ornaments.
- Make fingerprints or designs in the center of each ornament.
- 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, or until hard.
- Once cooled, decorate with paint or markers.
- Add string or ribbon to hang.
Work in small batches if you need more space on your baking sheet. Watch the ornaments as they bake. At low heat they dry out slowly and evenly. Let them cool fully before painting so paint will stick well.
Best Ways to Serve Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
These ornaments are not food, so “serve” means how to use and present them:
- Hang on the Christmas tree with a pretty ribbon.
- Tie to a gift as a personalized gift tag.
- Place on a holiday wreath or garland.
- Use as a keepsake in a small box for family members.
- Make a set and present them in a holiday bag with a small note.
If you make ornaments with a child’s fingerprints, write the year on the back. This turns each piece into a small memory keepsake.
How to Store Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
Store them carefully to keep them safe:
- Keep decorations in a dry, cool place.
- Wrap each ornament in tissue paper to avoid rubbing.
- Use a small box or plastic container with dividers if you have several.
- Do not store in a damp area. Salt dough can soften if it gets wet.
- If an ornament gets dusty, clean gently with a dry soft cloth.
Proper storage will keep ornaments looking good for many years.
Easy Tips to Make Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
Here are simple tips to make this project easier:
- Mix dough in a large bowl so you have room to stir.
- Add water slowly. Too much water makes sticky dough.
- If dough is sticky, dust your hands and surface with flour.
- Keep dough covered with a damp towel if you pause mid-project so it does not dry.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to stop sticking.
- Flatten ornaments to a similar thickness so they bake evenly.
- Paint with thin layers. Let each layer dry before adding another.
- Seal painted ornaments with a clear craft sealer if you want a glossy finish.
If you want colored dough, add food coloring to the water before mixing it into the flour and salt. This creates a subtle base color for the ornaments.
You can also learn other simple dessert gifts while making crafts. Try this easy cookie dough truffles recipe for a sweet companion to your craft night.
Try These Variations of Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
Change the look with small changes:
- Different shapes: stars, hearts, circles, or gingerbread people.
- Add glitter glue to paint for a sparkly finish.
- Press small beads, buttons, or sequins into the dough before baking.
- Stamp letters or dates with a small stamp to add names and years.
- Make pairs: one plain, one painted, and give one and keep one.
- Use air-dry clay instead of salt dough if you prefer no-bake options.
Each variation keeps the project simple but gives you many styles to choose from.
Common Questions About Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
Q: How long will the ornaments last?
A: If you keep them dry and store them carefully, they can last for many years. Paint and a clear coat help them look better longer.
Q: Can I bake at a higher temperature to speed up drying?
A: It is best to bake low and slow. Higher heat can cause cracking or browning. Low heat around 200°F (93°C) is safe.
Q: Can children help with every step?
A: Yes. Adults should handle the oven step. Kids can mix, roll, cut shapes, and press fingerprints safely.
Q: What if my dough cracks while baking?
A: Small cracks are normal. You can sand or smooth edges after baking and paint over cracks. Keeping the thickness even helps reduce cracking.
Q: Can I varnish the ornaments?
A: Yes. A clear craft sealer or varnish will protect painted surfaces. Make sure the paint is dry before sealing.
Final Thoughts
These salt dough fingerprint Christmas tree ornaments are a calm and joyful craft. They give you a way to hold small memories and to make a simple gift by hand. The steps are easy. The supplies are basic. The results show care and thought. You can make a batch in an afternoon and finish decorating over a few days. They also fit well with other small homemade gifts and treats for the season.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your flour, salt, and water. Invite family or friends. Roll the dough, press fingerprints, and bake slowly. After painting and adding a ribbon, you will have a small, meaningful ornament to hang or gift. Enjoy the simple pleasure of making something by hand.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas and a similar craft example, see this helpful guide on Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments – Crafty Morning.
Print
Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: Multiple ornaments
- Diet: N/A
Description
Create meaningful and personalized Christmas tree ornaments with salt dough that’s easy and fun for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Optional: food coloring or acrylic paint for decorating
- Rolling pin or smooth bottle
- Cookie cutter shaped like a Christmas tree
- Baking sheet
- Straw or skewer to make a hole for hanging
- Paintbrushes or markers for decoration
- String or ribbon for hanging
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes for the ornaments.
- Make fingerprints or designs in the center of each ornament.
- 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, or until hard.
- Once cooled, decorate with paint or markers.
- Add string or ribbon to hang.
Notes
If the dough dries out, you can add a little water and knead again. Keep the dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
- 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