Make keepsakes with a few simple ingredients and a child’s small hand.
introduction
Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments are a warm, simple craft you can do at home. This project uses flour, salt, and water to make a soft dough you press hands into. It is easy, low cost, and made for keeping. Many families make these for holidays or gifts. If you like easy home projects and simple recipes, you might also enjoy trying a sweet baking idea like apple cupcakes with salted caramel frosting to have a treat while you craft.
In this introduction, you will find what this craft gives you, what you need, and a clear plan to follow. The steps are quick to learn. The result is a small, lasting ornament you can hang on a tree or keep in a box. This craft fits little hands and older kids too. You can make one in a short afternoon or many in a day.
Why You’ll Love This Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
You will love these ornaments for many reasons. They are cheap to make. You only need three main pantry items. The process is hands-on and fun for kids. It makes real memories when you press a child’s hand into the dough. Each piece becomes a keepsake you can touch and see for years. The dough dries hard and can be painted or colored later. You can add names, dates, or small designs before it dries. The look is simple but personal.
This craft also gives a quiet, calm time to sit with a child. It teaches simple steps and care. The ornaments can become gifts for grandparents or friends. You can make them in many shapes and sizes. You can make sets to mark each year as a child grows.
Why Make This Recipe
Make Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments because it is safe, simple, and fun. Unlike some crafts, this one does not use chemicals or hard tools. The dough is safe to touch and easy to roll. It is a good first craft for small children with help. The design keeps memories in an easy form. You can write dates on them, then hang them each year. They do not need a lot of space or many tools. This makes the craft good for small homes, classrooms, or a kitchen table.
The process also helps fine motor skills. Kids learn to press, cut, and make holes for a string. They can paint the finished ornaments in bright colors. The craft is also a good way to use up small amounts of paint or ribbon you already have.
What You Need for Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
You need a clean surface, a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a straw for holes. Gather flour, salt, water, and any paint or food coloring for later. Keep a damp cloth handy so small hands stay clean. If you want neat shapes, use cookie cutters or a sharp knife for simple shapes. For hanging, use small ribbon, twine, or string.
You may want parchment paper for the baking sheet and a flat surface to roll on. You can also use a small plastic mat for easy clean-up. Keep a pencil or toothpick to add names and dates before baking.
How to Make Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
This is the full set of ingredients and the exact directions to follow. Read them first, then start.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, Optional: food coloring or paint for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C)., 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt., 3. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until it forms a dough., 4. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth., 5. Roll out the dough and use your hands or a cookie cutter to create shapes., 6. Make handprints or other designs as desired., 7. Using a straw, make a hole at the top for hanging., 8. Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for about 2-3 hours until hard., 9. Once cooled, decorate with paint or food coloring if desired., 10. Allow to dry before hanging.
After you follow these steps, check each ornament. If one feels soft in the middle, return it to the oven for more time at the same low heat. Let them cool on the tray. After they cool, you can sand edges lightly with fine sandpaper for a smooth finish. Then paint or color them. Let paint dry fully. Finally thread ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a small knot to hang.
Best Ways to Serve Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
These ornaments are not food, so "serve" means how to use and share them. Give them as gifts for special days like holidays, birthdays, or parent’s day. Tie them to gift wrapping as a name tag. Hang them on a tree or on a wall hook. Display them in a shadow box with a photo. You can make a series of ornaments and label each with the year. Keep a row of these on a shelf to mark growth over time.
If you make many, you can bundle a set in a small box with tissue paper. Add a note with the child’s age and the date. This makes a thoughtful, small gift that family will keep.
How to Store Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Store plain, dry ornaments in a cool, dry place. Keep them in a box with tissue or bubble wrap so they do not rub or break. If you painted them, store after the paint fully cures. Avoid places with high humidity, which can soften the dough pieces over years. For long-term care, do not store them in direct sun, which can fade paint. If you plan to keep many, separate layers with paper to protect painted surfaces.
If you live where pests are a concern, avoid storing in wet basements. Use a sealed container in a closet or shelf for best safety.
Easy Tips to Make Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Work with small batches so the dough does not dry out while you shape it. If dough gets sticky, dust the surface lightly with flour. If the dough cracks, add a few drops of water and knead until soft again. Press hands gently to get a clear print. For very small hands, press just the fingers to make a neat shape.
Use cookie cutters for clean edges. If you want color in the dough, add food coloring as you mix the water into the flour and salt. For a stronger hold on painted pieces, add a thin layer of clear craft glue or a clear varnish after paint has dried.
If you like to pair crafts with snacks or treats, try making a dessert recipe afterward like a simple cookie dough truffles recipe to enjoy while your ornaments bake and cool.
Try These Variations of Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Try different shapes like stars, hearts, or circles. You can press a small toy into the dough for a pattern. Use a little glitter in the paint for shine. Mix cinnamon into the dough for a warm scent (note this may darken the dough). Make double-layer ornaments by stacking two shapes and joining them before baking. For a rustic look, leave them unpainted and tie with jute twine.
You can also press small leaves or lace into the dough for texture. Use alphabet letter stamps to add names or short messages.
Common Questions About Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Q: How long do these ornaments last?
A: When fully dried and stored right, they can last many years. Keep them away from damp places to avoid softening.
Q: Can I paint them with acrylic paint?
A: Yes. Acrylic paint sticks well. Let each layer dry before adding another.
Q: Can I use an air dry method instead of oven baking?
A: Yes. Air dry will work but can take many days. Lay flat and turn items so they dry evenly.
Q: What if the ornament cracks during baking?
A: Small cracks can be filled with white glue and sanded when dry. For deep cracks, try redoing the piece and bake at low heat.
Q: Can I make these with a salt-free mix?
A: Salt helps dry and preserve the shape. A salt-free mix may not harden as well.
Final Thoughts
Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments make a clear, simple keepsake. They bring a child’s small hand into a lasting form. The craft is gentle, cheap, and invites memories. You can make one ornament or a whole set for a family. The steps are easy and the tools are common. With a little time and care, you will have a sweet memory to hang on a tree or to gift to someone you love.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your flour, salt, and water. Clear a small space and plan a time to make a few ornaments. Keep the steps in mind and work in small batches. Enjoy the quiet time and the smiles you will make as you shape, press, and bake.
Conclusion
If you want more tips on making the best dough and getting the nicest results, this guide on the best salt dough for ornaments and crafting has useful ideas and tests that can help you choose the best mix and method.
Print
Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: Multiple ornaments
- Diet: N/A
Description
Craft beautiful keepsakes with your child’s handprints using simple pantry ingredients to create lasting ornaments.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Optional: food coloring or paint for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until it forms a dough.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
- Roll out the dough and use your hands or a cookie cutter to create shapes.
- Make handprints or other designs as desired.
- Using a straw, make a hole at the top for hanging.
- Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for about 2-3 hours until hard.
- Once cooled, decorate with paint or food coloring if desired.
- Allow to dry before hanging.
Notes
Store plain ornaments in a cool, dry place. Painted ornaments should be stored after the paint fully cures to prevent damage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Craft
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ornament
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg