A simple craft can bring big smiles. These salt dough ornaments are easy, fun, and make your home feel warm. You can mix, shape, bake, and decorate them with kids or on your own. They last long and make great gifts.
Salt dough ornaments are a classic, simple craft you can make with things you already have at home. The dough uses only flour, salt, and water, so it is cheap and easy to mix. You can cut shapes with cookie cutters, paint them, and hang them on a tree or around the house. If you want another fun kitchen project to make with family, try the apple cupcakes with salted caramel frosting for a sweet treat after crafting: apple cupcakes with salted caramel frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Salt Dough Ornaments
You will love these ornaments because they are simple and hands-on. The dough is soft and easy to roll. Little hands can press shapes, add textures, or stamp names. The baking step is low heat, so the dough dries slowly and stays smooth without burning. After baking, you can paint, glitter, or seal the ornaments to match your holiday or room theme. They also make heartfelt, low-cost gifts you can keep for years. The materials are safe and easy to store, and you can make a lot at once for party crafts or school projects.
Why Make This Recipe
Make salt dough ornaments because the recipe is fast and fun. You don’t need special tools. The ingredients are pantry staples, so you can start quickly. This craft helps children learn to measure, mix, and follow steps. It also gives you a creative break from screens and busy days. The ornaments hold detail well, so stamped patterns and fingerprints look nice after baking. You can personalize each piece with names, dates, or little drawings to keep memories for years.
What You Need for Salt Dough Ornaments
You need a few basic things to make these ornaments:
- A mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- A spoon or spatula for stirring
- A clean surface to knead on
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or toy shapes
- A straw or skewer to make hanging holes
- A baking sheet and parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Paint, brushes, glitter, or markers for decorating
- Ribbon or string to hang the ornaments
Keep everything close by before you start. It helps to set a small drying area where ornaments can cool and dry after baking.
How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments
Follow these clear steps to make the ornaments. Read all steps before you start so you work smoothly.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, optional: food coloring, glitter, or paint for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- If desired, add food coloring for a festive touch.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to shape ornaments.
- Make a hole at the top of each ornament using a straw for hanging.
- Place ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours until hard.
- Once cool, decorate with paint or glitter if desired.
- String ribbon through the holes for hanging.
Step tips:
- Mix flour and salt first so the salt spreads evenly.
- Add water slowly. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a little more water, half a teaspoon at a time.
- If you add food coloring, you can color the whole dough or paint after baking.
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment to keep it from sticking.
- For thicker ornaments, bake a bit longer. Thin pieces dry faster.
- Let the ornaments cool fully before painting. A warm ornament can warp if you touch it.
Best Ways to Serve Salt Dough Ornaments
Serving salt dough ornaments just means how to present or use them. Use ribbon or twine to hang them on a tree or a garland. Tie them on gift packages as a special tag. Place them in a bowl as a tabletop decoration or hang them on a doorknob to add a handmade touch to the room. You can also make matching sets and give them as small gifts with a tag that shows who made them and when. If you make holiday shapes, pair a set with homemade treats for a simple gift basket.
How to Store Salt Dough Ornaments
Store ornaments in a dry, cool place. If you have many, stack them with tissue paper or bubble wrap between layers to avoid scratches. Use a shallow box or a craft storage container. Do not store in a humid place because moisture can soften them. If you painted or sealed your ornaments, make sure the paint or sealant is fully dry before storing. For long-term storage, keep them in an airtight container with silica gel packets to reduce moisture and protect the finish.
Easy Tips to Make Salt Dough Ornaments
- Use a soft, even pressure when rolling the dough to keep thickness consistent.
- Stamp names or dates while dough is raw for a lasting impression.
- Use a straw to make neat holes for hanging; make the hole slightly larger than you need because it may shrink slightly during baking.
- If edges crack, smooth them with a wet fingertip before baking.
- Try baking multiple trays at once if your oven is large, but leave space for air to move so pieces dry well.
- Seal finished ornaments with clear craft varnish or Mod Podge to make them last longer and resist dust.
- Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe hands and tools as you work.
- Work on parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
One fun way to add a treat break while you craft is to plan a sweet bite like a cookie dough truffles recipe to enjoy between steps: cookie dough truffles recipe.
Try These Variations of Salt Dough Ornaments
- Colored dough: Add food coloring to the water before mixing to make colored dough. Knead until color is even.
- Glitter accents: Add a small amount of glitter while the dough is wet or brush glue and sprinkle glitter after baking.
- Imprinted patterns: Use lace, leaves, or textured fabric to press patterns into the dough.
- Painted scenes: Paint small landscapes, faces, or ornaments with acrylic paint after baking.
- Scented ornaments: Add a drop of essential oil to the paint or brush a light coat of scented oil after sealing to add a mild scent.
- Guest book ornaments: For parties, have guests sign small ornaments with a thin permanent marker before baking, or attach a tag after they sign.
- Layered ornaments: Bake flat shapes and stack them with glue and a small ribbon for a layered look.
Common Questions About Salt Dough Ornaments
Common Questions About Salt Dough Ornaments
Q: How long do salt dough ornaments last?
A: When you dry and seal them well, salt dough ornaments can last many years. Keep them dry and store them in a cool, safe place.
Q: Can I use this recipe to make larger items?
A: Yes. The recipe scales up, but larger items need more drying time in the oven. Bake thicker or larger shapes at low heat for longer until fully hard.
Q: Is salt dough safe for kids?
A: Yes, the ingredients are safe, but it is not for eating. Watch small children so they do not put dough in their mouths. Always wash hands after the activity.
Q: Can I use a different oven temperature?
A: Low heat works best. High heat may brown or crack the ornaments. Keep to about 200°F (90°C) for even drying.
Q: What if my ornament cracks during baking?
A: Small cracks can be filled with white glue and a little flour mixed into a paste, then sanded and painted once dry. Try to smooth the dough before baking to avoid cracks.
Q: Can I freeze salt dough to use later?
A: It is best to make and bake fresh dough. If you must store raw dough, wrap it tightly and keep it in the fridge for a day or two, but use quickly to avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
Salt dough ornaments are a low-cost, easy craft that brings people together. They let you be creative, teach basic cooking and craft skills, and create keepsakes. The steps are simple: mix, roll, cut, bake, and decorate. With small tips and a few variations, you can make ornaments for every season and every gift. Try a few different shapes and styles to see what you like best.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your flour, salt, water, and tools. Clear a space, set out cookie cutters and paint, and invite family or friends to join. Start with a small batch so you can learn the feel of the dough and practice rolling and cutting. Once you finish a few pieces, you will have the confidence to make many more. Hang them, give them away, or keep them on display. They will add a warm, personal touch to your home.
Conclusion
If you want a tested guide and more ideas for making salt dough ornaments, this page offers helpful tips and variations: The Best Salt Dough (for Ornaments and Crafting!) to Make with the …. Enjoy making and sharing your handmade ornaments.
Print
Salt Dough Ornaments
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: Multiple ornaments
- Diet: N/A
Description
Create fun and personalized salt dough ornaments that are perfect for gifts and decorations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Optional: food coloring, glitter, or paint for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- If desired, add food coloring for a festive touch.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to shape ornaments.
- Make a hole at the top of each ornament using a straw for hanging.
- Place ornaments on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours until hard.
- Once cool, decorate with paint or glitter if desired.
- String ribbon through the holes for hanging.
Notes
Use a soft, even pressure when rolling the dough to keep thickness consistent. Seal finished ornaments with clear craft varnish or Mod Podge to extend their longevity.
- 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: 2200mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg