Remember those rainy afternoons or quiet weekends when you’re looking for something truly engaging to do with the kids? Something that doesn’t involve screens, costs next to nothing, and results in treasured keepsakes? Look no further than the timeless magic of salt dough ornaments. It’s a classic craft for a reason: simple ingredients, endless creative possibilities, and the pure joy of making something tangible together.
This isn’t just about keeping little hands busy; it’s about creating memories. The slightly salty smell of the dough, the feel of it squishing between fingers, the concentration on a child’s face as they press a cookie cutter just so – these moments are precious. And the best part? You end up with charming, personalised decorations that you can hang on a tree, give as gifts, or simply admire for years to come, long after those little hands have grown.
Why Choose Salt Dough?
In a world of complex craft kits and expensive supplies, salt dough stands out for its beautiful simplicity. Here’s why it’s such a fantastic choice for crafting with children:
- Incredibly Affordable: You likely have everything you need right now in your kitchen cupboard: flour, salt, and water. That’s it! No need for special trips to the craft store.
- Easy Peasy Recipe: Mixing the dough is straightforward enough for even toddlers to help with (under supervision, of course). It’s a fantastic sensory experience too.
- Super Versatile: From simple shapes made with cookie cutters to intricate handprints or freeform sculptures, salt dough can be molded into almost anything your child imagines.
- Creates Lasting Keepsakes: Once baked or air-dried and sealed, these ornaments are surprisingly durable. They capture a moment in time – a tiny handprint, a favourite shape, a unique painting style.
- Screen-Free Fun: It encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and quality time together, away from digital distractions.
The Tried-and-True Salt Dough Recipe
Ready to get started? This basic recipe is practically foolproof. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on how many ornaments you want to make, keeping the ratio roughly the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (the cheap stuff works perfectly!)
- 1 cup of table salt (fine grain works best for a smoother dough)
- Approximately 3/4 cup of water (you might need slightly more or less)
Mixing Up the Magic:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make sure they are well combined. This is a great step for kids to help with.
- Add Water Gradually: Slowly add the water, a little bit at a time, while mixing with a spoon or your hands. Keep mixing until a shaggy dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Now comes the fun part! Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes. It should become smooth and pliable, not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour. If it seems too dry and crumbly, add water just a teaspoon at a time. Getting the consistency right is key – think firm playdough.
- Ready to Roll: Once smooth, your salt dough is ready for shaping!
Shaping Your Creations
This is where the real creativity kicks in! Lightly flour your work surface again to prevent sticking.
Rolling it Out: Using a rolling pin (or even a sturdy bottle), roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Around 1/4 inch (about 0.5 cm) is usually ideal. Thicker ornaments take longer to dry or bake, while very thin ones can be fragile.
Cutting Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes. Stars, hearts, circles, animals, gingerbread men – anything goes! Seasonal cutters are perfect for holiday ornaments. Gently lift the shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Making Impressions: Before drying or baking, you can make impressions in the dough. Think about using:
- Handprints/Footprints: Gently press a small hand or foot into a larger piece of rolled-out dough. Trim around the print to create a beautiful personalised keepsake. This works best for babies and toddlers.
- Stamps: Rubber stamps or even textured items like lace, leaves, or buttons can create lovely patterns.
- Tools: Use the tines of a fork for texture, or a blunt knife to draw simple designs.
Don’t Forget the Hole!: If you plan to hang your ornaments, remember to make a hole near the top before drying or baking. A drinking straw works perfectly for this. Just push it through the dough and remove the small circle. A skewer also works well.
Drying Your Ornaments: Baking vs. Air Drying
Once your shapes are ready, you need to harden them. You have two main options:
Baking Method (Faster):
This is the quicker way to get durable ornaments.
- Preheat your oven to a very low temperature – around 250°F (120°C). Too high a heat can cause the ornaments to puff up or brown excessively.
- Place the baking sheet with the ornaments into the preheated oven.
- Baking time depends heavily on the thickness of your ornaments. For 1/4 inch thickness, it usually takes 2-3 hours. Thicker pieces will need longer.
- Flip the ornaments halfway through the baking time if possible, to help them dry evenly.
- They are done when they feel hard to the touch. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Important Baking Note: Always use a very low oven temperature (250°F / 120°C or even lower). High heat causes the dough to puff up like cookies, distorting the shape. Adult supervision is essential when using the oven, especially with children helping.
Air Drying Method (Simpler, Slower):
If you don’t want to use the oven or prefer a slower process, air drying works too.
- Place the ornaments on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray in a warm, dry place.
- Leave them to dry for several days. The exact time depends on thickness and humidity – it could take anywhere from 3 to 7 days, or even longer.
- Flip them over once a day to ensure even drying and prevent curling.
- They are ready when they are completely hard and dry all the way through.
Time to Decorate: Unleash the Colour!
This is arguably the most exciting part for many kids! Once your salt dough ornaments are completely cool (if baked) or thoroughly dry (if air-dried), it’s time to bring them to life with colour.
Choosing Your Paints: Acrylic craft paints are generally the best choice. They offer vibrant colours, good coverage, and dry relatively quickly. Poster paints or tempera paints can also work, though they might not be as durable or vibrant. Have a variety of colours available.
Painting Techniques:
- Solid Colours: Let kids paint entire ornaments in their favourite colours.
- Patterns and Details: Use smaller brushes to add stripes, dots, faces, or other details.
- Glitter Fun: Apply glue (like PVA or Mod Podge) where you want sparkle, then sprinkle generously with glitter. Shake off the excess once the glue is tacky. Glitter glue pens are another less messy option.
- Markers: Fine-tipped permanent markers can be used to draw intricate details or write names and dates once the base paint is dry.
Embrace Imperfection: Remember, the goal is fun and creativity. Don’t worry about perfect painting. Let your child lead the way and celebrate their unique artistic style. The charm often lies in those slightly off-centre eyes or wiggly lines!
Seal the Deal: Protecting Your Keepsakes
Salt dough can absorb moisture from the air, which can cause it to soften or degrade over time, especially in humid environments. To make your ornaments last for years, sealing them is a crucial final step.
Choosing a Sealant:
- Mod Podge: This all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish is a popular choice. It comes in various finishes (matte, gloss, satin). Apply one or two thin coats with a brush, letting each coat dry completely.
- Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer: Available in craft stores (usually near the spray paints), this provides a quick and even coating. Use it in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, and follow the can’s instructions. Apply a couple of light coats. This is best done by an adult.
- Clear Varnish: Craft varnish or polyurethane varnish also works well for a durable finish.
Make sure the paint is completely dry before you apply any sealant. Seal both the front, back, and edges of the ornament for maximum protection. Once the sealant is dry, your ornaments are ready!
Displaying Your Handmade Treasures
Now that your beautiful, personalised salt dough ornaments are finished, it’s time to show them off!
- Tree Ornaments: Thread some ribbon, twine, or colourful yarn through the hole you made earlier, tie a loop, and they’re ready for the Christmas tree or an Easter branch.
- Gift Tags: Use smaller ornaments as unique, handmade tags for presents. You can write the recipient’s name on the back with a permanent marker before sealing.
- Garlands: String several ornaments together on a long piece of ribbon or twine to create a festive garland for a mantelpiece, wall, or doorway.
- Wall Hangings: Larger pieces, especially handprints, make lovely wall decorations for a child’s room or family area.
- Thoughtful Gifts: Grandparents, teachers, and friends will adore receiving these heartfelt, handmade gifts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common salt dough problems and how to fix them:
- Dough is too sticky: Gradually knead in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, pliable consistency.
- Dough is too dry/crumbly: Add water very slowly – just a teaspoon at a time – and knead it in thoroughly before adding more.
- Ornaments puffed up during baking: Your oven temperature was likely too high, or perhaps your flour contained a raising agent (self-rising flour is not recommended). Stick to all-purpose flour and ensure a low, slow bake.
- Paint won’t stick well: The ornaments might not be completely dry. Ensure they are thoroughly dried or cooled before painting. A base coat of white paint or primer can sometimes help other colours adhere better.
- Cracking during drying: This can happen if the ornaments dry too quickly (e.g., placed near a direct heat source) or if the dough was a bit too wet. Slower, more even drying is best. Small cracks can sometimes be filled with a bit of glue or more dough before painting.
Making salt dough ornaments is more than just a craft project; it’s an experience. It’s about slowing down, getting your hands messy, laughing together, and creating something unique from the simplest of ingredients. The resulting ornaments are lovely, but the shared memories are the real treasures. So, gather your flour and salt, call the kids, and get ready to make some magic!
