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Decorate With Salt Dough Ornaments

Add your own style with salt dough ornaments!

Salt dough ornaments, like the ones used to adorn this wreath, are easy to make and they will last. You can use them as Christmas tree ornaments; string them to create garlands, and much more. You’re really only limited by your imagination.

Why not get crafty, have some fun, and decorate with salt dough ornaments? It’s a project that the entire family can enjoy!

The good news is, you probably already have the things you need to make salt dough ornaments.

Supplies Needed:

[Please note: This ‘recipe’ will create enough dough to make a lot of ornaments. With that in mind, if you only plan on making a few pieces you should cut this recipe in half. Also, please remind kids that these ornaments are not intended to be eaten!]

• ·       2 cups all-purpose flour
• ·       1 cup salt
• ·       1 cup water
• ·       Cookie cutters in preferred shapes
• ·       Toothpicks
• ·       Acrylic paints in holiday colors
• ·       Paintbrushes

Prepare Dough

Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a floured surface for kneading the dough.

Combine the flour, salt and water – mix until a dough consistency is formed. Knead the dough on the prepared surface until the mixture becomes smooth and is elastic. If stickiness is noted you can sprinkle in a small amount of flour. Use caution not to use too much flour.

Use a rolling pin to roll the dough flat – it should be ¼” to ½” thick.

Cutting Shapes

Use the cookie cutters to cut the dough into the desired shapes. Toothpicks can be used to create designs/patterns in the shapes, as well as for making the hole that you will use to hang the ornament (if that is desired). Make the hole a little bigger than you actually want it, because the hole will get smaller as the dough bakes.

Bake the ornaments at 250 degrees for approximately 2 ½ hours. After baking the ornaments should be allowed to cool for several hours before they are handled.

Tip: Prepare the ornaments a day ahead of time – then spend the next day painting them. This is the fun part that kids can take part in too.

Paint Your Ornaments

You can get as creative and detailed as you like when painting the salt dough ornaments. It’s really up to you. Some people prefer a simple design and others want as many details as possible.

You may want to use 2 coats of paint on the ornaments – but again, it’s up to your and what you like. In fact, you could add details with a Sharpie pen.

Salt dough ornaments are a creative holiday decoration – the craft project is fun and it’s an inexpensive way to add a little holiday cheer to your home. Give it a try!

Debbie Allen is a professional content writer that often writes about ways to save money during the holidays. She especially likes to include tips that make typical holiday traditions like writing letters to Santa and decorating the tree seem more magical.