Christmas is a time for joy, creativity, and spending quality moments with loved ones. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is by making your own salt dough ornaments. This simple, affordable, and endlessly customizable craft is perfect for kids and adults alike. From creating cherished keepsakes to decorating your Christmas tree, salt dough ornaments offer a wonderful opportunity for family bonding and holiday fun.
Salt Dough Ornament Recipe
Making salt dough is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s what you’ll need:jgh
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add warm water, stirring continuously until dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Using cookie cutters to create your desired shapes—stars, trees, snowflakes, and hearts are classic choices.
- Don’t forget to use a straw or toothpick to make a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
Baking the Ornaments:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Arrange the ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 1-2 hours, flipping halfway through, until the ornaments are completely dry and hardened.
Allow the ornaments to cool completely before decorating.
Decorating Your Ornaments
The decorating stage is where real fun begins! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Paint and Glitter: Use acrylic paints to add vibrant colors. Metallic paints, glitter glue, and shimmering powders can make your ornaments sparkle.
- Personalized Touches: Write names, dates, or special messages using fine-tip paint markers.
- Nature-Inspired Designs: Press leaves, pine needles, or textured fabric into the dough before baking for unique patterns.
- Handprint Keepsakes: For younger children, press their handprint into the dough to create a cherished memento.
Finish your ornaments with a coat of clear varnish or mod podge to protect your designs and give them a polished look.
Crafting and Bonding with Kids
Creating salt dough ornaments is not just a craft, it’s an experience. Gather the family around the kitchen table, play your favorite Christmas songs, and let everyone’s imagination take over. This is an excellent way to:
- Teach kids about teamwork and creativity.
- Make lasting memories during the holiday season.
- Foster a sense of accomplishment when the ornaments are hung on the tree.
Don’t worry about imperfections, they add character and charm to your handmade treasures.
Decorating the Tree with Handmade Ornaments
Once your ornaments are painted and dried, it’s time to hang them on the tree. Use colorful ribbons, twine, or metallic cords to complete the look. Arrange them among lights and garlands to create a personalized and heartfelt Christmas tree.
Other Uses for Salt Dough Ornaments
These ornaments aren’t just for the tree! You can use them as:
- Gift Tags: Personalize gifts with a salt dough ornament tied to the ribbon.
- Decorations: Hang them on wreaths, doorknobs, or garlands.
- Keepsakes: Create a new ornament each year to commemorate the season.
Salt dough ornaments are more than just decorations; they’re symbols of love, creativity, and togetherness. Gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the magic of Christmas crafting. This holiday season fill your home with not just festive décor, but also the warmth of shared memories and laughter.
***Ornaments pictured are examples and not intended to represent actual products sold at Nellie’s Wicks and Bricks*** Feel free to shop any of our amazing products and check back weekly for great blogs with tips, tricks and DIY guides.