What is the Quickest and Easiest Way to Make Salt Dough Ornaments in 2023?

Salt dough ornaments are a fun and easy way to add some homemade charm to your Christmas tree or holiday decor. They are also a great craft to do with kids, as they can unleash their creativity and make their own personalized designs. In this article, we will show you the quickest and easiest make salt dough ornaments in a few simple steps, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

What You Need

To make salt dough ornaments, you will need the following ingredients and tools:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of table salt
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water
• A large mixing bowl
• A wooden spoon or spatula
• A rolling pin

• Cookie cutters of various shapes and sizes
• A bamboo skewer or a straw
• A baking sheet
• Acrylic paint and brushes
• Mod Podge or clear varnish
• Ribbon or string

How to Make Salt Dough

The first step is to make the salt dough, which is the base of your ornaments. Here is how to do it:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt and stir well.
• Gradually add the warm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a smooth and pliable dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of water or flour depending on the consistency of your dough. It should not be too sticky or too dry.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
• Let the dough rest for 20 minutes, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.

How to Cut and Bake Salt Dough Ornaments

The next step is to cut out your ornaments and bake them until they are hard and dry. Here is how to do it:

• Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
• Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. You can use a rolling pin or a wine bottle for this.
• Cut out your desired shapes using cookie cutters. You can use any shape you like, such as stars, hearts, trees, snowflakes, etc. You can also use a knife or a pizza cutter to make your own shapes.
• Use a bamboo skewer or a straw to poke a hole at the top of each shape. This is where you will thread the ribbon or string later.

• Place the shapes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. They will not expand much during baking, so you don’t need to worry about them sticking together.
• Bake the ornaments for about 3 hours, flipping them halfway through. The baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your ornaments. You want them to be firm and dry, but not browned or burned.
• Let the ornaments cool completely on the baking sheet or on a wire rack.

How to Decorate Salt Dough Ornaments

The final step is to decorate your ornaments and make them look festive and colorful. Here is how to do it:

• Paint your ornaments with acrylic paint and brushes. You can use any colors and patterns you like, or follow a theme, such as winter wonderland, candy cane, or rustic farmhouse. You can also use glitter, sequins, beads, or other embellishments to add some sparkle and texture.

• Let the paint dry completely before applying a coat of Mod Podge or clear varnish. This will seal and protect your ornaments and give them a glossy finish.
• Thread a ribbon or string through the hole at the top of each ornament and tie a knot. You can use any color or type of ribbon or string you like, such as satin, twine, or yarn.
• Hang your ornaments on your Christmas tree or display them around your home. You can also use them as gift tags or party favors.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make your salt dough ornaments even better:

• You can store the unused dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before using it again.
• You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

• You can add some spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves, to the dough to give it a nice scent and color. You can also add some food coloring to the dough or the water to make it more vibrant.
• You can use stamps, stencils, or cookie molds to create more intricate designs on your ornaments. Just press them gently on the dough before cutting it out.

• You can use a toothpick or a skewer to make small details or write words on your ornaments. Just be careful not to poke through the dough.
• You can use a hair dryer or a fan to speed up the drying process of your ornaments. Just make sure they are not too hot or too close to the ornaments, as they may crack or warp.

Salt dough ornaments are a fun and easy way to make your own holiday decorations with simple ingredients and tools. They are also a great craft to do with kids, as they can express their creativity and make their own personalized designs. You can make salt dough ornaments in any shape, size, color, and style you like, and use them to adorn your Christmas tree or your home.

You can also give them as gifts or use them as tags or favors. Salt dough ornaments are a wonderful way to add some homemade charm and warmth to your holiday season.