DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

As the holiday season approaches, there’s a special kind of magic in the air — the smell of cinnamon and pine, twinkling lights, and cozy family moments. One of the most charming ways to bring that festive spirit into your home is by making your own salt dough ornaments. This simple craft only requires a few pantry staples — flour, salt, and water — yet the results are timeless and beautiful.

If you’re ready to start crafting, make sure you have the basics on hand. A good-quality all-purpose flour will give you the smooth, pliable dough you want for detailed designs. Add in fine salt, some water, and a set of holiday cookie cutters, and you’re set.

These ornaments are not just decorations — they’re keepsakes that can be treasured for years, each one holding memories of the time spent making them. Whether you craft them with children, friends, or as a solo creative project, salt dough ornaments add a personal touch to holiday décor that store-bought pieces simply can’t match.

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What Do You Need for Salt Dough Ornaments?

Before starting your holiday crafting, it’s helpful to master a simple recipe for DIY salt dough ornaments without baking soda. Using just flour, salt, and water, this reliable mixture creates a pliable, durable dough that’s perfect for shaping into festive designs.

Salt Dough Ornaments FAQ

Is it better to bake or air dry salt dough ornaments?
Both methods work, but baking speeds up the drying process and helps prevent cracking. Air drying is gentler and may preserve more detail in the design, but it can take several days depending on humidity levels.

How long do salt dough ornaments last?
When fully dried and properly sealed, salt dough ornaments can last for decades. Keep them in a cool, dry place and store them in a protective container between holidays.

What can I seal my salt dough ornaments with?
Clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge work well for sealing salt dough ornaments. Sealing helps protect them from moisture, dust, and fading over time.

What do you need for salt dough ornaments?
The basic recipe uses just flour, salt, and water. You may also want cookie cutters, a rolling pin, parchment paper, and acrylic paint or ribbon for decorating.

Do I have to Mod Podge salt dough ornaments?
No, Mod Podge is not required. Any clear sealant will work to protect your ornaments. However, Mod Podge is popular because it’s easy to apply and gives a nice finish.

Do you paint salt dough before baking?
It’s best to bake the ornaments first, then paint them once they’re fully dry. Painting before baking can cause the paint to bubble, discolor, or crack during the baking process. For best results, bake, cool completely, then paint and seal.

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Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

Equipment:

• Acrylic paint
• Cookie sheet
• Paint brushes
• Twine or String
• Cookie Cutters (I love these ones!)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1.5 cups water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
3. Gradually add water to the dry mixture, stirring continuously until a smooth dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes elastic.
5. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness (usually around 1/4 inch).
6. Use cookie cutters to create various shapes, such as stars, hearts, or traditional holiday symbols.
7. Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 1 hour or until the ornaments are completely dry and hard.

Once your salt dough ornaments have cooled, they are ready to be decorated and personalized.

Best Salt Dough Ornaments

One of the most delightful aspects of salt dough ornaments is the opportunity for creativity. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

1. Painting and Glazing: After the ornaments have cooled, unleash your artistic flair by painting them. Once the paint is dry, add a glossy finish with a clear glaze for a polished look.
2. Embossing: Press holiday-themed stamps or textured objects into the dough before baking to create intricate designs. The imprints will remain even after the ornaments are painted.
3. Glitter and Sparkle: For a touch of glamour, apply glue and sprinkle glitter onto your ornaments. Gold and silver glitter can add a festive sparkle, while colored glitter can complement your chosen color scheme.
4. Personalized Messages: Use a thin brush to write messages, names, or dates on your ornaments. This adds a sentimental touch and makes them perfect for gift-giving.
5. Nature-inspired Decorations: Press small twigs, leaves, or flowers into the dough to create nature-inspired patterns. This rustic touch adds a unique and organic feel to your ornaments.
6. Cookie Cutter Confetti: If you have smaller cookie cutters, create additional mini-shapes to adorn your ornaments. Glue these smaller shapes onto the larger ones for a layered effect.

Salt dough ornaments are far more than simple holiday decorations—they are heartfelt expressions of creativity, love, and tradition. Each ornament carries the memory of the hands that shaped it and the joy shared while making it. As you embark on this DIY project, take the time to enjoy every step: rolling the dough, choosing shapes, painting with care, and sealing your creations for years to come. These handmade treasures will not only brighten your tree but also warm your heart each time you hang them. May your holiday season be filled with laughter, creativity, and the timeless charm of salt dough ornaments—each one telling a story you’ll treasure for generations. Happy crafting!

Check out these other DIY recipes:

https://naturalrootedhome.com/wood-flower-craft-idea/

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