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How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments the Kids Will Love

Creating salt dough ornaments is a delightful and straightforward activity that can lead to hours of fun with the kids. Not only do these ornaments serve as creative keepsakes, but they also make fantastic gifts and decorations for special occasions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make salt dough ornaments that your children will cherish.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water
• Optional: Food colouring, essential oils for fragrance, or spices for a scented touch

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Baking tray
• Baking parchment
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (various shapes)
• Straw or toothpicks (for making holes)
• Paints or markers (for decorating)
• Varnish or sealant (to finish)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and salt. Gradually add the water, mixing until the ingredients begin to come together. You might find it easier to use your hands as the mixture forms. If you want to add colour or scent, now’s the time to incorporate food colouring or a few drops of essential oil.

Knead the dough for a couple of minutes until it’s smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water.

Step 2: Shape the Ornaments

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 0.5 cm thickness on a surface dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

Next, allow your children to unleash their creativity with cookie cutters. They can create festive shapes like stars, hearts, and Christmas trees, or even more whimsical designs like animals. Remember to use a straw or a toothpick to poke holes at the top of each ornament if you plan to hang them.

Step 3: Bake the Ornaments

Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F). Line a baking tray with baking parchment and place your shaped ornaments on it. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally until they are completely hard. The time may vary depending on the thickness of your ornaments.

Once baked, turn off the oven and let them cool completely inside. This will ensure they dry out completely without cracking.

Step 4: Decorate Your Ornaments

Once cool, it’s time for the fun part—decorating! Set up a crafting station with non-toxic paints, markers, glitter, and anything else that inspires creativity. Encourage the children to let their imaginations run wild—each ornament can be a personal masterpiece.

You may also consider applying a clear varnish or sealant to protect the decorations and make them shine.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

To finish, thread some ribbon or twine through the holes you made earlier, allowing you to hang the ornaments on a tree, around the house, or as lovely gifts for friends and family.

Bonus Tips:

• Store any leftover dough: If you have leftover salt dough, wrap it tightly in cling film and store it in the fridge for up to a week for another crafting session.
• Avoid breakage: Handle the baked ornaments carefully, as they can be fragile. With gentle care, your salt dough creations can last for years.

Conclusion

Making salt dough ornaments is a wonderful way to engage children in a hands-on creative project. Not only does it allow them to express their artistic flair, but it also provides a tangible reminder of special moments spent together. Whether you’re making gifts for loved ones or creating decorations for festive occasions, these ornaments will undoubtedly hold a place in your family’s heart for years to come. Get ready to create memories, one doughy shape at a time!

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