Easy, Fun, and Festive: Creating Memories with Salt Dough Ornaments
The holidays are a time for tradition, togetherness, and of course, decorating! If you're looking for a fun and creative activity to do with your kids (or, hey, even by yourself!), look no further than salt dough ornaments.
These homemade treasures are the perfect way to add a personal touch to your Christmas tree. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make with just a few household ingredients.
So, gather your little elves and get ready to unleash your creativity!
What You'll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Cookie cutters (Christmas shapes or anything festive!)
- Straw (for making hanging holes)
- Ribbon or twine (for hanging)
- Paint, markers, glitter, and other craft supplies (for decorating)
Step 1: Mix it Up!
In a large bowl, combine your flour and salt. Slowly add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to add a little more water or flour depending on the consistency.
Step 2: Get Cutting!
Lightly flour a rolling pin and surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your cookie cutters to stamp out festive shapes. Don't forget to use a straw to poke a small hole at the top of each ornament for hanging later.
Step 3: Bake and Breathe
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place your salt dough creations on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about an hour, or until the ornaments are hard and dry.
Step 4: The Fun Part - Decorating!
Once your ornaments are cool, it's time for the real fun to begin! Let your imagination (and your kids'!) run wild. Here are some ideas:
- Paint them with bright Christmas colors.
- Add glitter for some extra sparkle.
- Use markers to draw festive designs.
- Glue on buttons, beads, or other small trinkets.
Step 5: Hang with Pride!
Thread some ribbon or twine through the hole you created earlier, and voila! Your one-of-a-kind salt dough ornaments are ready to adorn your tree.
The Magic of Salt Dough Ornaments:
Salt dough ornaments are more than just decorations. They're a chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones. They're a reminder of the joy of the season and the time spent together crafting something special.
Plus, they're incredibly affordable and eco-friendly! No need to break the bank or contribute to holiday waste.
So, this holiday season, ditch the store-bought ornaments and get creative with salt dough! You might just be surprised at the little masterpieces you and your family create.