Some of my fondest memories as a child were unpacking Christmas ornaments and unveiling the handmade ornaments from my childhood; a misshapen snowman, a painted star and a decorated Christmas tree shape. All of these offbeat and festive creations were homemade salt dough ornaments.
The art of the salt dough making is an ancient one, dating back to Egyptian times. In Europe, mainly Germany, this craft became very popular. The art was used widely in home decoration, especially at festive times, much like today.
Each year, our family shares an evening together creating salt dough ornaments. The creations decorate our tree, but also serve as heartfelt family gifts during the holiday season.
To begin, gather the following basic ingredients from your kitchen:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Cookie cutters in festive shapes
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrushes
- Ribbon or twine for hanging
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
Mixing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Gradually add water and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, pliable dough.
If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a touch more water.
Rolling and cutting:Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use festive cookie cutters to cut out various shapes. Don’t forget classics like stars, angels and Christmas trees!
Creating impressions:
Get creative by making impressions on the ornaments. You can use stamps, textured fabrics, or even your fingerprints for a personal touch.
Baking:
Place your ornaments on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 2 hours or until the ornaments are hard and dry. Keep an eye on them to prevent browning.
Cooling:
Allow the ornaments to cool completely before moving on to the next step. This step is crucial for ensuring they don’t crack or break during painting.
Painting:Once cooled, it’s time to get creative! Paint the ornaments using vibrant acrylic colors.
Consider adding details like glitter for an extra festive touch.
Sealing:
To preserve your creations, apply a clear varnish or sealant. This will protect the paint and keep your ornaments looking fresh for years to come.
Adding the finishing touch:
Attach a ribbon or twine to each ornament for easy hanging on your Christmas tree or around your home.
With a few ingredients and lots of creativity, salt dough ornaments can quickly become your family’s new holiday tradition. Gather your materials and create a magical holiday season filled with laughter and homemade charm. Happy crafting!
