Crafting Cherished Memories: The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Salt Dough Ornaments

There’s a unique charm in holiday decorations that are crafted by hand. They tell a story, hold a memory, and infuse your home with a warmth that store-bought items simply can’t replicate. Among the most beloved and enduring DIY holiday crafts are homemade salt dough ornaments. This simple, inexpensive, and incredibly customizable recipe offers a fantastic opportunity to create beautiful Christmas decor, personalize gifts, or simply enjoy a fun, creative project with family. From tiny hands leaving their mark to intricate designs showcasing artistic flair, everyone can revel in the joy of creating their own unique salt dough treasures.

My journey into the world of DIY Christmas decor began many years ago, when life called for a little more ingenuity. Freshly married and navigating the early stages of a commission-based sales job for my husband while I was deep in full-time graduate school, our budget for luxuries like holiday decorations was, to put it mildly, non-existent. But a lack of funds only fueled my creative spirit. That year, driven by a love for decorating and a good challenge, I set out to craft every single piece of our Christmas decor.

I remember transforming random sticks and wires into a rustic star tree topper. Leftover scraps of red fabric became a charming garland that draped across our tiny, budget-friendly Christmas tree – a clearance find from my parents for a mere $30. Our small apartment became a haven of festive cheer, all born from thriftiness and imagination. What’s truly remarkable is that, even now, with a bit more financial flexibility, that very same star tree topper and red fabric garland still adorn our tree each year. They are more than just decorations; they are tangible reminders of our journey, a testament to how far we’ve come, and cherished symbols of enduring love and resourcefulness. And honestly, I’m still that person who loves a good bargain and the satisfaction of a handmade item. Why fix what isn’t broken, especially when it brings such joy?

The tradition of DIY ornaments has remained a staple in our home, and salt dough ornaments hold a special place. This project is not only incredibly fun, but it’s also wonderfully inclusive. My kids absolutely adore getting their hands into the dough, cutting out shapes, and bringing their imaginative visions to life. The endless possibilities for customization mean every ornament can be a reflection of their individual personalities or a specific memory. It’s an activity that creates keepsakes that we proudly display year after year, each one evoking a smile and a story.

Essential Tips for Crafting Perfect Salt Dough Ornaments

Making salt dough ornaments is a straightforward process, but a few clever tips can elevate your creations and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

Crafting the Perfect Hole for Hanging

A simple straw is your best friend for creating clean, perfectly sized holes for hanging. I prefer using a reusable metal straw – it’s sturdy and makes a nice, neat punch. After sticking the straw into the dough, give it a gentle wiggle to ensure the hole is clear.
For an extra touch of fun, encourage kids (or yourself!) to blow air through the straw to pop out the tiny dough pieces. Just be warned, it can be a bit messy, especially if you accidentally aim it at an unsuspecting family member!
Consider where you place the hole. For balanced ornaments, position it near the top center. If you’re planning to add ribbons or multiple strands, you might even make two holes.

Unleashing Boundless Creativity

Don’t limit your imagination! Cookie cutters are excellent for creating classic shapes like stars, trees, gingerbread men, and trains. But you can also freehand shapes or use household items like bottle caps for circles.
Texture can add another dimension. Gently press lace, textured stamps, or even natural elements like leaves or evergreen sprigs into the dough before baking for beautiful imprints.
Experiment with various decorations: glitter, acrylic paints, paint pens, permanent markers, or even small beads and sequins glued on after baking. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing for personalized designs that reflect any theme or style.

Personalizing with Photo Ornaments

To create unique photo ornaments, use a smaller cookie cutter or a knife to cut a hole in the center of your salt dough shape. After baking and decorating, glue a cherished photo behind the opening. These make incredibly thoughtful gifts and precious keepsakes.

Involving Little Hands: A Kid-Friendly Project

Salt dough is an ideal medium for children’s crafts. Lay down some plastic sheeting or old newspapers to protect your work surface, and let them embrace the mess. This is a sensory experience they’ll love!
Assign age-appropriate tasks: younger children can help mix ingredients (with supervision), press cookie cutters, or paint once the ornaments are baked. Older kids can handle rolling the dough and more detailed decorating.
Remember, the goal is fun and creativity, not perfection. Embrace the unique, sometimes quirky, masterpieces your children create. They will be the most cherished ornaments on your tree.

Troubleshooting Common Salt Dough Issues

Cracking: If your ornaments crack during baking, they might be too thick, or the oven temperature might be too high. Ensure the dough is rolled to an even 1/4 inch thickness and bake at a low temperature for longer.
Stickiness: If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches a pliable, non-sticky consistency.
Bubbling: Bubbles can sometimes form if the oven is too hot or if there are air pockets in the dough. Try to eliminate air bubbles by kneading the dough thoroughly before rolling.

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Gather Your Essential Tools

You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already, making this an even more accessible craft:

Large mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients.
Rolling pin: To achieve an even dough thickness.
Silicon spatula (or wooden spoon): For initial mixing.
Measuring cups: Both liquid and dry measuring cups are helpful for accuracy.
Cookie cutter(s): Stars, circles, gingerbread men, or any festive shapes you desire.
Straw: Essential for making hanging holes. A reusable metal straw works exceptionally well.
Parchment paper: To prevent sticking to the baking sheet.
Baking sheet or dish: To bake or air dry your ornaments.

Drying Methods: Bake or Air Dry?

One common question about salt dough ornaments is how to dry them. You essentially have two main options:

Air Drying: You can certainly allow your salt dough ornaments to air dry. This method is foolproof and requires no oven, but it does demand patience. Depending on the humidity and thickness of your ornaments, air drying can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Make sure to flip them periodically to ensure even drying on all sides.
Baking: For those who, like me, lack the patience for several days of waiting, baking is a fantastic alternative. Baking at a low temperature will dry your ornaments significantly faster, typically within a few hours. This method ensures they’re ready for decorating much sooner, allowing you to complete your project in a single afternoon.

Longevity and Preservation of Salt Dough Ornaments

How Many Years Do These Ornaments Last?

Properly made and stored, salt dough ornaments are incredibly durable and can last for many, many years. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of these charming keepsakes enduring for 30 years or even longer! This impressive longevity makes them fantastic value for money and perfect for creating family traditions that span generations. Imagine pulling out ornaments made with your children’s tiny handprints decades later!

Do You Need to Seal Salt Dough Ornaments?

While not strictly mandatory, sealing your salt dough ornaments can significantly extend their lifespan and protect them from moisture and damage. Sealing creates a protective barrier, making them more resilient to the elements and handling over time. You can use:

Mod Podge: A popular choice for its versatility. It comes in various finishes (matte, gloss) and can be brushed on.
Clear Glue: Standard craft glue diluted slightly with water can also work as a sealant.
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealant: This is a quick and easy option, providing an even coat. Ensure you use it in a well-ventilated area.

For ornaments that will be painted or heavily decorated, sealing is highly recommended to protect the artwork. However, if you prefer a raw, rustic, matte aesthetic, especially for unpainted ornaments, you can choose to skip the sealant. It really comes down to personal preference and how long you want your ornaments to last in their original condition.

Salt Dough Ornaments Video Tutorial

If you’re a visual learner, sometimes seeing the process in action makes all the difference. Check out this video tutorial to guide you through each step of making your own salt dough ornaments:

How To Make Salt Dough Ornaments: A Step-by-Step Recipe

This simple recipe is forgiving and fun, perfect for crafters of all ages. Here’s how to create your own beautiful salt dough ornaments:

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 cups salt
1.25 cups water (approximately, may need a little more or less)

Instructions:

Prepare Your Oven (if baking): If you plan to bake your ornaments for quicker drying, preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F (95°C). This gentle heat ensures they dry thoroughly without cracking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir them together until well blended.
Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients. Start with one cup and mix with a spoon. As the dough begins to come together, switch to using your hands to knead it. Add the remaining water a little bit at a time, until it forms a smooth, pliable dough ball that isn’t too sticky or too dry. It should feel like play-dough.
Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Place the dough ball on the floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is ideal for durability and even drying.
Cut Out Shapes: Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out various ornament shapes. Carefully transfer the cut shapes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.
Create Hanging Holes: Take a straw and press it firmly into each ornament where you want the hanging hole to be. Give it a small wiggle to ensure the hole is clear. This is crucial for later adding twine or ribbon.
Refine Edges: Gently smooth out any rough edges or areas that may have distorted when making the holes.
Repeat: Gather the dough scraps, knead them together, re-roll, and cut out more ornaments until all the dough is used.
Bake Until Dry: Place the baking sheet with the ornaments into your preheated oven (200°F/95°C). Bake for 2 to 5 hours, or until the ornaments are completely dry and hard. The exact time will depend on their thickness and the moisture content of your dough. Check them periodically; they should feel solid all the way through.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the ornaments from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will harden further as they cool.
Decorate to Your Heart’s Content: Once fully dry and cool, your salt dough ornaments are ready for decoration! This is where the real fun begins. Paint them with acrylics, add glitter, attach ribbons, glue on pom-poms, use paint pens for details – unleash your creativity!
Hang and Admire: Thread twine, ribbon, or string through the holes, tie a knot, and hang your beautiful handmade ornaments on your Christmas tree. Take a moment to marvel at your creativity and frugality!

Decorating Your Salt Dough Masterpieces

Once your salt dough ornaments are baked and cooled, they transform from simple dough shapes into blank canvases awaiting your artistic touch. This step is where personalization truly shines, allowing each ornament to tell its own unique story.

Painting: Acrylic paints are excellent for vibrant colors and good coverage. You can use fine brushes for intricate details or sponges for textured effects. Consider using watercolors for a softer, more translucent look.
Adding Sparkle: Glitter, whether applied with glue or mixed into paint, adds instant holiday magic. You can coat the entire ornament or highlight specific areas.
Embellishments: Get creative with small embellishments! Tiny beads, sequins, buttons, small fabric scraps, or even natural elements like pressed leaves or dried berries can be glued onto the ornaments.
Handwriting and Doodles: Use permanent markers or paint pens to add names, dates, special messages, or intricate doodles. This is perfect for commemorating baby’s first Christmas or a special year.
Ribbons and Twine: Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful ribbon. Once decorated, thread festive ribbons, rustic twine, or shiny metallic string through the hanging holes to complete your ornament.

Storing Your Precious Ornaments

To ensure your salt dough ornaments last for many holiday seasons to come, proper storage is key. The main enemies are moisture and physical damage. Here’s how to store them effectively:

Wrap Individually: Gently wrap each ornament in tissue paper, plain paper towels, or even soft fabric scraps. This prevents them from scratching or sticking to each other.
Choose the Right Container: Ideally, store them in an airtight plastic container. Plastic provides a good barrier against humidity and potential pests, which can deteriorate the dough over time. A shoe box works in a pinch for initial wrapping, but a sturdier plastic bin offers better long-term protection.
Keep Dry: Store the container in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperature fluctuations, such as an attic or damp basement, which could introduce moisture and cause the ornaments to soften or mold.
Layer Carefully: Place heavier or more robust ornaments at the bottom of the container and lighter, more delicate ones on top to prevent crushing.

By following these simple storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your handmade salt dough ornaments for decades, bringing back cherished memories each time you unbox them.

If you try this delightful recipe and love it, I would be absolutely thrilled if you could return, leave a comment on the post, and give it a well-deserved 5 stars! Your feedback helps others discover the joy of this craft. Thank you!

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Craft Your Own Salt Dough Ornaments