If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to personalize your home décor, making and decorating salt dough ornaments is an easy and inexpensive DIY project. These handmade ornaments are perfect for the holidays or everyday décor and can be customized with different shapes, designs, and colors. Not only are they great for personalizing your space, but they also make wonderful handmade gifts for friends and family.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make and decorate salt dough ornaments from scratch, giving you the opportunity to add a personal touch to your home, no matter the occasion.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting your salt dough project, gather the following materials:
• Flour (1 cup)
• Salt (1/2 cup)
• Water (1/2 cup)
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (various shapes)
• Straw (for making holes to hang the ornaments)
• Acrylic paint (for decorating)
• Paintbrushes
• Ribbon or twine (for hanging the ornaments)
• Clear sealant spray (optional, for extra protection)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salt Dough Ornaments
1. Mix the Dough
Start by creating the dough for your ornaments. It’s a simple recipe that only requires a few basic ingredients.
• Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir the mixture until it forms a dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
• Step 2: Once the dough has formed, knead it with your hands until it becomes smooth and pliable. This should take about 5 minutes.
2. Roll Out the Dough
and Cut Shapes
Now it’s time to roll out the dough and create your ornament shapes.
• Step 1: Dust your surface with a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
• Step 2: Use cookie cutters to cut out different shapes. Popular choices include stars, hearts, circles, and trees, but you can use any shape that fits your theme or style.
• Step 3: After cutting out your shapes, use a straw to punch a small hole near the top of each ornament. This hole will allow you to thread ribbon or twine for hanging later.
3. Bake the Ornaments
Once your ornaments are cut and shaped, they need to be baked to harden.
• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
• Step 2: Place the ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Step 3: Bake the ornaments for 2 to 3 hours, or until they are completely hard. Be sure to flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even drying.
4. Paint and Decorate Your Ornaments
Once the ornaments are fully baked and cooled, it’s time to get creative with the decorating process.
• Step 1: Use acrylic paint to decorate your ornaments. You can paint solid colors, patterns, or designs such as snowflakes, polka dots, or stripes.
• Step 2: If you want to add a bit of shimmer, you can use metallic paint or sprinkle glitter onto the ornaments before the paint dries.
• Step 3: Let the paint dry completely before handling the ornaments. Depending on the design, you may want to add a second coat for more vibrant colors.
Tip: If you’re making holiday ornaments, consider using festive colors like red, green, silver, and gold. For everyday décor, neutral or pastel colors can give a more subtle, elegant look.
5. Seal and Protect Your Ornaments
To ensure your salt dough ornaments last longer, apply a clear sealant to protect the paint and prevent moisture damage.
• Step 1: Once the paint is dry, spray the ornaments with a clear sealant spray. This will give them a glossy finish and help protect them from wear and tear.
• Step 2: Let the sealant dry completely before moving on to the final step.
6. Add Ribbon and Hang Your Ornaments
Now that your ornaments are decorated and sealed, it’s time to hang them!
• Step 1: Thread a piece of ribbon or twine through the hole you made with the straw. Tie a knot or bow to secure it.
• Step 2: Your ornaments are now ready to hang on the tree, display on a garland, or use as part of your home décor.
Creative Ways to Use Your Salt Dough Ornaments
Once your salt dough ornaments are finished, there are many creative ways to use them:
1. Holiday Tree Decorations: Hang your ornaments on a Christmas tree or a festive holiday garland.
2. Gift Tags: Personalize gifts by adding a handmade salt dough ornament as a unique gift tag.
3. Everyday Home Décor: Use neutral-colored or themed ornaments as part of your home’s everyday décor, hanging them in windows or around doorways.
4. Wall Art: Create a small arrangement of salt dough ornaments to hang on the wall as a piece of art.
5. Kids’ Room Décor: Decorate your child’s room with playful, colorful ornaments in fun shapes like stars or animals.
Tips for Success When Making Salt Dough Ornaments
• Don’t Overbake: Be sure to check your ornaments periodically to prevent them from overbaking or cracking.
• Seal for Longevity: If you plan to use your salt dough ornaments for years to come, make sure to apply a sealant to protect them from moisture.
• Get Creative with Shapes: Cookie cutters come in all shapes and sizes, but you can also create your own shapes by hand or using stencils.
• Perfect for Kids: This is a great craft project for kids, especially during the holidays. Let them get creative with their designs and colors.
The Benefits of Making Salt Dough Ornaments
Making salt dough ornaments is not only fun, but it also has several other benefits:
• Affordable Craft: The ingredients needed to make salt dough are inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly craft.
• Customizable: You can customize the shapes, colors, and decorations to suit any holiday or theme.
• Perfect for Gifting: Handmade salt dough ornaments make thoughtful, personal gifts for friends and family.
• Creative Outlet: This craft allows you to tap into your creativity and design one-of-a-kind ornaments that reflect your personal style.
Conclusion: Create Beautiful Home Decorations with Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to personalize your home décor. Whether you’re crafting for the holidays or looking for a creative project to do with your family, making salt dough ornaments offers endless possibilities for customization. With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can create beautiful, handmade ornaments that add a personal touch to your home or make thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
So, gather your materials, get creative, and start making beautiful salt dough ornaments today!
