Step-by-Step Instructions for Making DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

Looking for a fun and simple craft project to do with your kids this winter? These DIY Salt Dough Ornaments are perfect for getting the whole family involved in creating festive, homemade decorations.

Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or simply enjoying a cozy winter afternoon, these easy-to-make ornaments are sure to become a favorite tradition!

Why Homemade Ornaments Are a Must:

Homemade ornaments carry a personal touch that store-bought decorations just can’t match. The best part? When kids are involved in the creation process, they get a sense of pride every time they look at their handiwork on the tree.

These DIY salt dough ornaments are not only fun to make but are also a wonderful way to help children develop fine motor skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

Materials for DIY Salt Dough Ornaments (for about 10 ornaments):

• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of salt
• 1/2 cup of water

These basic ingredients create a simple dough that’s easy to work with and safe for kids. Plus, it’s something you probably already have in your kitchen, making it a budget-friendly craft!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Salt Dough Ornaments

1. Prepare the Salt Dough

Begin by adding all the ingredients into a large bowl. Mix them together using your hands or a spoon until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth. You may need to add a little more flour or water depending on the consistency – aim for a dough that’s not too sticky but pliable enough to roll out.

2. Roll and Cut the Dough

Once your dough is ready, roll it out to a thickness of about 1 cm (or less, depending on your preference). Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For a festive touch, my daughter chose stars and Christmas trees, but you can also try hearts, snowflakes, or even simple circles. If you want to make your ornaments extra special, you can use different shapes or add decorative details using a toothpick or small tools.

3. Make a Hole for Hanging

Use a straw or a small object to gently poke a hole at the top of each ornament. This will allow you to thread a string or ribbon later to hang them on your tree or around your home.

4. Bake the Ornaments

Preheat your oven to 200°F. Place your salt dough ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake them for 2-3 hours, or until they are completely hard and dry. This step is crucial for ensuring your ornaments last for years to come.

5. Let the Ornaments Cool

Once baked, allow the ornaments to cool completely before decorating.

Decorating Your Salt Dough Ornaments

The fun part! After the ornaments are fully cooled, it’s time to bring them to life with some color and sparkle. Here’s what you’ll need for decorating:

• Tempera Paint (or other paint)
• Paint Brushes
• Glitter (Fine or Chunky)
• Liquid Glue

1. Paint the Ornaments

I gave my daughter green and red tempera paint and let her creativity run wild. You can also try adding patterns, stripes, or other designs to make each ornament unique.

2. Add Glitter

Once the paint is dry or still slightly wet, apply some liquid glue and sprinkle on glitter for a magical effect. You can use fine glitter for a subtle shimmer or chunky glitter for a more dramatic sparkle. Glitter looks especially beautiful on the edges of the ornaments or in designs like stars or trees.

3. Let the Ornaments Dry Completely

Allow the glitter and paint to dry fully before handling the ornaments to avoid smudging.

Finishing Touches

Once the decorations are completely dry, it’s time to add the final touch: the ribbon or string! Use a strong string or ribbon to thread through the hole you made earlier. You can choose a color that matches your theme or go for something festive like red or gold.

Now your DIY salt dough ornaments are ready to hang! Place them on the Christmas tree, in windows, or even as part of a beautiful homemade garland. These personalized ornaments also make fantastic gifts for family members or friends, adding a special touch to holiday celebrations.

Benefits of Making Salt Dough Ornaments with Kids

1. Improves Fine Motor Skills

Rolling out dough, cutting shapes, and painting small details help young children improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

2. Encourages Creativity

This craft allows kids to express themselves creatively, whether through choosing colors, experimenting with designs, or adding fun glittery details.

3. Creates Lasting Memories

These ornaments will become a keepsake for years to come. Every time you decorate your tree, you’ll be reminded of the fun you had making them together.

4. Teaches Patience

The drying and baking time for the dough helps children learn patience, as they eagerly wait for their creations to be ready for decorating.

Perfect for Holiday Fun or Winter Craft Projects

These salt dough ornaments aren’t just for Christmas – they’re a great winter craft that can be made for any occasion! Create ornaments for New Year’s, Winter Solstice, or even as a snowy season decoration for your home. The possibilities are endless, and they’re always fun to make.

Explore More Fun Crafts: Popsicle Stick Ornaments

If you loved making these DIY salt dough ornaments, why not try your hand at some other fun, easy-to-make decorations? Popsicle stick ornaments are another great craft idea for kids, offering endless creative possibilities. From snowflakes to Christmas trees, you can create a whole collection of personalized ornaments using just a few simple materials.

Check out other fun Popsicle stick ornament tutorials on our blog for more step-by-step guides and inspiration!

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