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–+ servings
5 salt dough ornaments in a row that are painted. A handprint ornament, star, snowman, and stocking
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5 from 1 vote

Salt Dough Recipe for Handprints or Ornaments

This salt dough recipe is an easy combination of flour, salt, and water. The end product is salt dough handprints and ornaments that your family will cherish!
Prep Time30 minutes
Bake Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Course: Kid's Craft
Keyword: Kid activity, Salt Dough Handprints, Salt Dough Ornaments, Salt Dough Recipe
Yield: 3 cups of salt dough
Cost: $15.00

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • Paintbrushes
  • measuring spoons and cups

Materials

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, and water. Use a large spoon or fingertips*
  • Add a tablespoon of water as needed if the dough is too dry. Add a tablespoon of flour if the dough is too sticky/runny.
  • Once mixed, knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
  • Roll out salt dough onto a flat surface with a rolling pin.
  • For handprints: Place child's hand and press down in the dough. To cut out the handprint, place a bowl mug, or cup that is large enough over the hand print. Press it down to make a clean cut around the handprint.
  • For ornaments: Press down in the dough with different cookie cutters.
  • Use a straw to make a hole at the top to hang as an ornament.
  • Place the ornaments on the baking sheet.
  • For larger handprint ornaments: bake for 2-3 hours. Flip the ornaments halfway through.
  • For smaller ornaments: bake 1 - 1.5 hours. Flip the ornaments halfway through.
  • Once cooled, paint as desired.
  • When the paint has dried, seal with mod podge. Use a clean paintbrush to cover one side with mod podge. Allow it dry, then flip and do the other side of the ornament.

Notes

* I typically end up using my hands to mix the dough. Tip: wet your fingertips in cold water to prevent the dough from sticking.
If the dough isn't smooth when you roll it out, continue to knead it for several more minutes until elastic and smooth.
Paint options:
  1. Non-toxic acrylic paint: This paint's color appears brighter
  2. Non-toxic washable tempura paint: The colors won't be as bright, BUT this is worth it to me as it easily washes out of clothes and off of skin.