Home » Christmas » 23 Simple and Creative DIY Salt Dough Ornaments
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Make your own salt dough ornaments with these simple and creative DIY ideas. There are 23 beautiful ornament ideas that you must see!
Have you ever heard of salt dough ornaments? If not, think way back to pre-school. The Play Dough years. Chances are, your teacher had you make a salt dough ornament at some point.
Maybe it was glittery, or scented. Perhaps you painted it. And more likely than not, it ended up getting wrapped up and given to your parents as a gift at some point.
PinThis Christmas, check out your parent’s tree and see if any of those old ornaments bring your own salt dough ornament-making memories back.
But if not, and this truly is your first salt dough adventure, we’ve got answers to all your salt dough questions!
First, here’s a video peek at some of the awesome salt dough ideas you’ll be seeing here today!
PinSalt Dough Ornament FAQ’s:
What is the best salt dough ornament recipe?
Our favorite salt dough ornament recipe isn’t salt dough at all, actually! In fact, this “faux” salt dough recipe from the ARM & HAMMER Big Book of Baking Soda includes no salt whatsoever!
There are only (3) simple household ingredients needed, and the process is straightforward. You can add extras, if desired, such as:
– cinnamon
– food coloring
– glitter
– essential oils (peppermint is a favorite)
Ingredients:
(2) cups ARM & HAMMER baking soda
(1) cup cornstarch
(1 ¼) cups cold water (add food coloring if desired)
Method:
1. Mix ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture is the consistency of mashed potatoes (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Allow dough to cool until lukewarm to touch, then create your ornaments!
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What is the classic recipe for salt dough?
Although we favor the baking soda recipe over usual salt dough, you can’t argue with a classic, either. Salt dough more readily makes thicker cookies, which is nice.
While the dough for the baking soda clay above is a pure white color, regular salt dough is off-white (like flour).
The recipe we all used back in pre-school for salt dough, is still the same recipe and ingredients that you will find most places today:
2 cups (NOT self-rising) flour : 1/2 cup salt : 3/4 cup water
How do you seal/ preserve salt dough ornaments?
These ornaments can be sealed effectively in any of the following ways:
1. Spray with a clear acrylic spray.
2. Cover the outside of the ornament with a layer of paint.
3. Cover the ornament with a coat of Mod Podge.
How long do you bake salt dough ornaments in the oven?
Turn on the oven to the lowest possible temperature and allow to pre-heat. Once preheated, turn the oven OFF.
Place your ornaments on a cookie sheet and bake for approximately 12 minutes, but the bake time will GREATLY vary depending on the thickness of your ornaments.
Thicker ornaments will take longer, up to 30 minutes. Bake until ornaments are hardened.
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How do you make cinnamon salt dough ornaments?
Use either the baking soda-based dough recipe above, OR the salt dough recipe, and simply add 1-2 tsp of cinnamon to your dough mixture. There’s no perfect amount. Start with 1 tsp, and if it’s not scented (or colored) as much as you’d like, add more until you’re happy!
Do salt dough ornaments get moldy?
If either of the recipes shared here are used to create your ornaments, they should not mold!
The first recipe uses baking soda, which is actually used as a cleaner to kill mold! And the second recipe is very heavy on salt, which is the world’s first preservative! So each recipe is resistant to mold growth.
That said, make sure your ornaments are thoroughly dry before storing them to help prevent mold or any other degradation of your completed craft. And store in a dry place.
Do salt dough ornaments attract bugs?
Over many years of making DIY salt dough ornaments, I’ve never experienced these attracting bugs of any kind.
Are there no-bake salt dough ornaments?
Yes! With the recipe we recommend, ornaments can be air-dried in lieu of baked. It will take anywhere from 12 hours to several days for your ornaments to harden and cure.
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How do you make salt dough ornaments shiny?
To make salt dough ornaments shine, spray with a satin or gloss acrylic spray once complete. This will also seal and preserve your ornament.
Do you paint salt dough ornaments before or after you bake them?
Paint your ornaments after they have been baked or air-dried. It is not only easier to paint a dry ornament, but it will prevent your paint from cracking and fading during the baking/drying process.
Painting the dried salt dough ornaments will also help preserve your ornaments for a long time to come!
How long do salt dough ornaments last?
In my own experience, salt dough ornaments can last YEARS, even decades! I still have at least 3 ornaments I made in pre-school and kindergarten on my own tree each year, and those were made over 40 years ago at this point!
Tips for making your ornaments last:
1. The thicker the dough, the longer the ornament will take to cure (or bake), but the more sturdy it will be, and likely last longer.
2. Seal your completed ornament with either a coating of Mod Podge or a clear acrylic spray. Coating in a layer of paint will also seal and protect your ornament.
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Tools and Supplies for Creating Homemade Salt Dough Ornaments
There are some essential items you’ll need to make most any salt dough ornament idea come to life! These include:
– flour (or baking soda for the alternative recipe)
– mixing bowl
– water
– rolling pin
– baking sheet
– oven
– parchment paper
– spoon
– cookie cutters
– paint/stamps/glitter for embellishing
– toothpick for making hole for hanging
– polyurethane or acrylic spray sealant
– twine and/or Christmas ribbon
Now let’s check out all of these awesome ornament ideas!
23 BEST Salt Dough Ornament Ideas
Making salt dough ornaments each year is a tradition many of us may remember as a kid. These DIY ornaments give an updated spin on the classic recipe.
Photo Credit:littlecottageonthecoast.com
Salt Dough Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments can be scented. This recipe uses a festive cinnamon scent. They were also made to look just like real gingerbread cookies.
Photo Credit:hearthandvine.com
Salt Dough Ornament Christmas Garland
Combine salt dough ornaments with wooden beads for a fun, rustic decoration for your holiday home.
Photo Credit:abeautifulmess.com
Salt Dough Donut Ornaments
Why not turn your salt dough recipe into donut ornaments? This is so creative and would look great on a themed tree.
They really do look good enough to eat!
Photo Credit:julieblanner.com
Old Fashioned Salt Dough Ornaments
This salt dough ornament is a classic having been used over 30 years by Julie's family. And, you only need a few ingredients to make them!
Photo Credit:www.redtedart.com
Salt Dough Gingerbread Man Ornaments
You can never go wrong with gingerbread men during the holidays. These salt dough gingerbread men ornaments couldn't be cuter!
Photo Credit:www.rockyhedgefarm.com
Chocolate Salt Dough Ornaments
This salt dough ornament recipe is an easy, handmade recipe that's great for kids and adults. The chocolate version of the recipe is definitely my personal fave!
Photo Credit:www.valuemindedmama.com
Salt Dough Ornaments Used In A Mobile
Salt dough ornaments don't have to just be used for Christmas.
This creative blogger used them in a DIY mobile that's perfect year-round. Isn't it beautiful?
Photo Credit:modpodgerocksblog.com
Salt Dough Ornaments with Mod Podge
Learn how to preserve your salt dough ornaments with Mod Podge.
Seen here used as special, personalized gift tags...a reminder that salt dough isn't only for ornaments, it can be used in many different and fun ways!
Photo Credit:www.firstdayofhome.com
DIY Christmas Card Holder with Salt Dough Ornaments
Create salt dough ornaments to use for a special DIY Christmas card holder wall hanging. This is such a great idea!
Oh, and if this one has you thinking about that stack of Christmas cards that usually ends up sitting haphazardly on the kitchen table, check out this post with 51 incredible Christmas card display ideas!
Photo Credit:craftsyhacks.com
Painting Salt Dough Ornaments with Kids
This tutorial for salt dough ornaments is a great one to make with kids. It's quick and easy.
Plus, they can use their imagination to decorate them with paint, embellishments, or whatever supplies you have on hand.
Photo Credit:www.twelveonmain.com
Salt Dough Ornaments Used in a Garland
You can also use classic salt dough ornaments in a garland, perfect to drape across a mantel, or on a tree.
This snowflake version is so pretty.
Photo Credit:sparklelivingblog.com
Handmade Woodgrain Tree Ornaments
Give your salt dough ornaments texture by using a rubber stamp. This wood grain stamp looks so pretty on a Christmas tree cut-out.
Photo Credit:craftsbyamanda.com
Salt Dough Recipe used for Mini Houses
Use a classic salt dough recipe to make mini houses. You can definitely add a ribbon for hanging, or a magnet to the back.
But, aren't they just adorable free standing?
Photo Credit:lovelyindeed.com
Modern Salt Dough Ornaments
You can whiten your salt dough ornaments with this simple DIY tutorial.
Photo Credit:www.craftymorning.com
Salt Dough Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornaments
Another great idea for salt dough ornaments is to get the kids involved by adding their fingerprints to the ornaments.
What a great gift idea for grandparents, parents, or teachers!
Photo Credit:www.thebestideasforkids.com
Salt Dough Decorations in a Star Shape
These salt dough ornaments are super easy to make! You can't leave them natural, or paint them after baking.
Photo Credit:afarmgirlskitchen.com
Santa Salt Dough Ornaments
The great thing about salt dough ornaments is they can be painted with acrylic paint and made into all kinds of shapes and designs.
These are SO professional looking, right?!
Photo Credit:pinkmombluemom.com
Rubber Stamped Salt Dough Ornaments
So easy, and such an adorable idea! Stamp your salt dough to create a whole collection of ornaments to "spruce" up any Christmas tree!
Photo Credit:taminglittlemonsters.com
Magnetic Salt Dough Decorations
Salt dough ornaments can be used in more ways than just hanging them on a tree. This blogger added magnets and hung them on the refrigerator! Love it!
Photo Credit:www.thebestideasforkids.com
Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
I try to create handprint ornaments each holiday season with my kids, but we haven't tried salt dough handprints yet...I think this is the year!
Such a precious way to preserve those sweet little paw prints, right?
Photo Credit:@nicoleandtheboyss__/
Santa Handprint Salt Dough Homemade Ornaments
Santa + handprints + salt dough?! Sounds like a Christmas trifecta to me! Aren't these Santa "paws" the most adorable holiday craft?!
Photo Credit:@ magnoliadreaming_
Boho Rainbow No Bake Salt Dough Ornaments
This would be such a great gift for your hip millennial friend or family member. I just love the natural look of this no bake ornament using (our favorite) a "faux" salt dough recipe.
Her air dry clay recipe is listed right on her instagram post, so check it out!
Photo Credit:www.heatherednest.com
Faux Salt Dough Pet Paw Print Handmade Ornaments
Speaking of paw prints, we immortalized our guinea piggies' paw prints using our favorite, simple "salt dough" recipe, which is actually not salt dough at all!
Check out the recipe we shared at the top of this post...this "play clay" is made with baking soda, cornstarch and water. It creates a super white dough.
And these paw print keepsakes turned out beautifully! The kids now love hanging them on our tree each year.
And if you’re on the lookout for other fun Christmas crafts? We’ve got you covered! Check these out, too:
- Easy Christmas Gift Tag Duck Tape Craft
- 81 Best DIY Felt Christmas Ornaments
- Christmas Gift Wrap with Pom Pom decorations
- 75 Easy Christmas Crafts That Bloggers Love.
- Christmas Gift Tags From Vintage Christmas Bulbs
- DIY Melted Crayon Ornaments in 4 Easy Steps!
Pin these DIY ornament ideas for later! Make one? Leave a comment on the pin! That helps others know whether they’d like to try one of these Christmas crafts, too!
PinPssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here to enter your email or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!
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About Heather
A former doctor of physical therapy, Heather Thibodeau went from rehabilitating people to homes as the primary creative force behind the DIY and home decorating website, The Heathered Nest.
With her work being published both in print and online in places such as Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple and more, Heather's goal is to help people create a home they love, one DIY project at a time.
Heather spends her spare time writing about family travel to US national parks at her other website, National Parks Mom. Check it out!
Read Heather's story, and tour her home here.
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As someone deeply immersed in the world of DIY crafts and creative projects, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of making salt dough ornaments. Having explored various crafting techniques, I can vouch for the efficacy of different recipes and preservation methods. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article.
1. Salt Dough Ornament Recipes:
a. Baking Soda-Based Faux Salt Dough Recipe:
- Ingredients: 2 cups ARM & HAMMER baking soda, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 ¼ cups cold water (optional: cinnamon, food coloring, glitter, essential oils).
-
Method: Mix ingredients, heat in a saucepan, stir until mashed potato consistency, cool, and shape.
b. Classic Salt Dough Recipe:
- Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup salt, 3/4 cup water.
- Differences: Classic salt dough yields off-white ornaments, while the baking soda version is pure white.
2. Sealing and Preserving Salt Dough Ornaments:
- Options: a. Spray with clear acrylic spray. b. Cover with a layer of paint. c. Apply a coat of Mod Podge.
3. Baking Salt Dough Ornaments:
- Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature, turn it off, place ornaments on a sheet, and bake for approximately 12 minutes.
- Adjust baking time based on ornament thickness; thicker ornaments may take up to 30 minutes.
4. Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments:
- Incorporate 1-2 tsp of cinnamon into the dough mixture.
5. Preventing Mold and Bugs:
- Both recipes resist mold growth; baking soda is a mold cleaner, and salt acts as a preservative.
- No reported attraction of bugs over years of making DIY salt dough ornaments.
6. No-Bake Salt Dough Ornaments:
- The recommended recipe allows for air-drying instead of baking, taking 12 hours to several days to harden.
7. Making Salt Dough Ornaments Shiny:
- After completion, spray with a satin or gloss acrylic spray for shine and preservation.
8. Painting Salt Dough Ornaments:
- Paint ornaments after baking or air-drying to prevent cracking and fading.
- Painting dried ornaments helps preserve them.
9. Longevity of Salt Dough Ornaments:
- Salt dough ornaments can last for years, even decades.
- Tips: Thicker dough results in sturdier ornaments, and sealing with Mod Podge or clear acrylic spray enhances durability.
10. Tools and Supplies:
- Essential items include flour or baking soda, mixing bowl, water, rolling pin, baking sheet, oven, parchment paper, spoon, cookie cutters, paint/stamps/glitter, toothpick for hanging hole, polyurethane or acrylic spray sealant, twine/Christmas ribbon.
11. DIY Salt Dough Ornament Ideas:
- The article features 23 creative ideas, including gingerbread cookies, garlands, donuts, classic ornaments, and unique designs.
- Various techniques like stamping, painting, and incorporating wood elements are explored.
As someone passionate about crafting, I encourage you to explore these salt dough ornament ideas, creating timeless pieces that can adorn your holiday decorations for years to come. Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions or if you'd like more personalized crafting advice!
