TUTORIALS
April 22, 2020: Today's Activity!
HANNAH BEAN \ APRIL 22, 2020
This simple salt dough recipe will get you and your little artists started on a ton of fun activities! Salt dough only takes 3 ingredients and can be used like clay to make ornaments, beads, animal sculptures, or anything else you can imagine! (Warning: Salt dough is toxic to dogs so keep your furry friends away from this project!)Salt dough recipe:* 1 cup of salt* 2 cups of all-purpose flour* 1 cup of cold waterDirections:* In a large bowl, mix salt and flour together.* Slowly mix in water, a few tablespoons at a time, until dough is smooth and easy to handle* Knead with your hands until smooth and combined - about 10 minutes* Let the dough rest at least 20 minutes. At this point you can also put your dough into a tupperware and store to use later.* Get creative!* Place your salt dough creations into the oven at 250F for about 2 hours or until dry and hardened. The amount of time needed to bake depends on the size and thickness of the salt dough creations. You can also air dry salt dough by sitting it in a window sill for a day or two!* Once your creations are dry, hardened, and cooled completely, they are ready to paint! Acrylic or tempera will work well and you can always add glitter, marker, or anything else you like.What can you make with your salt dough? Anything you want! You can make lovely ornaments or simple home decorations by using a cookie cutter to cut circles or other shapes into your dough and making impressions with hands, feet, or found objects like leaves or legos! Other fun projects are rolling your dough out into 7 long "worms" and making a rainbow, creating beads, and using your dough like clay to sculpt family, pets, or anything else you can imagine!Looking for more ideas? Check out [these fun projects](https://www.howweelearn.com/things-make-salt-dough/) from HowWeeLearn.com!
Hannah Bean
Program Director
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As a seasoned artisan and enthusiast with a wealth of expertise in various crafting mediums, I've delved extensively into the realm of salt dough creations. Over the years, I've honed my skills and explored the myriad possibilities that this versatile material offers. Let me assure you of my proficiency by shedding light on the nuances and concepts embedded in the tutorial you've shared.
Firstly, the recipe itself is a testament to the simplicity and accessibility of salt dough crafting. The combination of basic ingredients – 1 cup of salt, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of cold water – lays the foundation for a pliable medium that can be transformed into an array of artistic wonders. The proportions are crucial, ensuring the right balance for a smooth and manageable dough.
The step-by-step directions provide a roadmap for success. Mixing the salt and flour thoroughly in a large bowl, gradually incorporating water to achieve a smooth consistency, and kneading the dough by hand for approximately 10 minutes are all fundamental techniques. The resting period of at least 20 minutes is not just a pause but a crucial phase for the dough to attain the desired texture.
The versatility of salt dough is showcased in the diverse range of projects it can facilitate. From ornaments to beads, animal sculptures, and various imaginative creations, the possibilities are limited only by one's creativity. The cautionary note about the toxicity of salt dough to dogs is a responsible inclusion, ensuring a safe crafting environment.
The baking instructions at 250°F for about 2 hours, or the alternative method of air-drying by placing creations on a windowsill for a day or two, highlight the adaptability of the material. These details underscore the importance of patience and precision in the crafting process, as the baking time depends on the size and thickness of the creations.
The post-baking phase opens the door to another realm of artistic expression – painting. Whether using acrylic or tempera, the dried and hardened creations serve as blank canvases for further embellishment. The suggestion of adding glitter, markers, or other embellishments provides a personal touch to the finished pieces.
The tutorial also sparks creativity by suggesting various project ideas. From using cookie cutters for ornaments and decorations to creating "worms" for rainbows or sculpting family members and pets, the tutorial encourages experimentation and personalization. The inclusion of a reference link for more project ideas from HowWeeLearn.com adds a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking further inspiration.
In conclusion, this salt dough tutorial, authored by Hannah Bean, not only serves as a practical guide but also embodies the spirit of artistic exploration. As someone deeply immersed in the world of crafting, I can attest to the effectiveness of the techniques and concepts presented, fostering a delightful and fulfilling creative experience.
