A Foolproof Guide to Making Salt Dough Ornaments in 2024

Make your very own salt dough ornaments this Christmas season! This is a fun tradition that invites creativity and holiday spirit into your home. It’s perfect for family bonding or crafting on your own. Not only are salt dough ornaments simple to make, but they’re also versatile. You can use these ornaments for gift-giving or simple play. 

Plus, according to the Kidspace Children’s Museum, it has been around for centuries. You can connect with centuries of tradition while you get crafty! Below, you’ll find step-by-step guidance for both traditional baked salt dough ornaments and no-bake versions, along with tips for decorating and customization to ensure your holiday crafts shine.

Jump to Section

• Traditional Salt Dough Ornament Recipe
• How to Make No-Bake Salt Dough Ornaments
• How to Decorate Salt Dough Ornaments for Adults
• Crafting Tips for Salt Dough Ornaments
• Salt Dough Ornament Ideas for All Ages

Traditional Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

Do you put salt dough in the oven? Yes, you can! This traditional salt dough ornament recipe uses the oven and is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Kids will especially enjoy mixing, rolling and creating shapes. 

Older children and adults can elevate their ornaments with detailed designs or subtle imprints. Plus, these ornaments make thoughtful gifts or festive additions to your own décor. Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon

• Rolling pin

• Cookie cutters (holiday shapes work best)

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

• Baking sheet

• Straw or skewer for creating holes

• Twine or ribbon for hanging

Ingredients

• 1 cup of table salt

• 1 + 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 cup of warm water

• 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (optional, for a deeper color and seasonal scent)

Yield: 24 Ornaments

Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours, plus cooling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Salt Dough Recipe

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature ensures that your ornaments dry out slowly, preserving their shape and preventing cracks.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt and warm water. Stir until the salt is fully dissolved. Add the flour gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to form. If you’d like a slightly darker finish, incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon into the mixture.

3. Knead the Dough: When the dough becomes too stiff to mix with the spoon, knead it with clean hands on a lightly floured surface until smooth and pliable. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.

4. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each out to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. A lightly floured surface will prevent sticking. Roll gently to avoid cracks in the dough.

5. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to press festive shapes into the dough. Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. To make hanging holes, insert a straw or skewer at the top of each shape. For a personalized touch, press handprints or create imprints with a small pine branch or other textured item.

6. Bake the Ornaments: Bake in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check periodically, ensuring they’re firm but not overly hard. Larger or thicker ornaments, like handprints, may require additional baking time. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

7. Add the Finishing Touches: Once cooled, thread each ornament with twine, ribbon or recycled string from past gifts. Hang them on your tree or around the home for a heartwarming, homemade touch!

How to Make No-Bake Salt Dough Ornaments

So, is it better to bake or air-dry salt dough? Well, if you’re short on time or prefer not to use the oven, no-bake salt dough ornaments are a charming alternative to baking. The air-drying process takes a few days, making them perfect for crafters who don’t mind the wait. No-bake ornaments are also a safer choice if you’re crafting with young children or want to avoid heating the kitchen.

Gather the following equipment and ingredients for salt dough ornaments, no bake edition. 

Equipment

• Mixing bowl

• Rolling pin

• Cookie cutters

• Straw or skewer

• Parchment paper

• Cookie sheet

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 cup of table salt

• 1 cup of warm water

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making No-Bake Salt Dough Ornaments

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the warm water, mixing continuously until the dough forms. Adjust the consistency by adding a touch more flour or water as needed.

2. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and malleable. It should feel like clay — firm but not overly sticky. This step ensures a solid foundation for your ornaments.

3. Roll Out and Cut Shapes: On a floured surface or parchment paper, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and make holes at the top of each ornament for hanging. If you want to add designs, gently press stamps or textured items onto the dough before it dries.

4. Drying Time: Transfer the ornaments to a parchment-lined cookie sheet and set them in a safe, dry location. This salt dough ornament recipe will need to air dry for 3-4 days. Flip occasionally for even drying. This waiting period is key to achieving ornaments that are fully dry and ready for painting or decorating.

How to Decorate Salt Dough Ornaments for Adults

Once your DIY Christmas decorations are dry, it’s time to unleash your creativity. Salt dough ornaments can be painted, stamped or embellished with various craft supplies. We’ll discuss some ways to personalize your ornaments.

Use vibrant colors to bring holiday shapes to life. For example, metallic paints can add an elegant touch, while pastels give a softer look. You can brush a layer of Mod Podge onto your ornament, then sprinkle with glitter for a frosty, festive finish.

It’s easy to create intricate patterns or write messages with fine-tipped paint markers. Gold and silver markers are especially striking. You may also press holiday stamps onto the surface for a professional, detailed design. Add mini bows or tiny ribbon accents for extra holiday charm.

Tip: What do you seal salt dough ornaments with? Always seal your ornaments with a clear, non-toxic varnish to protect your designs and make them last longer.

Crafting Tips for Salt Dough Ornaments

These Christmas art projects are simple to make when you follow directions and these helpful tips. 

Storing Leftover Dough

Wrap any leftover dough in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Avoid Overbaking

Baking at too high a temperature can lead to cracking, so stick to low heat and allow ample time for drying.

Use Non-Toxic Paints

If children are involved, ensure that all paints and sealants are non-toxic and safe for little hands.

Pet Safety Alert

Keep salt dough ornaments out of reach from pets, as the high salt content can be harmful if ingested.

Salt Dough Ornament Ideas for All Ages

These DIY Christmas ornaments and Christmas crafts are fun for the whole family. Use these ideas to create lovely pieces you’ll adore for ages. 

Family Handprint Keepsakes

Roll out the dough, press a family member’s hand into it and cut around the handprint. This sentimental ornament can become a yearly tradition, recording how hands grow over time.

Mini Snowflakes

Use snowflake cookie cutters for delicate ornaments that can be painted white or silver and dusted with glitter for a winter wonderland effect.

Nature-Inspired Imprints

Collect leaves, pine needles or small flowers and press them into the dough before cutting out shapes. The imprints capture nature’s beauty and create a unique texture.

Personalized Name Tags

Roll out the dough, cut rectangles and use a toothpick to write names or short messages. These make wonderful gift tags or place settings for holiday dinners.

Animal Paw Print Keepsakes

If you have a pet, capture their paw print in the dough to create a special ornament celebrating your furry friend.

The Christmas season is full of opportunities for fun ideas and exciting crafts. From Christmas lunch ideas to exciting craft ideas, there’s plenty of room for creativity and joy. Use this salt dough ornament guide to create lovely decorations and learn a new skill. 

For even more fun Christmas decorating ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!