Christmas is a festive time of year and children love to take part in activities to celebrate this event. Salt dough decorations are easy to make, make a great thrifty gift idea and look lovely on your Christmas tree. This activity is suitable all year round, you can get very creative with what you decide to make. Here are some simple instructions to facilitate this fun learning experience at home.
Salt Dough Recipe
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3/4-1 cup water
Initial cookie cutters
Paint and/or glitter
Twine, wool or ribbon for hanging
1. Make your dough by mixing your flour, salt and water. If your dough is too dry, add a bit more water, if it’s too wet, just add more flour . . . salt dough is very forgiving; it’s hard to mess it up.
2. Roll out your dough and use your cookie cutters to make desired shapes. Another idea is to cut a large circle and have your child press their handprint into the dough. Once completed place these on a cooking tray lined with baking paper.
3. Use the end of a skewer to poke a hole at the top of each cutout for hanging. Bake at 250 degrees for 2 hours. Let cool.
4. Decorate your ornaments with glitter, craft paint, or anything else your heart desires.
5. To preserve paint with clear acrylic paint (this step is optional).
6. Thread twine, wool or ribbon for hanging.
