Christmas is a special time of year, and there’s no better way to make it even more special than by creating your own Christmas tree decorations. The versatility of salt dough makes it a perfect material for making homemade ornaments. It’s also affordable and easy to make, so even those with limited crafting experience can create unique and beautiful ornaments for the tree and to give as gifts.
To make salt dough, you’ll need a few simple ingredients including flour, salt, and water. Simply mix the ingredients together until a dough is formed and then you’re ready to start creating. The beauty of salt dough is that you can mold it into any shape you like, from traditional Christmas shapes like stars and bells to shapes that represent your personal interests and hobbies. The possibilities are endless!
In addition to its versatility, making salt dough ornaments is also a great activity to do with the kids. It provides a fun opportunity for them to get involved in the kitchen and unleash their creativity. The process is simple and straightforward, and the end result can be used as a base for additional craft projects like painting or decoupage.
When you’re ready to start creating your salt dough ornaments, be sure to preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out your salt dough to the desired thickness and then use cookie cutters, a knife, or your hands to shape the dough into your desired form. You can also use a toothpick to make small holes for hanging the ornaments on the tree. Place the ornaments on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the ornaments are dry and hard.
Once the ornaments have cooled, they can be decorated however you like. You can paint them with acrylic paints or cover them with decoupage glue and glitter. You can also add ribbon or twine for hanging. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with your salt dough ornaments!
In conclusion, making your own Christmas tree ornaments from salt dough is a fun, easy, and affordable way to add a special touch to your holiday season. Whether you’re creating ornaments with the kids or simply looking for a new crafting project, salt dough is a great material to work with. So why not gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get started on making your own special salt dough Christmas ornaments today!
Check out this Salt dough recipe on our sister site Craftbits.com
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Salt Dough Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 cup warm water
Instructions:
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add Water: Gradually add the warm water to the flour and salt mixture. Stir continuously to form a dough. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly until the dough comes together and is smooth.
Knead the Dough: Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a clean, floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a little more water.
Shape Your Crafts: Roll out the dough to your desired thickness (typically around 1/4 inch). Use cookie cutters, molds, or shape it by hand to create your crafts. Be creative!
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Bake: Place your salt dough crafts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 2-3 hours. The exact baking time depends on the thickness of your crafts. Check them occasionally; they should become hard and dry but not browned.
Cool: Once your crafts are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Painting Salt Dough:
Prepare Your Supplies: Gather your painting supplies, including acrylic paints, brushes, and a palette.
Prime the Surface: If you want to give your salt dough crafts a smoother surface, you can lightly sand them with fine-grit sandpaper. This step is optional but can help create a better painting surface.
Paint: Start by applying a base coat of acrylic paint to your salt dough crafts. Allow it to dry completely before adding additional colors or details.
Decorate: Get creative with your painting! Add details, patterns, or any designs you like. Acrylic paint works well on salt dough and provides vibrant colors.
Dry: Let the paint dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Protecting Salt Dough Crafts from Bugs:
To protect your salt dough crafts from bugs and ensure their durability, follow these steps:
Seal with Varnish: Once your salt dough crafts are completely dry and painted, seal them with a clear acrylic varnish or sealant. This will create a protective barrier that helps prevent bugs from getting to the dough.
Apply Multiple Coats: Depending on your preference and the level of protection you desire, you can apply multiple coats of varnish, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.
Inspect and Reapply: Periodically inspect your salt dough crafts for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any areas where the varnish has worn off or if you see bugs attempting to invade, simply reapply the varnish to those spots.
Storage: When not in use, store your salt dough crafts in airtight containers or plastic bags to further protect them from insects and dust.
By following these steps, you can create durable salt dough crafts, paint them to your liking, and ensure they remain in good condition for years to come
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