Ingredients for Salt Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup table salt
- ½ cup warm water
Extras You’ll Need:
- Ink pad (various colors for « lights »)
- Acrylic paint (for the star and tree details)
- Ribbon or string (for hanging)
- Cookie cutters (tree and small star shapes) or cardboard templates
- Thin-tip black Sharpie (to draw « string lights »)
- Mod Podge (to seal the ornaments and add shine)
- Rolling pin
- Straw or pencil (to create hanging holes)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salt Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and warm water.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
- If too sticky: Add flour, 1 teaspoon at a time.
- If too dry: Add warm water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Roll the dough flat (about ÂĽ-inch thickness) using a rolling pin.
2. Cut the Shapes
- Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out trees from the dough.
- For stars, use a tiny cookie cutter or a cardboard stencil to trace and cut.
- Smooth any rough edges with your fingers to avoid jagged edges after baking.
3. Add Fingerprints and Holes
- Have children press their fingerprints into the dough to create the « light bulbs » on the tree.
- Press gently to leave clear indents but not tear the dough.
- Use a straw or pencil to poke a hole at the top of each tree and star for threading ribbon or string later.
4. Bake the Ornaments
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place the ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 3 hours, flipping halfway through to ensure even drying.
5. Cool Completely
- Allow the ornaments to cool for at least 2-3 hours after baking.
- Ensure they’re completely hardened before painting to prevent smudges or cracks.
6. Paint and Decorate
- Use acrylic paint to decorate the tree and star.
- Stars: Paint yellow or gold for a classic topper look.
- Tree: Add green or leave it natural, depending on your preference.
- Have the kids use an ink pad to stamp their fingerprints into the indentations made earlier, mimicking colorful Christmas lights.
7. Draw the Light Strings
- Use a thin-tip black Sharpie to connect the fingerprint « lights » with « string lines. »
- Add extra swirls or loops for a whimsical look!
8. Add Personal Touches
- Write the year, names, or a short message on the back or front of the ornament.
9. Seal and Finish
- Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the entire ornament to seal and add a shiny finish.
- Let it dry completely before adding the ribbon.
10. Thread the Ribbon
- Thread a piece of ribbon or string through the hole at the top and tie a knot to create a hanging loop.
Additional Tips:
- Alternative drying method: Let the ornaments air dry for 2-3 days instead of baking if preferred.
- Storage: Store the finished ornaments in a cool, dry place to prevent cracking or moisture damage.
- Family Fun: Make extra ornaments for family gifts, attaching a small tag with the child’s name and year.
Enjoy this adorable, personalized holiday craft that creates lasting memories! 🎄✨