SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS

MAKING SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS

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Hometown Moments & Memories

SALT DOUGH CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS ARE THE STUFF OF WHICH CHRISTMAS MEMORIES ARE MADE BECAUSE THEY LET KIDS EXERCISE THEIR CREATIVITY. NOT ONLY DO THEY GET TO PLAY WITH DOUGH, BUT THEY CAN MOLD NEW SHAPES AND PAINT THE DRIED DOUGH ANY WAY THEY LIKE. BEST OF ALL, YOU CAN FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE THESE ORNAMENTS RIGHT AT HOME.

BASIC SALT DOUGH RECIPE

• 1 cup salt • 2 cups flour • 1 cup water • 1 paper drinking straw

Sift the salt and flour together in a large bowl. Add in half the water and mix. Add the rest of the water slowly, a little at a time. Knead the dough like you would for making bread until the dough becomes nice and smooth. Let the kids get their hands dirty, but remind them that this dough isn't the same as cookie dough, it won't harm them but it won't taste good either. You will want to knead the dough for at least 5 minutes, and it can take as long as 10 to get the right consistency.

Making The Ornaments

Sprinkle a little flour on your table and roll out the dough to 1/4 thickness. Use your cookie cutters to cut out fun holiday shapes. Using the drinking straw, put a small hole in the top of the Christmas ornament for hanging. You can use a toothpick or pencil to draw lines into your ornament. Now, pop them into a 325-degree oven for 30 minutes. Turn off oven and let them sit for an additional 30 minuets. You can also let them airdry for several days if you prefer.

Ideas For Decorating

Once your salt dough Christmas ornament is dry, you can decorate it. You can paint it, color it with permanent markers, or use craft glue to add sequins or ribbons. If you want to preserve your Christmas ornament, spray it with a clear sealer. Do this after painting and before gluing on any extra decorations.

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