How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments Step by Step – Easy

So, you’re dreaming of creating something magical this Christmas, but life is already chaotic with your toddler going crazy over the decorations and flour somehow ending up in your shoes? (Don’t ask me how I know this.)

Enter salt dough ornaments: the easiest, cheapest, and most toddler-proof craft you’ll ever do.

Trust me, this is the DIY you didn’t know you needed. It’s messy in the best way, keeps your little one entertained (hallelujah), and leaves you with gorgeous keepsakes to hang on the tree or gift to family. Let’s dive into the fun before your toddler decides to eat the evergreen needles or however you call them.

What Is Salt Dough, and Why’s Everyone Obsessed with It?

Salt dough is the magical unicorn of crafting:

• 3 ingredients. That’s it—flour, salt, and water. If you’re fancy, you can throw in some cinnamon for a festive smell. I did and even after one month it still smells great.
• Endless possibilities. Ornaments, keepsakes, handprints, little oops-my-bad-shaped blobs—it’s all fair game.
• Kids love it. Your toddler gets to squish, roll, and create, while you pretend this is a bonding activity and not just a way to keep them busy for an hour.

It’s like Play-Doh… but better because it turns into real decorations.

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Here’s What You’ll Need

You probably already have most of this lying around:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt (yes, that much)
• ¾ cup water (start with less; we’ll adjust as we go I didn’t need all the water)
• Optional: cinnamon for a cozy smell

Tools:

• Rolling pin (or a glass bottle)
• Cookie cutters (stars, hearts, random toddler toys—they all work)
• Straw (to poke a hole for hanging)
• Baking sheet + parchment paper
• Acrylic paint, markers, or glitter for decorating
• Sealant or Mod Podge to preserve your masterpiece

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Step-by-Step Guide: Making Salt Dough Ornaments

1. Mix the Dough

• Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Stir like you’re a contestant on The Great British Bake Off.
• Slowly add water while mixing until the dough forms. Not too sticky, not too dry—it should feel like play-doh.
• Add a dash of cinnamon if you’re feeling festive. Now it smells like Christmas magic. I went a bit overboard with the cinnamon.

2. Roll It Out

• Grab a clean surface (or wipe the yogurt off the table first). Sprinkle with flour.
• Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick. Your toddler will absolutely roll it thinner—embrace the chaos.

3. Cut Shapes or Make Handprints

• Use cookie cutters or let your little Picasso create freehand shapes. Handprints? Adorable. Random dinosaur-shaped blobs? Even better. Yes my baby made that car so cute. <3
• Don’t forget to poke a hole at the top with a straw for hanging (Like me)! Otherwise, these ornaments will be decorative paperweights. Just move it around a bit if the dough doesn’t come out.
• I used the Pizza Cutter to cut around the handprints.

4. Bake (or No-Bake Option)

• Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C). Pop your creations onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours. (Or fast option 1 hour 180°C) Check in often so they don’t get burned. Flip them halfway to avoid weird lumps. I forgot lol.
• No-Bake: If you’re blessed with patience, air-dry them on a rack for 2-3 days.

BTW this is how I stored the leftover salt dough: With plastic wrap and in an airtight container. It was still good 3 weeks later.

5. Decorate Like a Pro

Here’s where it gets fun:

• Paint them with acrylics. I wouldn’t call them toddler safe. So if you let your toddler “help” try watercolor it won’t turn out that well thought.
• Add glitter if you have courage. Lots of glitter. Glitter makes everything better (except your carpet).
• Try stamping names or dates for a personal touch.

6. Preserve Your Keepsakes

Once dry, brush on Mod Podge or spray sealant to protect them from toddler drool (and time). Now they’ll last forever—or at least until next Christmas. Here are some tips to store the keepsakes.

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Creative Ideas for Salt Dough Ornaments

Feeling inspired? Try these:

• Handprint or Footprint Ornaments: Perfect for toddlers. Years from now, you’ll cry over how tiny their hands were.
• Animal Shapes: Let them make their favorite animals. (Or what they think is an elephant…)
• Festive Glitter Bombs: Mix glitter directly into the dough for sparkly ornaments.

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FAQs About Salt Dough Ornaments

Q: How long do these last?
If sealed properly, salt dough ornaments can last years. Seriously, I’ve got one from my childhood—though it’s slightly squished from bad storage.

Q: Can I add food coloring?
Absolutely. Mix it into the dough or paint them after.

Q: Are they safe for kids?
Yes, but… maybe don’t let your toddler eat them. Mine tried to eat the dough. It’s basically extremly salty bread, and no one wants to call poison control over Christmas crafts.