Indoors · Arts & crafts

Salt dough Christmas decorations

Make, bake and paint salt dough ornaments for the tree, or as gifts for grandparents.

  • Ages 3–12best for 4–10
  • Half dayabout 30 mins of prep
  • Prepare days aheadplan below
  • Under $20about $8
  • At home (inside)any weather
  • Some helpmedium mess

Plan it

Good planning makes a good day. Tick things off as you go.

1Days before

2On the day

0 of 2 done ·

You'll need

From home

  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • about ¾ cup water
  • cookie cutters
  • a straw
  • rolling pin
  • baking tray

To buy

  • Acrylic paints
  • brushes
  • ribbon
  • clear varnish or Mod Podge
🪄 Wizard's tip

Bake in the morning and paint after lunch. Wet salt dough can't be painted, so the gap is built into the plan.

How to do it

  1. Mix flour and salt, then add water a little at a time until it forms a dough.
  2. Roll to about 5mm thick and cut shapes.
  3. Poke a hole near the top with a straw for the ribbon.
  4. Bake at 100°C for 2–3 hours until hard, then cool.
  5. Paint, let dry, seal, and thread with ribbon.

Younger kids: Press handprints or use big cookie cutters; an adult handles the oven.

Older kids: Sculpt 3D shapes, paint fine details and seal them with clear varnish to keep for years.

⚠ Safety Adults handle the oven and trays. Salt dough is not for eating (and is harmful to dogs if they eat it).

Builds CreativityFine motor skillsFocus & patience

Clean-up 15 minutes.

Make it a bigger day Wrap them with potato-stamp wrapping paper.

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Salt dough Christmas decorations