Quick answer
Mix 1 cup salt, 2 cups flour, and 1 cup water. Shape ornaments, bake at 250°F for 2 hours, then paint and seal.
Key takeaways
- Mix 1 cup salt, 2 cups flour, and 1 cup water. Shape ornaments, bake at 250°F for 2 hours, then paint and seal.
- Stir 1 cup table salt into 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
- Bake at 250°F for 2 hours on a parchment-lined sheet.
- Cool ornaments fully before painting with acrylics.
Salt Dough Recipe
Stir 1 cup table salt into 2 cups all-purpose flour. Add 1 cup water gradually until a firm dough forms. Knead 5 minutes until smooth. If sticky, add flour by the tablespoon. If crumbly, add water by the teaspoon.
Shaping and Cutting
Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Poke a hole near the top with a straw for hanging. Press handprints or stamps before baking if you want texture.
Baking and Drying
Bake at 250°F for 2 hours on a parchment-lined sheet. Flip pieces halfway for even drying. Thick shapes may need extra time. They are done when hard and pale, not soft in the center. Air-dry thick pieces for 24 hours after baking if needed.
Paint and Seal
Cool ornaments fully before painting with acrylics. Seal with clear acrylic spray or mod podge to block moisture. Unsealed salt dough softens in humid air. Store in a dry box between seasons.
Step-by-Step
- Make the dough
Mix 1 cup salt, 2 cups flour, and 1 cup water. Knead until smooth and pliable.
- Shape ornaments
Roll, cut, and poke hanging holes. Keep thickness even so pieces dry at the same rate.
- Bake low and slow
Bake at 250°F for 2 hours. Flip once. Add time if the center still feels soft.
- Cool completely
Let ornaments cool on a rack for several hours. Warm dough can crack when painted.
- Decorate and seal
Paint, let dry, then spray or brush on sealant. Thread ribbon through the hole to hang.