{motherhood} Salt Dough Crafts

My mom used to make salt dough ornaments with my sisters and me when we were little. We would roll the dough out and use angel, tree, and star shaped cookie cutters to create shapes. Then after they had baked and cooled, we would paint them. As much fun as it was, I remember thinking it was certainly a pity that we didn't just make sugar cookies instead since then we could actually eat the finished product instead of just hanging it on the tree! ;)

Now that my son's a toddler I thought it would be fun to make handprint ornaments for the grandmothers. I kept it really, really simple - no paint, no cookie cutters. Just dough, ribbon, and a cubby little handprint. 

Since I had some dough leftover, once he went down for his nap, I had some fun of my own and created little gift tags for each of my family members, personalized with their first initial. 

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{Salt Dough}

2 c. flour

1/2 c. salt

1 c. warm water

Mix flour and salt. Slow add water, stirring constantly. Once dough is too thick to stir, finish by kneading until soft and smooth, about 5 minutes. (The longer the better.) Roll out onto a floured surface. 

To make handprint ornament: 

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Use a glass or cookie cutter to create a circle. Have your child press their hand into the circle. (Try to keep them from curling their fingers into the dough.) Use a straw to poke a hole at the top for the ribbon. Use a toothpick to personalize and date. 

Bake on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for about 2 hours or until hardened. Cool completely for several hours or overnight. 

String a ribbon through hole and tie. 

To make personalized gift tags.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Use a shot glass or small cookie cutter to create circles. Use a toothpick to create the recipient's first initial. Use a toothpick to make a hold at the top for the string.

Bake on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for 2 hours or until hardened. Cool completely for several hours or overnight.

Use a small sponge to lightly paint. Use a hot glue gun to add an embellishments such as ribbon, sequins, holly, or pine.

Tie a thin string through the hole.

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{Merry Christmas!}