Christmas | DIY Ornaments

Making salt dough Christmas ornaments is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s a simple, budget-friendly craft that kids of all ages can enjoy, and it creates lasting keepsakes to decorate your tree or give as gifts to loved ones. The best part? You probably already have everything you need right in your kitchen! I always keep cheap flour and salt on hand specifically for salt dough and playdough projects.

Ingredients

2 cups of flour (I recommend using cheap, generic flour—no need to waste your good baking flour on something you won’t be eating.)

1 cup of table salt (Make sure it’s fine-grain and not coarse; again, a generic brand works perfectly.)

1 cup of warm water

Tempera or acrylic paint (I prefer acrylic paint for bold, vibrant colors, but tempera paint is ideal for younger kids since it’s easier to clean up.)

This recipe makes about 15 ornaments. If you need more, stick to the 2:1:1 ratio.

Tools Needed

Mixing bowl and spoon

Rolling pin

Parchment paper (for rolling dough, but a floured surface works too)

Cookie cutters

Straw, pen, or skewer (for making a hole big enough to thread ribbon)

Ribbon, string, or pipe cleaners

Paintbrushes

Instructions

Make the Dough: Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s fully combined. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so the salt can absorb excess moisture. If the dough is too sticky after resting, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.

Roll and Shape: Roll out the dough on parchment paper or a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, trees, or gingerbread people. Don’t forget to poke a small hole near the top of each ornament with a straw or skewer for threading ribbon later.

Bake or Air Dry: Place the shapes on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through to ensure even drying. If you have extra time, you can let them air dry for 1-2 days instead.

Decorate: Once completely dry, it’s time to decorate! Acrylic paints are great for vibrant, long-lasting colors, but they can be messy. For younger kids, tempera paints are easier to clean up. You can also add glitter, Mod Podge for a glossy finish, or even leave the ornaments plain for a minimalist look.

Thread and Hang: Thread a piece of ribbon, string, or a pipe cleaner through the hole. (I recommend pipe cleaners for younger kids since they’re easier to thread.) Now your handcrafted ornament is ready to display on the tree or give as a special gift!