This simple three-ingredient Salt Dough Recipe is ideal for creating handprint or footprint keepsakes and homemade ornaments. It’s an easy, budget-friendly craft that’s perfect for rainy days or quiet afternoons with the kids.
If you’ve never worked with salt dough before, you’ll find it remarkably forgiving and fun. The ingredients are common pantry staples, and the dough behaves much like playdough so kids of all ages can enjoy shaping, stamping, and personalizing their keepsakes. These projects create memorable tokens you’ll want to save for years.
Why You’ll Love This Salt Dough Ornament Recipe
- Perfect keepsake. Salt dough makes charming handprint and footprint mementos that capture little hands and feet at a moment in time. When sealed properly, these keepsakes can last for decades.
- Quick and easy. With just three ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is simple enough for kids to help with from start to finish.
- Versatile. Salt dough can be rolled, cut, stamped, painted, and decorated — great for ornaments, plaques, gift tags, and seasonal crafts.
Ingredients Needed
Just three everyday ingredients are required:
- Flour — all-purpose flour (do not use self-rising flour).
- Salt — fine table salt works best for a smooth texture.
- Water — warm water helps dissolve the salt and makes the dough easier to knead.
How To Make Salt Dough
Follow these straightforward steps to make and shape your salt dough keepsake:
- In a medium bowl, stir the salt into the warm water until it’s mostly dissolved.
- Add the flour and knead until the mixture reaches a playdough-like consistency. If it’s sticky, knead in a little more flour; if it’s too stiff, add a touch more water.
- Roll the dough to your desired thickness and cut or shape it. Cookie cutters work well for ornaments; a simple plaque shape is great for handprints or footprints.
- Gently press a hand or foot into the dough to create a clear impression. Use a toothpick to write names, dates, or a short message.
- Place shaped pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake on low heat until fully hardened (see bake times below). Let cool completely before painting or sealing.
Salt Dough Ornaments
- Roll the dough evenly and cut shapes with cookie cutters. Make a small hole near the top with a skewer or paper lollipop stick for threading ribbon or twine after baking.
- Bake on a low oven setting until the pieces are completely hard, then cool. Once cool, paint with acrylic paints and add decorations such as glitter, ribbons, or markers.
How To Make Footprint Keepsakes Using Salt Dough
Bake time depends on the size and thickness of your pieces. Larger plaques for footprints typically take around 2 to 2½ hours at low heat; small ornaments will bake faster. Keep an eye on them and test for hardness before removing from the oven.
Tips and Variations
- Flour. Use only all-purpose flour. Self-rising flour will cause the dough to puff and bubble.
- Adjusting texture. Add more flour if the dough is sticky; add a little warm water if it feels too dry or stiff.
- Making holes for ornaments. Use a skewer or thin stick to create holes before baking, then thread ribbon or twine after painting and sealing.
- Even baking. Roll dough to an even thickness so pieces bake uniformly. Allow items to cool completely before painting.
- Sealing. Protect finished pieces by coating with a clear sealer or a layer of Mod Podge to preserve color and durability.
Storing
Properly finished salt dough keepsakes can last for many years. Use acrylic paints, allow full drying, and apply a sealant such as Mod Podge or a clear spray to protect the surface. Store in a dry place away from extreme humidity for the best longevity.
Salt Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- ½ cup warm water
Instructions
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Mix the salt and warm water in a medium bowl until mostly dissolved.
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Add the flour and knead until the dough feels like playdough. Add more flour if sticky.
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Roll the dough into your chosen shape. Use a toothpick to add names or the year.
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Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Press feet, hands, or paws into the dough to create impressions. If the print isn’t clear, re-roll and try again.
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Bake at about 200°F (93°C) for approximately 2½ hours for larger pieces, or until fully hardened. Smaller ornaments will require less time.
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When cool, paint and decorate as desired.
Notes
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