I love a Christmas tree with a whole lot of character, covered with homemade decorations. This weekend we decided to put up the tree! A day before, we set it up to "air out" and decide that it would be a great time to create some tree decor of our own. A week or so prior I looked up some ideas for making ornaments that will last a long time. I discovered...rather re-discovered these salt dough ornaments that I believe I made once in elementary school. They are very easy to make.
What you will need:
2 Cups of flour
1 Cup of salt
1 Cup of water
Cookie cutters
Rolling pin
Straw or toothpick (straw preferred)
Acrylic paint
Ribbon/yarn/string
Mod Podge (optional but preferred)
Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the water and kneed the dough until smooth, with the consistency slightly more firm than play dough.
Form dough into a ball and with a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a floured surface. I just sprinkle the counter and roll out the dough on that.
Using the cookie cutters, cut out your shapes and transfer them to a cookie sheet.
With your straw or toothpick create a hole at the top of your ornament which you will string threw your yard or ribbon. The straw make a perfect size, so if you use a toothpick circle it around to create a larger hole.
Set your oven to 200 degrees fahrenheit and set it in the over to bake. A lot of recipes told me 1 hour but mine ended up needing 2.
Let your ornaments cool completely. If you prefer you can add a thin coat of white paint, mixed with a touch of water to thin it out, as a "primer." I only apply this to the front of the ornament. If you decide to do this, let the white paint dry and then proceed to have fun decorating!
Let your creations dry and then add a coat of Mod Podge, I used the Satin finish and once everything has dried (shouldn't take more than 20 minutes). I prefer to use decorative ribbon because it really stands out on the tree.
These also make a wonderful gifts for grandma and grandpa!
