Salt dough ornaments are one of the cheapest and most effective keepsakes you can make. Three ingredients, one oven, and tiny hands.
Recipe
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup table salt
- Half cup warm water
Mix the flour and salt, add water gradually until a smooth dough forms. If it's sticky, add more flour. If it's crumbly, add a splash more water.
Method
- Roll the dough to about 1cm thickness on a floured surface
- Press the child's hand firmly into the dough
- Cut around the handprint with a knife or cookie cutter, leaving a border
- Use a straw to poke a hanging hole near the top
- Bake at 120°C for 2–3 hours until completely hard (or air dry for 48 hours)
- Once cool, paint and seal with clear varnish if desired
Tips for Success
- Roll on baking parchment to avoid sticking and for easy transfer to the oven
- Press each finger individually after the palm to ensure clear prints
- Write the date on the back before baking (use a cocktail stick to scratch it in)
- Seal with PVA glue or clear varnish to prevent crumbling
Finishing Ideas
- Paint the hand white and the background a colour for contrast
- Add glitter while varnish is wet for a Christmas version
- Write name and age in permanent marker on the back