Salt dough crafts: Fun and easy DIY decorations for all ages
Salt dough is an ideal material for those who wish to develop their creativity. Its simple composition and wide range of applications. make it an excellent choice for all artistic activities. Let's explain how to make salt dough.
In the world of crafts, salt dough holds a special place. Once mainly used in preschools, it is now also appreciated by adult DIY enthusiasts. Thanks to its simple preparation, salt dough is an indispensable tool for creating handmade decorations and gifts. Preparing salt dough is easy and does not require specialized skills. It's a perfect way for children to have fun, as they can joyfully create their own decorations and figurines.
How to make salt dough? Recipe
The recipe for salt dough is straightforward. To make it, you need flour, salt, and water. Mix one cup of salt, two cups of wheat flour, and about three-quarters of a cup of water. These proportions help achieve a dough with optimal consistency, perfect for further work.
An important element is the proper combination of ingredients. Mix the dry salt and flour in a large bowl, then gradually add water, aiming to achieve a pliable dough. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if too hard, add a little water. Spend some time properly kneading the dough to enjoy excellent results later.
When the salt dough is ready, it's time to experiment and make holiday decorations from it. Start by rolling out the dough on a flat surface. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness, making shaping easier.
To cut out shapes, use cookie cutters or a knife to create your patterns. There are no limits here — hearts, stars, or Christmas trees are just the beginning. Keep the cut forms relatively even and not too thin to prevent them from cracking during drying.
Forming decorations from salt dough is perfect for young artists to showcase their skills. You can enhance the shapes using toothpicks, markers, or even forks to add extra details. Prepare holes for hangers if you plan to hang your creations on the Christmas tree.
When the decorations are ready, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then dry them in the oven at about 140-160°F for about an hour. It's important to monitor the temperature to avoid cracks on the surface of the decorations.
How to decorate salt dough decorations?
Once the salt dough decorations are dry, it's time to decorate them. This is the moment when everyone can unleash their imagination. Poster paints work best for painting the dried decorations. You can also use household materials like grains of rice, pasta, or even dried herbs and spices to create a unique texture.
Salt dough opens up endless possibilities for creating holiday decorations. If you're looking for inspiration, consider making small gifts for loved ones in the form of personalized hangers, which can be decorated with the name of the person receiving them.
Creating holiday decorations from salt dough is not only great fun but also an excellent way to showcase creativity and craftsmanship. Regardless of age, this process engages imagination and manual skills, allowing the creation of personal decorations that will be an integral part of the festive atmosphere.
