Quick Kids Salt Dough Xmas Ornaments

Getting Started with Your Xmas Ornaments DIY Kids Salt Dough

Before diving into the creative process, gather all your materials to ensure a smooth crafting session. The beauty of making salt dough ornaments with kids is that the ingredients are simple and usually already available at home. Plus, the process is safe and fun for little hands. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
about 1/2 cup water (more or less as needed)
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters in festive shapes (stars, trees, hearts, etc.)
Straw or skewer for making holes
Paints, brushes, and markers for decorating
Clear varnish or sealant (optional, for finishing)
Protective table cover or newspaper to keep the area tidy

Once you’ve gathered everything, find a comfortable workspace where kids can freely express their creativity. Cover the surface to protect it from flour and paint splatters, and set out all your materials within easy reach.

Mixing and Preparing the Salt Dough

The first step in your Xmas ornaments DIY kids salt dough project is preparing the dough itself. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for children to participate actively. Here’s how to do it:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt thoroughly.
Add water gradually, starting with about half of the water, and mix with a spoon or hands until the dough begins to come together.
If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water.
Knead the dough with your hands for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.

The dough should be firm enough to hold shapes but soft enough to work easily. If it cracks or is too stiff, knead in a small amount of water. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, sprinkle with extra flour. This process is a great way to involve kids in the sensory experience and teach them about measurements and consistency.

Rolling Out and Cutting Out Shapes

Now that your salt dough is ready, it’s time for the fun part—shaping! Encourage kids to use their hands or a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Here are some tips to make this step enjoyable and successful:

Lightly dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
Help children roll out the dough evenly, explaining how thicker or thinner areas might affect the drying process.
Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, or ornaments. If you don’t have cookie cutters, children can also use a knife or craft tools to freehand their designs—just supervise closely!
For personalized ornaments, encourage kids to use smaller cookie cutters or to cut out freehand shapes with safe, child-friendly tools.
Remember to cut a small hole at the top of each shape using a straw or skewer, which will be used later for hanging the ornaments.

Tip: If the dough becomes difficult to work with, knead it gently to soften or re-roll scraps to maximize your materials and keep the kids engaged in the process.

Drying and Hardening the Salt Dough Ornaments

Once your shapes are cut out and holes are made, the next step is drying them so they become sturdy enough for decoration and hanging. There are two main methods: air drying and oven drying.

Air Drying Method

Place the ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a clean cloth.
Leave them in a warm, dry area with good air circulation.
Turn the ornaments every few hours to ensure even drying.
Depending on the size and thickness, drying can take 24 to 72 hours. Thinner shapes will dry faster.

Oven Drying Method

Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting (around 200°F or 93°C).
Arrange the ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place in the oven and bake for 2-3 hours, checking periodically to prevent burning.
For larger or thicker shapes, extend the baking time accordingly.

Tip: To speed up drying, you can also use a food dehydrator if available. Whichever method you choose, ensure the ornaments are completely dry and hard before proceeding to decorate, as damp ornaments can become warped or break when painted.

Decorating Your Xmas Ornaments DIY Kids Salt Dough

This is the most creative and festive part of the project! Kids can personalize their salt dough ornaments with paints, markers, glitter, and other craft supplies. Here are some ideas and tips to inspire their holiday masterpieces:

Paint the ornaments with vibrant colors—traditional red, green, gold, and silver work beautifully for Xmas themes.
Use markers to add fine details, such as faces on gingerbread men or intricate patterns on stars and trees.
Apply glitter or metallic accents for extra sparkle—just use a glue or mod podge to adhere glitter securely.
Write holiday messages or the year on the ornaments to make them keepsakes.
Add small embellishments like tiny pom-poms, sequins, or stickers for extra fun.

Allow the decorated ornaments to dry completely before handling or hanging. If you want a glossy finish, spray a light coat of clear varnish or sealant once the paint is dry. This also helps protect the designs from chipping or fading.

Adding the Final Touches and Hanging Your Ornaments

After decorating and sealing, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will turn these salt dough creations into holiday decorations. Thread a piece of ribbon, twine, or thin yarn through the holes you made earlier. Tie a knot or bow for a polished look, and your ornaments are ready for the Christmas tree or to be gifted as handmade presents!

For extra durability, consider sealing the back of the ornaments as well, especially if they will be handled frequently or exposed to moisture. Store finished ornaments in a box with tissue paper or bubble wrap to keep them safe for future holiday seasons.

Creative Variations and Personalization Ideas

Making Xmas ornaments DIY kids salt dough is a versatile craft that can be customized endlessly. Here are some ideas to make your ornaments unique and memorable:

Incorporate family photos or small keepsakes into the design by embedding them into the dough before drying.
Create themed sets, such as all snowmen, reindeer, or nativity scene figures.
Make personalized ornaments with each child’s name or a special message for a heartfelt gift.
Use natural elements like cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or pinecones glued onto the ornaments for a rustic look.
Experiment with different shapes and sizes—tiny miniatures or large statement pieces for the mantel.

Encourage kids to think outside the box and combine their favorite holiday motifs with their personal interests. This process not only results in unique ornaments but also creates lasting memories of their creative holiday season.

Cleaning Up and Preservation Tips

Once your crafting session is complete, cleaning up quickly helps maintain your work area and keeps your supplies ready for next time. Wash brushes, paint palettes, and any reusable tools with warm soapy water. Store leftover salt dough in an airtight container or zip-top bag for future use, as it can often be re-kneaded and reused if kept sealed and dry.

To preserve your finished ornaments, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade. If you wish to keep them for years to come, consider storing them in a padded box or wrapping each ornament in tissue paper for added protection.

Safety Tips for Kids During the Crafting Process

While salt dough crafts are generally safe and simple, always supervise children during the process to ensure safety, especially when using tools or small items. Remind kids not to put dough or small decorations in their mouths, and handle any sharp tools with care. Use non-toxic paints and sealants designed for crafts with children, and work in a well-ventilated area when applying glues or varnishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Salt Dough Xmas Ornaments

Creating festive xmas ornaments diy kids salt dough is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps to craft your own holiday decorations:

Prepare the salt dough: Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water in a large bowl until a dough forms. Knead until smooth and pliable.
Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a rolling pin for even thickness.
Cut out shapes: Use cookie cutters or freehand cut shapes with a knife to create holiday motifs like stars, trees, or ornaments.
Create hanging holes: Before baking, punch a small hole near the top of each shape with a straw or skewer for threading ribbon later.
Bake the ornaments: Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours or until hardened. Allow to cool completely before decorating.

Once cooled, kids can personalize their ornaments with paints, markers, or added decorations. This process encourages creativity and makes each piece uniquely special.

Conclusion

Creating salt dough Christmas ornaments is a fun and easy activity that allows kids to express their creativity while making meaningful holiday decorations. These handcrafted ornaments not only add a personal touch to your festive decor but also serve as cherished keepsakes for years to come.