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Making Salt Dough Decorations With the Kids is Easy and Fun

salt dough decorations with kids

If you are a Mum to young kids you are probably like me: always on the lookout for fun (and cheap!) activities to do at home with the little ones.

I’ve tried all sorts over the years. Sometimes I strike gold and sometimes I don’t, but I’ve found that making salt dough decorations is an absolute winner. It’s a brilliant way to keep the kids entertained, unleash their creativity, and create something together.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard.

If you’ve never tried it before I am about to convert you, so let’s get stuck in.

What is Salt Dough?

Salt dough is a simple mixture of flour, salt, and water that can be moulded into various shapes and then dried or baked to create long-lasting decorations. It’s been a favourite craft material for generations, and for good reason. The dough is easy to make, safe for children to handle, and versatile enough to create a wide range of projects.

There are several reasons why salt dough is such a fantastic craft material:

  1. Affordable: The ingredients are inexpensive and readily available in most kitchens.
  2. Non-toxic: While not edible, salt dough is safe for children to handle.
  3. Versatile: You can create anything from simple ornaments to intricate sculptures.
  4. Long-lasting: When properly dried and stored, salt dough creations can last for years.
  5. Customisable: The dough can be coloured, painted, or decorated in countless ways.

Salt dough crafting has been around for centuries. In ancient Egypt, salt dough was used to create small figurines for religious purposes. In medieval Europe, bakers would create elaborate bread sculptures for special occasions using a similar dough. The modern revival of salt dough as a craft material began in the 1930s, gaining popularity as an affordable way to create decorations during the Great Depression.

So there you go, it’s timeless too.

The Perfect Salt Dough Recipe

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of creating your salt dough. The recipe is straightforward, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure you get the best results.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 1 cup table salt
  • 3/4 to 1 cup lukewarm water

And here’s how to make it:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Gradually add the water, stirring as you go.
  3. Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead it into a smooth dough.
  4. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.

It really is that simple! Once it’s done, you can start to make things with it.

Top Tips

To ensure your salt dough turns out just right, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Use table salt: Fine table salt blends better than coarse salt, resulting in a smoother dough.
  2. Knead thoroughly: The more you knead, the smoother and more pliable your dough will be.
  3. Adjust consistency: The perfect dough should be smooth and not stick to your hands.
  4. Store properly: If not using immediately, wrap the dough in cling film and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Shaping and Moulding

Shaping and moulding salt dough

Once you’ve made your dough, it’s time for the fun part – shaping and moulding. This is where your children’s imaginations can really run wild.

Rolling and Cutting

For flat decorations like ornaments or gift tags:

  1. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  2. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out shapes.
  3. Remember to make a small hole for hanging if needed, on a Christmas tree for instance.

Hand-Moulding

For 3D creations:

  1. Take a small amount of dough and shape it with your hands.
  2. You can create anything from simple balls and coils to more complex shapes.
  3. Join pieces together by scoring the surfaces and using a little water as ‘glue’.

Adding Texture and Detail

To make your creations more interesting:

  1. Use various tools to add texture – forks, lace, leaves, or even your child’s toy cars can create interesting patterns.
  2. Press small objects like buttons or beads into the dough for added detail.
  3. Use a toothpick or skewer to draw fine lines or write messages.

Drying and Baking Your Creations

Once you’ve shaped your salt dough, it’s time to dry it out. There are two main methods: air drying and oven baking.

Air Drying Method

  1. Place your creations on a wire rack or baking sheet.
  2. Leave in a warm, dry place for 2-3 days, turning occasionally.
  3. Thicker pieces may take up to a week to dry completely.

Oven Baking Method

  1. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 100°C).
  2. Place your salt dough creations on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the dough is completely hard.
  4. Allow to cool completely before decorating.

Top Tips

  • For even drying, make sure your creations are of uniform thickness.
  • If air drying, avoid humid areas to prevent mould growth.
  • When oven drying, check regularly to prevent over-baking and browning.

Decorating Your Salt Dough Creations

Decorating Salt Dough

Once your salt dough creations are completely dry and cool, it’s time for the last part – decorating. This is where your children can really let their creativity shine.

Painting

Acrylic paints work best on salt dough. Here are some tips:

  1. Apply a base coat of white paint first for brighter colours.
  2. Use small brushes for detailed work.
  3. Allow each colour to dry before adding another to prevent smudging.

Adding Sparkle

Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? Try these ideas:

  1. Mix glitter into paint for a shimmery effect.
  2. Apply glue and sprinkle with glitter.
  3. Use metallic paints for a subtle shine.

Other Decorating Ideas

The possibilities are endless, but here are a few more ideas:

  1. Use permanent markers for fine details or writing.
  2. Stick on sequins, beads, or small craft gems.
  3. Add ribbon or string for hanging ornaments.

Preserving and Sealing

To ensure your salt dough creations last for years to come, it’s important to seal them properly.

There are a few different methods:

  1. Varnish: Apply a clear varnish for a glossy finish and excellent protection.
  2. Mod Podge: This craft staple works well and comes in various finishes.
  3. Clear nail polish: For small areas or touch-ups.

Storage Tips

  1. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  2. Wrap delicate items in tissue paper before storing.
  3. Use airtight containers to protect from humidity.

Salt Dough Project Ideas for Kids

Salt Dough decoration ideas

Now that you know the basics, let’s explore some exciting projects you can do with your children.

Seasonal Decorations

  1. Christmas ornaments: Cut out festive shapes and paint in traditional colours.
  2. Easter eggs: Shape small eggs and decorate with pastel colours.
  3. Halloween pumpkins: Create mini pumpkins and paint orange with spooky faces.

Keepsakes and Gifts

  1. Handprint or footprint plaques: A lovely way to preserve your child’s growth.
  2. Personalised gift tags: Cut into tag shapes and write names or messages.
  3. Photo frames: Mould a simple frame and decorate to match the photo.

Educational Projects

  1. Alphabet letters: Shape letters for spelling practice.
  2. Number shapes: Create numbers for counting games.
  3. Map of the UK: Mould a relief map and paint different regions.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems

Even with such a simple craft, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.

Cracking

If your dried creations are cracking:

  1. Your dough may have been too dry – add a bit more water next time.
  2. Try drying more slowly, especially if oven baking.

Mould Growth

To prevent mould:

  1. Ensure your creations are completely dry before storing.
  2. Store in a dry place or use a dehumidifier.
  3. Consider adding a few drops of essential oil to the dough as a natural preservative.

Puffing or Bubbling

If your creations puff up during baking:

  1. Your oven temperature may be too high – try lowering it.
  2. Make sure your dough is evenly thick throughout.

Make Your Salt Dough More Interesting

While the basic recipe is great, there are ways to change it up for different effects or sensory experiences.

Coloured Dough

Add food colouring or powdered paint to the dough for colourful creations:

  1. Mix the colour into the water before adding to the dry ingredients.
  2. Knead well to distribute the colour evenly.

Scented Dough

Create a sensory experience by adding scents:

  1. Use essential oils for natural fragrances.
  2. Add spices like cinnamon or ginger for a festive smell.

Textured Dough

For an interesting tactile experience:

  1. Add sand for a gritty texture.
  2. Mix in dried herbs or flower petals for a natural look.

Great Fun for Kids

Mum and kids fun baking

Making salt dough decorations with your children is really rewarding actually. I found that it also taught mine patience. The various different stages require going away and coming back to do the next bit, so they learned about processes. The added benefit to that is it knits the day together quite nicely – excellent on rainy days or when the school is closed because of snow!

From the squishing and rolling of the dough to the proud display of the finished creations, every step is an opportunity for learning, creativity, and bonding.

So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the wonderful world of salt dough crafting. Who knows? You might just create something that ends up on your mantelpiece.