Unleash creativity with homemade salt dough decorations
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. Here, we explain how to make salt dough.
In the world of handicrafts, salt dough holds a special place. Once mainly used in preschools, today it is also appreciated by adult DIY enthusiasts. Thanks to its simplicity of preparation, salt dough is an indispensable tool for creating handmade decorations and gifts. Preparing salt dough is easy and does not require specialised 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 very simple. 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 in achieving 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. It's worth spending some time properly kneading the dough to later enjoy excellent results.
When the salt dough is ready, it's time to try it out and see how to make holiday decorations from it. Start by rolling out the dough on a flat surface. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness, which will make shaping easier later.
To cut out shapes, use cookie cutters or a knife to create your own patterns. There are no limits here — hearts, stars, or Christmas trees are just the beginning. Remember to keep the cut forms relatively even and not too thin, which will 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. It's also a good idea to 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 60-70°C for approximately 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 unlimited possibilities for creating holiday decorations. If you're looking for inspiration, consider making small gifts for loved ones in the form of personalised 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.
