Every holiday season, I look for ways to create high-end decor on a tiny budget. There is something magical about a tree filled with white, matte ornaments that look like expensive ceramic tags. This year, I perfected my DIY salt dough ornaments recipe to achieve that boutique look for pennies.
As a mom of three, I have made my fair share of lumpy, cracked dough projects that crumbled by January. I wanted Christmas crafts for kids that were fun to make but stylish enough to keep forever. We love creating homemade holiday keepsakes that actually look beautiful on the tree.
If you have avoided this craft because yours turned out puffy or brown, I have the solution. This tutorial teaches you how to seal salt dough ornaments so they look like smooth porcelain. I will even answer the common panic question: “How do I fix cracked salt dough?“
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished matte white salt dough ornaments hanging from velvet ribbon on a Christmas tree, styled perfectly in a well-lit room.]
📝 Key Mechanics
Before we start mixing, here is the hardware you need to make sure everything stays put. You likely have most of these in your kitchen right now!
- All-Purpose Flour, Fine Table Salt, Warm Water, Drinking Straw, Fine Grit Sandpaper.
Supplies & Tools List
The Ingredients:
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour (Bleached flour makes for whiter ornaments).
- 1 Cup Fine Table Salt (Do not use coarse sea salt).
- 1 Cup Warm Water (You may not need it all).
Tools & Hardware:
- Mixing Bowl and Spoon.
- Rolling Pin.
- Parchment Paper.
- Drinking Straw (Crucial for creating the ribbon hole).
- Fine Grit Sandpaper (150-220 grit).
Step 1: Mix the Dough for Smoothness
The secret to a smooth finish starts in the bowl. Combine your flour and salt first, mixing them thoroughly. Slowly add the warm water while stirring.
You want a dough that feels like playdough, not sticky cookie batter. If it sticks to your fingers, add a tablespoon of flour. If it cracks, add a teaspoon of water.
📸 [Image-2: A close-up shot of hands kneading the dough ball on a counter, showing the smooth texture without cracks.]
Step 2: Roll and Cut Your Shapes
Roll your dough out on a sheet of parchment paper. Aim for a thickness of exactly 1/4 inch. If the dough is too thin, it will curl; too thick, and it will never dry.
Use your cookie cutters to create your shapes. This is also the perfect time to make a baby handprint ornament DIY. Press your little one’s hand firmly into the center of a round cut-out.
Step 3: The Straw Trick (Don’t Skip!)
This is the most common mistake people make. You must create the hole for your ribbon before you bake. Using a drill later will almost certainly crack your hard work.
Take a drinking straw and punch a clean hole near the top of the ornament. Twist the straw slightly and lift it out to remove the dough plug.
📸 [Image-3: Macro shot of a plastic straw punching a clean hole into the top of a star-shaped ornament.]
Step 4: Low & Slow Baking
You might wonder, “Why did my salt dough puff up” in the past? The answer is your oven was too hot. High heat creates air pockets and bubbles.
Set your oven to 200°F – 250°F (95°C – 120°C). Bake the ornaments for 2-3 hours. Flip them over halfway through the baking time to ensure the back dries evenly.
Step 5: The “Porcelain” Sanding Technique
This step transforms your project from a grade-school craft to budget Christmas tree decor. Once the ornaments are fully cool, they will feel hard but might have rough edges.
Take your fine-grit sandpaper and gently sand the sides and surface. Smooth out any bumps or jagged cuts. The result is a silky, stone-like finish that looks professional.
📸 [Image-4: A shot of a hand sanding the edge of a white star ornament, showing the dust and the smooth edge revealing itself.]
Step 6: Paint and Seal
Current trends favor a “Scandi-Natural” look. You can leave them white, or explore minimal salt dough painting ideas. Muted earth tones like sage, terracotta, or charcoal look stunning.
Finally, you must seal them to prevent moisture from softening the dough. Unsealed ornaments will eventually rot. Apply two coats of sealer to both sides.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix cracked salt dough?
If you see small cracks before baking, smooth them with a wet finger. If they crack during baking, fill the crack with a mix of tacky glue and flour, let it dry, and then sand it smooth.
Can you air dry salt dough?
Yes, you can air dry salt dough, but it takes patience. Leave them on a wire rack for 2-4 days, flipping them daily. However, drying salt dough in oven is much faster and ensures the center is hard.
Is salt dough toxic to dogs?
Yes, this is very important. These ornaments contain a massive amount of salt, which is dangerous for pets. Hang them high on the tree or seal them thoroughly to mask the scent.
What acts as a sealant for salt dough?
You can use Mod Podge, but it often leaves brush strokes. A clear acrylic spray is the best option for a professional matte or glossy finish.
How to get smooth edges on salt dough?
Sanding after baking is the best method. However, you can also dip your finger in water and run it along the cut edges before you put them in the oven.
These ornaments are my favorite way to make easy holiday gifts for grandparents. They capture a moment in time, cost almost nothing to make, and look stunning on the tree. By following this DIY salt dough ornaments recipe, you’ll have beautiful, porcelain-like keepsakes that last for years.
Happy Crafting!
– Nancy
