Salt Dough Ornament Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long will salt dough ornaments last? ›

If you preserve salt dough properly, it will last for decades.

The great thing about it is that the salt dough sculptures will harden if you leave them out to dry at room temperature. Depending on the size of the pieces, it will take 2 to 7 days to dry completely. Turn the pieces from time to time for faster drying. Oven dry the salt dough pieces.

Bake the salt dough ornaments in the oven at 250°F for 1.5 to 2 hours until the dough is completely dried. For those with more patience, you can also air-dry salt dough ornaments. If you choose the no-bake method, make sure your ornaments are very thin, and allow for 4-7 days for the ornaments to dry completely.

You can paint a coat of glossy decoupage glue over the entire ornament to seal and protect it, and to give it a shiny finish. You can also spritz it with a light coat of polyurethane spray. Both methods, along with the salt acting as a natural preservative, help to extend the ornament's longevity.

You can also choose a no-bake option and let the salt dough air dry for 4-7 days. Blend dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Gradually add water and knead the dough with your hands until it reaches your desired texture. If the dough feels too tacky, add more flour.

Sealing your salt dough ornaments prevents them from becoming moldy and or cracking/crumbling. Any environment can cause salt dough to mold, even when extra precautions are taken. Once sealed, they are guaranteed to last a lifetime. This way, you can continue to enjoy your families memories, year after year.

Dough that is too thin may crack around the edges and dough that is too thick will definitely bubble.

Make sure your oven is set to 150°f. This is SUPER IMPORTANT. I have seen others use hotter temperatures but I haven't been able to do so without getting puffiness. So, plain all-purpose flour, 150ºf oven and 1/4 inch thickness = no puffy ornaments.

Add the cooking oil to make the dough soft, pliable and smoother.

If you take good care of them and store them properly they can last a very long time! I recently saw a post from someone saying that they had some in good shape that were 35 years old. How do you know when salt dough is done? It will be hard to the touch but still light in color on the top.

Can you overcook salt dough ornaments? ›

If you overcook them, they tend to bubble up. As everyone's dough will be mixed differently and microwaves have different levels of power, please keep an eye on your creations when they are cooking. Take them out to check their dryness – CAREFUL - THEY WILL BE HOT!

Flour: These salt dough ornaments start with four cups of all-purpose flour. Salt: Salt absorbs the water and helps preserve the ornaments for years to come. Use table salt for this recipe.

There are several types of glue that can be used for salt dough crafts, depending on the specific needs of the project. Here are a few options: White glue (e.g., Elmer's glue): This type of glue is easy to find, dries clear, and is non-toxic, making it a popular choice for salt dough crafts.

You'll use this to poke holes in the dough so that you can tie them with twine. Mod Podge. It's important to seal your ornaments once they're dried, so that they don't absorb moisture from the air. Use Mod Podge (in matte) to seal the dough and give them a more finished look.

How to Preserve Salt Dough Ornaments. To help preserve your finished dried ornaments, you can coat with a layer or two of Mod Podge or spray with a sealer. Either work well. I'd recommend coating or sealing both sides, so do one side and let it dry, and then do the second side.

Salt modeling dough usually doesn't 'go bad' so long as it remains dry. Many folks varnish or paint their creations, which keeps them dry among other things.

Yes, you can definitely make the salt dough the day before – or even a few days ahead of time. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Then bring the dough to room temperature before working with it!

Mod Podge.

It's important to seal your ornaments once they're dried, so that they don't absorb moisture from the air. Use Mod Podge (in matte) to seal the dough and give them a more finished look.

The drying process will probably take several days, depending on how thick the ornaments are and how humid it is. You'll also need to flip the salt dough ornaments several times to keep the edges from curling. If you can, we recommend baking your salt dough creations!