How to Make Stunning Salt Dough Ornaments That Last for Years!

Ever wondered how to make those adorable, homemade ornaments you see everywhere during the holidays?

Salt Dough Ornaments are the answer!

Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also a fantastic activity for kids (with some adult supervision, of course).

In this guide, you’ll learn how to mix up a simple salt dough recipe and turn it into keepsakes.

It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon, and the end result? Beautiful, lasting memories on your Christmas tree.

Why You’ll Love This Article:

Perfect for All Ages: Easy enough for toddlers to join in!
Customizable Designs: Get creative with shapes and colors.
Keepsake Quality: Lasts for years with the right care.
Affordable and Accessible: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.

Materials Needed for Salt Dough Ornaments

Basic Salt Dough Ingredients:
- Flour (1 cup)
- Salt (½ cup)
- Water (½ cup)
Baking Supplies:
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- Straw (for making holes to hang the ornament)
Painting and Decorating Supplies:
- Acrylic paints (colors like white, red, green, blue, black)
- Small paintbrushes (fine-tip for details)
- Clear sealant (optional, to preserve the ornaments)
- Twine or ribbon (to hang the ornaments)
Additional Decoration Supplies (optional):
- Glitter or glitter glue
- White puffy paint (for snow effect)
- Fine-tip black marker (for outlines and details)

Step 1: Prepare the Salt Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of salt.
Gradually add ½ cup of water while stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, add a bit more flour.

Step 2: Shape the Ornaments

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out circles for the ornaments.
Use a straw to make a small hole near the top of each circle for hanging.

Step 3: Bake the Ornaments

Place the ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 2–3 hours or until they’re hard and dry. Check periodically to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Allow the ornaments to cool completely before painting.

Time Estimate

Making salt dough ornaments typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, including dough preparation, cutting shapes, and baking. Decorating can add another 30 minutes to an hour depending on the level of detail you want. Overall, budget about 2 to 3 hours for the entire process, including drying and finishing touches.

Step-by-Step Guide: Painting Different Designs on Salt Dough Ornaments

Now that your salt dough ornaments are ready, here’s how to paint festive scenes like those in the image.

Basic Winter Scene (Snowy House)

Background: Start by painting the entire ornament with a deep blue background to resemble the night sky. Let it dry.
Snow and Ground: Use white paint to add snow along the bottom edge and lightly dab for snowflakes in the sky.
House: Use brown for the house shape and add details like windows and a door using black paint.
Trees: Use green for pine trees next to the house, adding small white dots to mimic snow.
Finishing Touches: Add more white dots for snow in the sky, and use puffy paint for a raised snow effect on the roof.

Snowman Design

Background: Paint the ornament with a deep blue or dark green background.
Snowman: Paint two white circles, one for the body and a smaller one for the head.
Details: Use black for the eyes, buttons, and hat, and orange for the carrot nose. Add red for a scarf.
Trees and Snow: Add green trees around the snowman and white dots for snowfall.

Sleigh with Gifts

Background: Start with a dark blue background.
Sleigh: Use red to outline the sleigh shape and brown for the sleigh runners.
Gifts: Paint small squares or rectangles in various colors to look like gifts stacked in the sleigh.
Snow and Finishing Touches: Add white paint for snow on the ground and dots for snowflakes.

Geometric or Abstract Patterns

Base Color: Paint the ornament in a solid color like red or navy blue.
Patterns: Use white or contrasting colors to create simple shapes, dots, chevrons, or snowflakes.
Finishing Touches: Outline shapes with a fine black marker for definition, if desired.

Pro Tips for Painting Salt Dough Ornaments

Practice Designs First: If you’re new to painting, sketch your design on paper first or try it on scrap dough.
Use Small Brushes: Fine-tipped brushes make it easier to add detail, especially for small ornaments.
Seal the Ornaments: Apply a clear acrylic spray or mod podge to protect your designs and add a slight shine.
Experiment with Texture: Use puffy paint for raised details like snow or add a light dusting of glitter on wet paint for extra sparkle.

Clarifications and Tips

Getting the Right Dough Consistency

- When making the dough, if it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it feels too dry or crumbly, add a tiny bit of water until the dough is smooth and easy to roll. You want a firm, smooth dough that doesn’t stick to your fingers.

Rolling Out the Dough Evenly

- Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch for each ornament. Thinner ornaments may crack, while thicker ones may take longer to dry. If you want a consistent thickness, you can use two thin books or wooden sticks on each side of the dough as guides.

Making Holes for Hanging

- Use a straw to create a clean, round hole near the top of each ornament for hanging. Remember to place it about half an inch from the edge, so it doesn’t break easily. Gently twist the straw to remove the dough plug.

Baking or Air-Drying Options

- Baking is faster, but if you have the time, air-drying is a great option to avoid slight browning from the oven. Place them in a warm, dry area for 2-3 days if you choose air-drying. This is especially helpful if you want bright white ornaments.

Painting Tips

- For a smooth background, try using a larger, flat brush for the first coat. When adding details, a fine-tipped brush is best. Let each color layer dry before adding new details to prevent smudging.

Sealing for Long-Lasting Ornaments

- Sealing your painted ornaments is optional, but it adds durability. A light coat of clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge will protect your designs, especially if you plan to store them for next year.

Adding Texture or Dimension

- Consider using puffy paint or glitter glue for a snow-like effect. These details make each ornament stand out and add a festive touch.

Troubleshooting Cracks

- If you notice small cracks after baking, don’t worry! Use a tiny bit of white glue to fill in cracks before painting. Once it’s dry, paint over it, and the cracks will be less noticeable.

Mistakes to Avoid While Making Salt Dough Ornaments

Making the Dough Too Thin
- Rolling the dough too thin can cause the ornaments to crack or break easily, especially during baking. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness to ensure they’re sturdy.
Not Kneading the Dough Enough
- Kneading is essential for a smooth texture. If you skip this step, your dough may have lumps, making it harder to shape evenly.
Skipping the Hole for Hanging
- It’s easy to forget to make a hole in each ornament for hanging. Use a straw to punch a hole before baking. Once baked, it’s challenging to add one without breaking the ornament.
Over-Baking
- Baking too long can lead to browning or uneven drying. Stick to a low temperature and check the ornaments regularly to avoid this. If they start browning, take them out and consider air-drying the rest of the way.
Not Allowing Enough Cooling Time Before Painting
- Paint can smudge or peel if applied before the ornament is fully cool. Give the ornaments plenty of time to cool completely before decorating.
Skipping the Sealant
- If you want your ornaments to last, seal them with a clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge. This prevents moisture from getting in, which can cause them to soften over time.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Salt Dough Ornaments

Use Cold Water Gradually
- Add the water gradually when mixing to control the dough’s texture. Cold water works best to prevent the dough from getting sticky.
Let the Dough Rest
- After kneading, let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and shape, giving you smoother ornaments.
Experiment with Texture
- For a rustic look, press fabric (like lace) or textured items (like a leaf) into the dough before baking to create beautiful patterns on the ornament surface.
Add Cinnamon for a Festive Scent
- Mix a small amount of cinnamon into the dough for a subtle, holiday scent. This also gives the ornaments a warm, rustic look.
Plan Your Designs Ahead
- If you’re adding detailed painting or decoration, sketch your designs on paper first. Planning your designs will help make the painting process smoother and more enjoyable.
Store Leftover Dough Properly
- If you have extra dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can use it the next day to make more ornaments.
Double Up the Ornaments as Gift Toppers
- Make extra ornaments to use as personalized gift toppers. Tie them onto gift boxes or bags for an added handmade touch.
Protect with a Sealant for Longevity
- If you want your ornaments to last year after year, don’t skip the sealant. This will keep your designs intact and protect against humidity.

Adding a Personal Touch to Salt Dough Ornaments

Making salt dough ornaments is already a wonderful, homemade craft, but adding unique, personal touches takes them to the next level! Here’s how to make your ornaments truly special by painting, adding scents, and even incorporating photos.

Salt Dough Ornaments Painted and Decorated

Painting your ornaments is a great way to make them pop. Here are a few tips:

Choose the Right Paints: Acrylic paints work best for salt dough as they provide vibrant colors and dry quickly. You can use festive colors like red, green, white, gold, and silver for classic Christmas designs.
Simple Designs to Try: If you’re looking for ideas, try painting snowflakes, Christmas trees, snowmen, or holly berries. You can also go for more abstract patterns like polka dots or stripes.
Add Details with Fine Brushes: For detailed designs, use fine-tipped brushes or paint markers. Outlining with a black or white marker can add definition to your designs.
Seal for Durability: After painting, apply a clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge to seal your design. This will protect the paint and give a polished finish, helping your ornaments last for years.

Salt Dough Ornaments with Cinnamon and Scents

Adding a warm, festive scent to your ornaments is easy and enhances the holiday experience. Here’s how:

Mix Cinnamon into the Dough: Add about 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon to the dough mix. This not only adds a wonderful aroma but also gives the ornaments a beautiful warm brown tint.
Try Essential Oils: Add a few drops of essential oils (like peppermint, pine, or clove) to the dough or paint. Alternatively, apply essential oils to the finished ornament and let it dry completely before hanging.
Scented Sealant Option: For a longer-lasting scent, mix a few drops of essential oil into Mod Podge before sealing the ornament. This will keep the scent locked in for a longer time.

Unique Salt Dough Ornaments with Pictures

Adding small photos or prints to your salt dough ornaments turns them into cherished keepsakes. Here’s a simple way to do it:

Print and Cut the Photos: Print tiny photos to fit on your ornament shapes. Cut them to size and shape before attaching.
Attach the Photos: Use a thin layer of Mod Podge to attach the photo to the ornament’s surface. Smooth out any air bubbles and let it dry completely.
Seal the Photo: Once the photo is in place, apply another thin layer of Mod Podge over the top to protect it. This will keep it sealed and give it a glossy finish.
Extra Personal Touches: You can add a painted border around the photo or use a glitter glue pen to add a sparkle frame around the edge.

Displaying Your Salt Dough Ornaments

Christmas Tree Centerpiece: Hang your salt dough ornaments on your Christmas tree using festive ribbons or twine. For an extra pop, place them alongside lights and other ornaments to make your designs shine.
Gift Toppers: Tie an ornament to holiday gift packages with ribbon. This adds a personal, handmade touch to presents and doubles as an extra gift!
Mantel Garland: String your ornaments along a ribbon or twine to create a garland for your mantel. This setup is perfect for showcasing themed ornaments like stars, snowflakes, and mittens.
Wall Art Display: Arrange several ornaments in a frame or on a bulletin board for a unique holiday art display. It’s a great way to show off your creations while keeping them safe from little hands or pets.
Table Setting Decor: Use your salt dough ornaments as unique place cards by writing guests’ names on them. Set one at each place on the table as a memorable keepsake for friends and family.

Caring for Your Salt Dough Ornaments

To make your salt dough ornaments last year after year, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for sealing, storing, and preserving them:

Sealing for Durability: After decorating, apply a coat of clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge to seal the ornaments. This protects the paint and helps prevent moisture from softening the dough.
Storing Properly: Store your ornaments in a cool, dry place. Wrap each one individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent chipping. Place them in a sturdy box to keep them safe from bumps.
Avoiding Moisture: Salt dough is sensitive to humidity. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a silica gel packet in the storage box to absorb any excess moisture.
Refreshing the Sealant: Over time, the sealant may wear off. Before displaying them each year, check if any ornaments need a quick touch-up with acrylic spray to keep them protected.
Handling with Care: Salt dough ornaments are fragile, so handle them gently, especially when hanging or arranging them in storage.

Common FAQs About Salt Dough Ornaments

Can I make salt dough ornaments without baking them?
Yes, you can let salt dough ornaments air-dry, but it takes longer (about 2–3 days) compared to baking. Air-drying is a good option if you want to avoid any browning that might occur in the oven.
How long do salt dough ornaments last?
With proper sealing and storage, salt dough ornaments can last for years. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place and keep them away from moisture.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding food coloring to the dough allows you to skip some of the painting steps. Just mix a few drops of food coloring into the dough until you get your desired shade.
What’s the best way to seal salt dough ornaments?
Acrylic spray or Mod Podge works well to seal and protect your ornaments. Make sure to apply a thin, even coat to keep moisture out and preserve the paint.
How can I make the ornaments smell like cinnamon?
You can mix a teaspoon or two of cinnamon into the dough for a festive scent. Alternatively, add a drop or two of cinnamon essential oil to the ornament before sealing.
Can kids help make salt dough ornaments?
Yes, salt dough ornaments are a great craft for kids! Just supervise them during the rolling and baking steps, and let them get creative with decorating.
How do I make a hole in the ornament for hanging?
Use a straw to create a hole at the top of the ornament before baking or drying. This way, you can easily thread a ribbon or twine through it for hanging.

Conclusion: Share Your Festive Salt Dough Creations!

Making salt dough ornaments is such a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the season.

Each ornament you create carries a bit of holiday spirit and adds a personal touch to your decorations. Whether you’re making them with family, gifting them to friends, or adding a new design to your collection each year, salt dough ornaments are a tradition that can grow with you.

Feel free to experiment with different shapes, colors, and scents to make each piece unique.

We’d love to see how your creations turn out! Share your beautiful ornaments with us and inspire others by posting them online.

Don’t forget to save or share this article so you can revisit these ideas each year.

Let’s keep the holiday creativity flowing and spread some festive cheer!