Charming Salt Dough Valentine’s Crafts for Kids’ Gifts and Heartfelt Keepsakes

Want to make something special for Valentine’s Day? Something unique and completely different?

Salt Dough Creations 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 heartwarming keepsakes.

It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon, and the end result? Beautiful, lasting memories that capture the spirit of love and affection this Valentine’s Day.

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 Keepsakes

1. Basic Salt Dough Ingredients:
   • Flour (1 cup)
   • Salt (½ cup)
   • Water (½ cup)
2. Baking Supplies:
   • Mixing bowl and spoon
   • Rolling pin
   • Baking sheet and parchment paper
   • Straw (for making holes to hang the keepsake)
3. Painting and Decorating Supplies:
   • Acrylic paints (colors like pink, red, white, gold, and silver)
   • Small paintbrushes (fine-tip for details)
   • Clear sealant (optional, to preserve the creations)
   • Twine or ribbon (to hang or gift the keepsakes)
4. Additional Decoration Supplies (optional):
   • Glitter or glitter glue
   • Puffy paint (for texture)
   • Fine-tip black marker (for outlines and details)

Step 1: Prepare the Salt Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and ½ cup of salt.
2. Gradually add ½ cup of water while stirring until a dough forms.
3. 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 Keepsakes

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
2. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters or freehand shapes for Valentine’s Day-themed designs.
3. Use a straw to make a small hole near the top of each shape for hanging or attaching a ribbon.

Step 3: Bake the Keepsakes

1. Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. 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.
3. Allow the keepsakes to cool completely before painting.

Painting Valentine’s Day Designs

1. Heart Motifs

1. Background: Paint the shape red or pink and let it dry.
2. Details: Add polka dots, stripes, or write words like “Love” or “Be Mine” using white or black paint.
3. Finishing Touches: Outline designs with a fine-tip black marker for definition.

2. Lovebirds Design

1. Background: Paint a light pink or white base.
2. Birds: Use blue and red to paint two birds facing each other. Add small details like eyes, beaks, and tiny hearts between them.
3. Extras: Add vines, flowers, or a banner with “Lovebirds” written on it.

3. Bouquet Design

1. Background: Start with a white or pastel pink base.
2. Flowers: Use red, pink, and green to paint a bouquet of roses or tulips tied with a ribbon.
3. Finishing Touches: Add highlights or glitter for texture and sparkle.

4. Love Garland

5. Handprint Keepsakes

6. Love Letter Magnets

7. Valentine’s Day Gift Tags

8. Heart-Shaped Bowls

9. Initial Pendants

10. Salt Dough Roses

A Fun Activity for Kids to Share with Friends

Salt Dough Keepsakes are not just a fun craft at home—they’re also perfect for kids to make and exchange with schoolmates!

• Personalized Valentines: Kids can create small, heart-shaped salt dough keepsakes and write their classmates’ names or fun messages like “You’re Awesome!” or “Be My Pal” on them.
• Classroom Exchange: These handmade tokens make a thoughtful alternative to store-bought valentines and are sure to stand out.
• Creative Expression: Encourage kids to personalize each keepsake with unique colors, patterns, or even their own handprints for a special touch.
• Gift Packaging: Add an extra bit of love by tying the keepsakes to small treat bags or attaching them to handmade cards.

Memories of Valentine’s Day at School

Do any of you remember when we exchanged paper Valentines at school? We were each given a brown paper lunch bagand every student would put their printed Valentines in the bag.

So, would buy packages of valentines that had 30 -35 cards. Then, we print each student’s name on a card and say who the card was from.

On Valentine’s Day, we would all walk around the classroom depositing the cards in the appropriate bag. We were usually allowed to decorate the bags the day before and we printed our names on the bags so everyone knew which bag belonged to what child.

So much fun back then!

Pro Tips for Valentine’s Day Keepsakes

• Seal Your Keepsakes: Protect them with a clear acrylic spray to preserve your design.
• Add a Personal Touch: Write loved ones’ names or initials for a customized gift.
• Include Scent: Add a drop of lavender or rose essential oil to the dough or paint for a fragrant touch.
• Use cookie cutter as molds to make the shapes. Don’t put the cookie cutters in the oven. Just use them to make different designs.

Making these Salt Dough Keepsakes is a heartfelt way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Share them as gifts, use them as decorations, or treasure them as personal mementos of love. Let the creativity flow this Valentine’s season!