Salt Dough Ornaments

For Christmas this year I decided to have my Lords and Ladies make all of the ornaments on our tree. The first ornaments we made were salt dough ornaments. I remember making these when I was little and it was always so much fun. And, everything needed to make them are basic household items.

Items needed:
- 4 Cups Flour
- 1 1/2 Cups Salt
- 1 1/2 Cups Water
- Cookie Cutters
- Paint
- Ribbon

To start, mix the flour, salt and water in a large mixing bowl. Don't even bother with a spoon, this dough is not at all spoon friendly. This is where it gets fun for my Lords and Ladies, it's their chance to dig in and mix the dough with their hands. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour. 

Once the dough is a good consistency (similar to homemade play dough), split it in half or thirds, whatever is most manageable, and roll it out. Tip: sprinkle a little flour on the counter and on the rolling pin or the dough will stick. 

When the dough is about a quarter of an inch thick, use cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes. 

Place the shapes on a baking sheet and then use a straw to cut a hole in the ornament so it can be hung on the Christmas tree. It's important to do this before baking the dough, otherwise it could be tricky hanging the ornaments.

Bake the ornaments at 300 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Once the ornaments are cool, they are ready to paint.

Use some ribbon, 4-5 inches per ornament is plenty to hang the ornaments on the Christmas tree. These also make great homemade gifts or party favors.