Creating salt dough ornaments with your little ones is not only a wonderful way to dive into the holiday spirit but also an excellent activity for making lasting memories—and keepsakes! Here’s a simple and fun way to create Salt Dough Handprint Santa Ornaments that will sparkle on your Christmas tree for years to come.
What You’ll Need:
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of salt
1/2 cup of water
Acrylic paints (red, white, flesh tone, and any other colors for details)
Paintbrushes
Ribbon or string for hanging
A straw or toothpick (for making a hole)
Mod Podge or clear varnish (optional, for sealing)
Let’s Get Crafty:
Mix the Dough:Â Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface until smooth.
Shape It:Â Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Help your child press their hand into the dough to make an imprint.
Cut and Bake: Cut around the handprint to create an ornament shape. Don’t forget to use a straw or toothpick to poke a hole at the top for hanging. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit until hard, about 2-3 hours. Let cool completely.
Paint Your Santa:Â Transform the handprint into Santa Claus by painting the fingers as his hat, the palm as his face, and the thumb as his pompom or part of his beard.
Add Details:Â Once the base colors are dry, add details like eyes, a nose, and a fluffy texture to the hat and beard.
Seal the Deal:Â After the paint has dried, apply a coat of Mod Podge or varnish to seal the ornament and give it a glossy finish.
Ribbon It Up: Thread a ribbon or string through the hole, tie a knot, and it’s ready to hang!
Not only is this activity a fantastic way to engage with your child in a creative endeavor, but it also results in a personal ornament that’s full of charm. Imagine your little one's glee when they find their miniature hand-turned-Santa hanging from the tree! It's a magical addition to your holiday decor that holds the precious memory of your child's growing years.
Happy crafting and happy holidays! 🎅🎄✨