If you are looking for a project to do with the kids, an easy and cheap solution for decorating the Christmas tree, or you just want to have some creative fun on your own there is plenty to keep you busy with these non-edible ornament recipe.
Traditional Salt Dough
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups very warm water
Mix flour and salt together. Stir in warm water until combined. Knead the dough until soft and pliable. Roll to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Use a straw to cut a hole for stringing. Place on cookie sheet and left sit to air dry for one hour before baking. (This will help to prevent “puffing” the top complaint when working with salt dough). Bake at 275° for about one hour or until hard and dry. Paint, decorate, and seal with polyurethane.
Grainy Salt Dough
4 cups whole wheat or rye flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups very warm water
Mix flour and salt together. Stir in warm water until combined. Knead the dough until soft and pliable. Roll to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Use a straw to cut a hole for stringing. Place on cookie sheet and left sit to air dry for one hour before baking. Bake at 275° for about one hour or until hard and dry. Paint, decorate, and seal with polyurethane.
Cinnamon Salt Dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup cinnamon**
3/4 cup very warm water
Mix flour, salt, and cinnamon together. Stir in warm water until combined. Knead the dough until soft and pliable. Roll to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Use a straw to cut a hole for stringing. Place on cookie sheet and left sit to air dry for one hour before baking. Bake at 275° for about one hour or until hard and dry. Paint, decorate, and seal with polyurethane.
**I can usually find boxes of cheap cinnamon for under a dollar at my local drugstore or dollar store.
Baking Soda Clay
2 cups baking soda
1 cup corn starch
1 1/4 cup room temperature water
Stir together the baking soda and corn starch in a medium sized saucepan. Add the water, stirring constantly to dissolve the baking soda and starch. Once it starts to thicken, continue stirring until a dough forms. Remove it from the heat. Transfer the dough to a heat proof bowl and allow to cool. Roll, cut and bake on a parchment lined cookie sheet at 175º.for one hour. You can also air dry overnight if you aren’t in a hurry.
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