{ Salt Dough Ornaments }

My hubs told me that his mom used to make these doughy creations when he was younger and to this day we hang them on our tree. She has since passed away but he cherishes those little painting stockings that say "will" and cute teddy bears that carry the memories. I wanted to try it and thought it would be not only fun for little Jesse but maybe fun for Will too. I made the dough, poked holes for hanging ribbon or hemp twine and baked the cookies and they came out great. They will be a little soft  even after baking but let dry for a day to really harden and then paint with acrylics or glue rhinestones...whatever your heart desires.

Things You'll Need:

1 CUP SALT

2 CUPS FLOUR

1 1/2 CUPS WATER

Measuring cup

Bowl

Spoon

cookie cutters or even stamps to impress shapes.

Rolling pin

knife

Baking sheets

acrylic paints and brushes.

Instructions:

Pour 1 cup salt into a bowl. Add 1 cup warm tap water and stir until the salt dissolves. Add 2 cups flour and remainder of water if dough is too dry, stir until well mixed. Knead the dough as you would bread dough. Shape and reshape it with your hands until it's smooth and firm and can be formed into a ball. Your children will enjoy doing this with you. Make this their project. The more time and energy they invest in the activity, the more successful they will feel. If you don't plan on using the play dough right away, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. The mixture will last about a week. You need to bake your ornaments in the oven to 250º for anywhere from 45 minutes for small cookie cuter ornaments or up to 2 hours for larger projects.

ENJOY, This project is one of my favorites!