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Creative Christmas Salt Dough Ornament Handprint & Footprint Ideas

As the festive season approaches, many families look for fun, personalised activities to engage in together. One such tradition that has stood the test of time is creating salt dough ornaments. Not only is this craft easy to make, but it also allows families to capture precious memories in a creative manner. By using handprints and footprints, you can turn simple dough into cherished keepsakes that celebrate the joy of Christmas, making them perfect gifts for loved ones.

What is Salt Dough?

Salt dough is an easily accessible and inexpensive craft material made from flour, salt, and water. It can be moulded into various shapes and, once dried, provides a durable surface that can be painted and decorated. This versatile medium allows for an array of festive designs, but handprint and footprint ornaments add a unique personal touch that makes them special.

Getting Started: Ingredients and Preparation

To create your salt dough, you will need:

• 2 cups of plain flour
• 1 cup of salt
• 3/4 cup of water

1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water, stirring until a dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly to achieve the right consistency.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and pliable.
4. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness, typically around 0.5 cm.

Handprint Ornaments

Handprint ornaments are a fantastic way to capture the growth of your children. Here’s how to create them:

1. Roll out the salt dough and cut it into your desired shape (stars, circles, or Christmas trees are popular).
2. Press your child’s hand into the dough to make a handprint impression. Make sure to apply enough pressure to get a clear print.
3. Use a straw to create a hole at the top of the ornament for hanging later.
4. Bake the dough in a low oven (about 100°C) for approximately 2-3 hours, or until completely hard. Let it cool.
5. Once cool, you can paint and decorate the ornament with festive colours, glitter, or even acrylic sealant for a shiny finish. Don’t forget to write the date and your child’s name on the back.

Footprint Ornaments

Footprint ornaments are equally delightful and can capture those small, chubby feet that grow all too quickly. Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare the salt dough as previously mentioned, rolling it out to a suitable thickness.
2. Press your child’s foot into the dough to create a footprint. If they’re quite small, you can also do this with both feet close together, creating a heart shape.
3. Ensure you puncture a hole at the top for hanging, just like with the handprint ornament.
4. Bake and cool the ornament, following the same instructions as above.
5. Decorate your footprint ornament in your choice of colours. Adding festive elements like holly or snowflakes can enhance the festive spirit.

Personalisation Ideas

To make your ornaments uniquely yours, consider these personalisation tips:

• Add Names and Dates: Use a fine-tipped paintbrush or paint pen to write your child’s name and the year on the back of the ornament.
• Use Seasonal Colours: Incorporate classic Christmas colours like red, green, gold, and silver to make your ornaments pop.
• Attach Ribbons: Use ribbons or twine to hang the ornaments, adding an extra decorative touch.
• Create a Themed Collection: Think about coordinating designs for each family member, such as a ‘Christmas Puddings’ or ‘Winter Wonderland’ theme.

Conclusion

Making Christmas salt dough ornaments using handprints and footprints is a delightful way to create lasting memories of your little ones during the festive season. Each ornament becomes a cherished symbol of growth and familial love, perfect for hanging on the tree or gifting to relatives. The simplicity of this project means that it can be enjoyed by families of all ages, making it a wonderful holiday tradition to adopt and pass down. So, gather your supplies, roll up those sleeves, and get ready to craft your way to a merry Christmas!

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