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Don’t Use Salt Dough – Try This Instead! The Best Homemade Christmas Ornament Dough

As the festive season approaches, our thoughts turn to decorations and delightful crafts that can bring magic into our homes. One popular activity is making Christmas ornaments, and while salt dough has been a favourite for ages, it might not always be the best option. If you’re looking for a better alternative, we’ve got just the solution for you! Say goodbye to salt dough and hello to the best homemade Christmas ornament dough – a pure white, non-salty alternative that resembles “Magic Modelling Dough”.

The Drawbacks of Salt Dough

Before diving into the new recipe, let’s briefly discuss why salt dough can be less than ideal for your ornament-making adventures. Salt dough tends to be gritty and can leave a slightly rough texture on your creations. It also has a high sodium content, which can alter the drying process and make the ornaments more prone to cracking over time. As they dry, salt dough ornaments can absorb moisture from the air, leading to potential warping and distortion. Most importantly, the taste of salt isn’t something we want to inadvertently impart into our festive creations, especially for decorations that may come into contact with curious little hands!

Enter the Magic of Modelling Dough

The wonderful alternative we propose is a homemade modelling dough that is reminiscent of the beloved “Magic Modelling Dough”. This recipe is easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and yields a brilliant, smooth finish that is ideal for crafting ornaments. The result? Stunning decorations that will brighten your Christmas tree without the issues associated with traditional salt dough.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups of plain flour
• 1 cup of white school glue or PVA glue
• 1 cup of cornflour (also known as corn starch)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons of vinegar
• Optional: food colouring (for a pop of colour)

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the plain flour and cornflour. Stir them together until thoroughly mixed.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the white school glue, vegetable oil, and vinegar. If you decide to add food colouring, include it in this mix to achieve the desired hue before combining with the dry ingredients.

3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to form a dough.

4. Knead the Dough: Once a rough dough forms, turn it out onto a clean surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more cornflour to adjust the texture.

5. Storage: If you’re not using it immediately, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Creating Your Ornaments

Now that your dough is ready, the fun begins! Here’s how to mould beautiful ornaments:

1. Roll and Shape: Roll out the dough to your desired thickness (about ¼ inch is ideal for ornaments). Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes such as stars, trees, or ornaments.

2. Add Personal Touches: Use a straw or a wooden skewer to create a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging. You can also press in designs or patterns using stamps, beads, or even natural items like leaves.

3. Drying: Place the ornaments on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and allow them to air dry for 24-48 hours, depending on the humidity of your space. If you want to speed up the drying process, you can bake them on a low heat (around 70°C) for about 30 minutes. Just make sure they don’t brown!

4. Finishing Touches: Once dry, these ornaments can be painted, glittered, or personalised with names or dates. Finish them off with a clear sealant to protect your designs and give them a lovely sheen.

The Final Touch

Not only does this homemade dough create incredible ornaments, but it also offers a fantastic opportunity for family bonding during the busy festive season. Invite your loved ones to join in, and create wonderful memories while crafting decorations that will adorn your home for years to come.

Conclusion

This Christmas, ditch the salt dough and embrace the magic of homemade modelling dough. With a pure white finish and a plump texture, your ornaments will look elegant and professional – perfect for adding that personal touch to your festivities. So roll up your sleeves, grab your loved ones, and start creating beautiful memories this holiday season with your stunning handmade ornaments! Happy decorating!

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