October 14, 2026

Classic Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments: Recipe and Decorating Ideas

Salt dough ornaments drying beside paint
Salt dough ornaments drying beside paint

Salt dough is flour, salt, and water. The ornaments last for years if they dry all the way through.

Mix

Two cups of flour, one cup of salt, and about one cup of water. Add water slowly until the dough is stiff, not sticky.

Cut

Roll to the thickness of a pencil. Cut stars and trees. Poke a hole at the top with a straw before you bake.

Bake

Low oven, about 100°C / 200°F, until hard. Thick pieces can take a couple of hours. They should not brown much.

Paint

Wait until they are cool and dry. One colour and a ribbon is a finished ornament.

Want the mess to stay at the studio? Open Studio in Milton is a drop-in hour for this kind of making. Weekend sessions are on the events page.