Making baby salt dough ornaments is a delightful way to create homemade keepsakes that capture precious moments of your little one’s early years.
One of my favorite ideas is the salt dough handprint ornament, which is simple to make and becomes a cherished baby’s first Christmas keepsake.
Pressing your baby’s tiny hand into the soft dough not only makes a beautiful ornament but also preserves a special moment in time.
Another sweet idea is creating footprint ornaments, which are just as easy and equally memorable.
In addition to handprints and footprints, you can also personalize salt dough ornaments with your baby’s initials, photos, even cute thumbprint designs, like snowmen or hearts.
These personalized touches make the ornaments even more special, turning them into precious keepsakes that you’ll love to hang on your Christmas tree year after year.
The past few weeks the girls have lent their hands and feet so I could come up with salt dough handprint and footprint decorating ideas. We hope you like what we’ve come up with!
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26 Salt Dough Handprint & Footprint Ideas
We’ve come up with new ideas for salt dough ornaments and gathered some of our favorite classics for you below. Check them out and let me know your favorites in the comments!
Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
1. Salt Dough Gnome Ornament
I looked up gnome clip art to come up with inspiration for this gnome ornament. This is one of my favorites.
2. Salt Dough Handprint With Photo
For this ornament I used a small ginger bread cookie cutter, that came in a sandwich cutter kit I got last year, before baking the dough and glued a photo to the back when it was finished.
You can use a heart or star shape, tree, or any other shape you’d like.
3. Grinch Salt Dough Handprint Ornament
4. Christmas Tree Salt Dough Handprint
5. Present Salt Dough Handprint
This one kills me because I painted the bow on upside down and didn’t noticed until I was finished. Looking back I think it would also look nice to line up the painted ribbon and the real ribbon.
6. Salt Dough Handprint Mitten
For the handprint mitten ornament you want to paint it, then seal it with mod podge. Once that dries use mod podge again as glue and add a stretch out cotton ball.
7. Snowmen Handprint Salt Dough
I’ve seen many variations of the salt dough snowmen handprint ornaments. If you leave more room when cutting out the handprints you’ll have room to add little hats on them.
8. Salt Dough Reindeer Handprint
9. Salt Dough Snowflake Handprint
10. Salt Dough Santa Handprint
11. Glitter Handprint Salt Dough Ornament
For this glitter handprint ornament I painted the hand white then sealed the ornament with mod podge. Once it was dry I painted just the handprint impression with mod podge and sprinkled it with glitter.
12. Salt Dough Ornament Handprint Christmas Sweater Pattern
13. Salt Dough Handprint Elf
Salt Dough Ornament Footprint Ideas
14. Polar Bear Salt Dough Footprint Ornament
15. Mistletoes Salt Dough Footprint
16. Snowflake Footprint Salt Dough Ornament
17. Salt Dough Reindeer Footprint
When making the reindeer salt dough footprint don’t forget to cut out room to add antlers.
18. Olaf Footprint Salt Dough Ornament
19. Salt Dough Footprint Penguin
20. Gingerbread Footprint Salt Dough Ornament
21. Christmas Sweater Print Footprint Salt Dough Ornament
22. Salt Dough Glitter Footprint
23. Christmas Tree Footprint Salt Dough Ornament
24. Present Footprint Ornament
25. Salt Dough Snowman Footprint
If you’ve ever wondered how long salt dough ornaments last I can tell you that this one is 8 years old now and with a coat of mod podge I think they hold up pretty well. I love digging these out every year and seeing how little my babies used to be.
26. Nutcracker Footprint Ornament
The Basics of Salt Dough
Salt dough is a simple and versatile material used for crafting, perfect for making baby ornaments.
I’ll walk you through how to create the best salt dough recipe, the steps for making it, and tips for baking your ornaments.
Creating the Perfect Salt Dough Recipe
The key ingredients for salt dough are straightforward: flour, salt, and water.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of table salt
- 1 cup of warm water
To mix, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.
Gradually add warm water while stirring continuously.
Once it starts to come together, use your hands to knead the dough until it’s smooth and pliable.
Proper kneading is crucial; aim for about 10 minutes until the dough is well-mixed and elastic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salt Dough
After preparing the dough, roll it out on a nonstick surface to about a 1cm thickness.
I like using parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cut the dough using cookie cutters. Christmas shapes or baby-themed cutters work wonderfully.
Once your shapes are ready, make a small hole near the top for hanging. A drinking straw or a skewer works perfectly for this.
Carefully move the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
Essentials for Baking Salt Dough Ornaments
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Baking at low temperatures helps avoid cracking.
Bake the ornaments for 2-3 hours or until they are fully hard and dry.
If you prefer not to use an oven, air-drying is an option, although it might take several days.
After baking, let the ornaments cool completely before decorating.
Sealing the ornaments with Mod Podge or clear acrylic spray when you’re done decorating helps them last longer.
Decoration Techniques
When decorating baby salt dough ornaments, there’s no shortage of ideas to make them look special. From painting to adding sparkles and ensuring longevity with proper sealing, these techniques can turn simple dough creations into cherished keepsakes.
Painting Your Salt Dough Ornaments
For painting your salt dough ornaments, high-quality multi-surface acrylic paint is my go-to.
This paint offers vibrant colors and even coverage, making your ornaments pop.
Before painting, I make sure the ornaments are completely dry to avoid any smudging.
I like to use a base coat of white to make the colors stand out more.
Small brushes work best for details, and for larger areas, foam brushes are handy.
Tip: Use a toothpick to create intricate designs or textures.
Adding Sparkle and Shine with Glitter
Adding a touch of glitter can bring magic to your baby salt dough ornaments.
After painting, I sprinkle fine glitter over specific areas while the paint is still wet, ensuring it sticks properly.
For a more controlled application, mixing the glitter with Mod Podge or a similar adhesive works wonders.
You can even mix glitter into the dough before baking for a uniform sparkle.
Safety Note: Use non-toxic, child-safe glitter to ensure it’s safe for babies.
Sealing and Preserving Your Creations
Sealing is crucial for preserving the beauty of your ornaments.
Once they’re decorated and fully dry, I usually apply a coat of Mod Podge.
This not only protects the paint but adds a lovely finish. Depending on the desired look, Mod Podge comes in gloss, matte, or satin finishes.
For extra durability, a polyurethane spray or clear glaze spray can be used.
These sprays provide a hard protective layer, ensuring your keepsakes withstand the test of time. Just remember to apply these in a well-ventilated area.
Hint: Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat to avoid drips and achieve a smoother finish.
Finishing Touches
Bringing your baby salt dough ornaments to life involves a few final steps. Adding hanging elements and exploring creative applications will make these keepsakes even more special.
Assembling and Hanging Your Ornaments
Once your ornaments are fully baked and cooled, it’s time to prepare them for hanging.
You can use thin ribbon, baker’s twine, or even decorative string.
I like to cut a piece about 6 inches long, loop it through the hole at the top of the ornament, and secure it with a knot or bow.
Twine and thin ribbon both work well and add a rustic or festive touch depending on your preferred aesthetic.
For a more polished look, you can use puffy paint to outline the edges or add tiny designs.
Creative Uses Beyond the Christmas Tree
Baby salt dough ornaments are versatile and can be used in many ways around your home.
Consider attaching them to gift packages using some ribbon or baker’s twine for a personalized holiday touch.
They also make charming decorations for a nursery when strung together as a garland.
You could even use them as fridge magnets by hot-gluing a small magnet to the back.
Another idea is to create a keepsake frame by placing the ornament in a shadow box with a photo of your child. These creative applications ensure that your baby’s first ornaments are cherished year-round.
Gift Ideas and Packaging
Creating baby salt dough ornaments combines the joy of crafting with the meaning of personalized gifts. From preserving memories to ensuring safe storage, there are many ways to enhance these handmade ornaments.
Salt Dough Ornaments as Personalized Gifts
I find that baby salt dough ornaments make incredibly thoughtful and unique gifts.
Each one carries a personal touch, especially when you include details like the baby’s birthdate, a small handprint, or a heartfelt message.
Including the baby’s name or initials can add an extra layer of sentiment.
These ornaments can be painted and decorated to match the style of the recipient’s holiday decorations or home decor.
To make the gift even more special, I like to pair the ornament with a handwritten card that explains its significance and offers words of love and joy.
Storing and Packaging Ornaments Safely
Proper storage and packaging ensure that these precious decorations last for years to come.
I recommend placing the ornaments in individual padded boxes to protect them from breaking. Using bubble wrap or tissue paper can also add an extra layer of security.
For added flair, I sometimes wrap the box in decorative paper and tie it with a ribbon.
Including a small silica gel packet can help absorb any moisture, which is crucial for preserving the condition of the salt dough.
Clearly labeling the box with the year and occasion makes it easy to locate and cherish each ornament as time goes by.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Creating baby salt dough ornaments can be very rewarding, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some tips to help you tackle common issues like cracks, baking inconsistencies, and sticky dough.
Preventing and Fixing Cracks and Bulging
To prevent cracks, I ensure the dough is mixed evenly, without any air pockets. Small cracks can often be fixed by slightly dampening the area and smoothing it out with my finger.
Bulging can occur if the dough is rolled too thick or baked at too high a temperature.
I try to keep the dough thickness consistent, around 1/4″ or 1/3″, and bake at a lower temperature, around 250°F.
Additionally, allowing the dough to air dry for a bit before baking can reduce the risk of bulging.
Optimizing Baking Time and Oven Temperature
Getting the baking time and oven temperature just right is crucial.
I typically bake my ornaments at 250°F for about 2-3 hours.
Thicker ornaments might need more time, so I check every 30 minutes after the initial 2 hours.
Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps ensure even baking.
Once baked, I always let them cool completely on a rack.
If the ornaments are not fully dry, they could warp or crack as they cool. Therefore, it’s important to be patient and avoid rushing the process.
Dealing with Sticky Dough
If my salt dough gets sticky, I lightly dust my work surface and rolling pin with flour.
This helps manage the stickiness without altering the dough’s composition too much.
A sticky dough can also indicate too much moisture. In such cases, I add a little more flour to the dough gradually.
Kneading the dough well before rolling can evenly distribute the flour and fix the stickiness.
When storing unused dough, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
I often get questions about making salt dough ornaments for babies. Here are clear and practical answers to some of the most common queries.
How can I make salt dough ornaments safe for babies?
To ensure the safety of salt dough ornaments for babies, use food-grade ingredients like flour, salt, and water only. Avoid adding essential oils or other non-edible items.
Supervise your baby during the crafting process to prevent them from eating the dough, as it contains high levels of salt.
What is the best way to seal salt dough ornaments to ensure longevity?
Sealing salt dough ornaments helps them last longer.
I recommend using high-quality clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge.
Apply several thin coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
This sealing step protects the ornaments from moisture and wear and tear.
What should I do if my salt dough ornament turns out too sticky?
If your salt dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour to achieve the right consistency. Knead the dough thoroughly after each addition to ensure even distribution.
If it’s still sticky, try dusting your work surface and rolling pin with flour to make handling easier.
