While there are several different tutorials out there for salt dough ornaments with one handprint, I wanted to make one that recognized both of my kids to give to our neighborhood babysitter. After trying out some different methods, this was my most successful attempt, and it turned out perfectly!
Yield: two large circular ornaments
What I used:
- 1/2 cup table salt
- 1 cup AP flour
- 1/2 cup water (approximate)
- Chopstick or drinking straw
- Parchment paper lined cookie sheet
- Optional: sewing needle, stamps, glitter, paint, etc for decorating
(1) Combine salt and flour in a large bowl.
(2) Slowly add water, stirring until just mixed. You are looking for a soft and pliable ball that resembles bread dough (not too mushy). Finish by kneeding briefly with your hands. If your ball is not coming together, add more water. If your ball becomes too mushy, add more flour.
(3) Divide dough into two equally sized balls.
(4) Roll out one ball on a floured surface.
(5) Press child 1’s hand down in the dough (focus on their fingers because the palm will take care of itself). Then press the second hand a little more firmly than the first.
(6) Taking into account the surface area of your children’s handprint, use a circle form (we used our bowls for this purpose) to achieve your ornament shape.
(7) Using a chopstick or other similarly shaped object to punch a hole in the ornament for hanging.
(8) At this point, you may also decorate further with a needle or stamps.
(9) Move to parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 200 degrees until dry (may take 3 hours+, depending on the thickness of your ornament).
(10) Remove from oven, let cool. At this point, you may paint or further decorate your ornament. String with decorative ribbon and hang on the tree or wrap up for a gift!
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