Looking for a simple art & craft project for kids that the whole family can join in with? This homemade salt dough Family Ornaments project is a lovely rainy day activity – all you need are a few basics from the kitchen cupboard, and you can turn them into a set of little dough figures representing everyone in the family.
It’s a great one to pull out on a wet afternoon, and the finished ornaments make a sweet keepsake or a handmade gift.
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What you will need
- 300g flour
- 100g salt
- 8 fl oz water
- Acrylic paints
- Paint brushes
- Varnish
- Ribbon or string
What to do
- Beat the flour, salt and water together until a dough forms – this is easier with an electric mixer, but mixing by hand works too. Knead the dough until it’s smooth.
- Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each one with your hand to make a face shape.
- Use smaller pieces of dough to add noses, hair and other features.
- A drop of water helps stick the smaller pieces onto the face.
- Use a biro or pencil to press in eyes, and if you’d like to hang the ornaments, make a small hole at the top of the head before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 130°C / gas mark 1 / 275°F and bake the ornaments on a foil-lined baking tray for 2 hours. Allow them to cool fully before handling.
- Once cool, paint the faces with acrylic paints. You can seal them with a layer of varnish once the paint is dry, then thread a ribbon or string loop through the hole for hanging.
Let each family member design their own dough figure – it’s a nice way to make the ornaments feel personal, whether you’re hanging them on a tree, a shelf, or gifting them to grandparents.
Frequently asked questions
Can younger children help with this craft?
Yes, with supervision. Younger children can help shape the dough and choose colours, while an adult handles the oven step.
How long will the finished ornaments last?
Once fully baked, cooled, painted and varnished, salt dough ornaments can last for years if kept somewhere dry.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Salt dough is best used fresh, as it can dry out if left too long before shaping.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can mix and knead the dough by hand – it just takes a little more effort to get it smooth.
Looking for more ideas?
If you enjoyed this one, browse our full collection of rainy day craft ideas for more simple, budget-friendly projects to keep the kids busy at home. You’ll find plenty more easy art & craft projects for kids to try together.
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