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As winter winds weave through the air, what better way to embrace the season than by crafting your own Gingerbread Scented Salt Dough Ornaments? This delightful DIY project not only adds a touch of warmth to your holiday decor but also serves as a creative endeavor for the entire family.
Materials You'll Need For The Salt Dough Mixture:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup cinnamon
1 TBS Ginger
1 TBS Clove
Additional Materials:
Rolling pin
White Puffy Paint
Black Puffy Paint
Red Puppy Paint
Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter
Baking sheet
Parchment Paper
Scented Salt Dough Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salt Dough
Involve your kids in the culinary fun by letting them measure and mix the ingredients together. In a mixing bowl, blend the flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Pro Tip: This presents a fantastic opportunity for your little ones to practice their kitchen skills. The forgiving nature of this salt dough recipe allows room for error, making it a great learning experience. Even if the measurements are a tad off, the dough is likely to turn out just fine. Share the trick of getting an exact cup of flour by slightly overfilling the cup and using a butter knife to level off the excess – a handy kitchen tip!
Next, gradually add water while stirring until the mixture forms a dough. Knead the concoction until it achieves a smooth, pliable texture. The infusion of cinnamon not only adds a delightful scent but also imparts a gingerbread-like appearance to the dough, enhancing the sensory experience of this creative culinary adventure.
Step 2: Roll Out Salt Dough
Preheat your oven to 220°F. On a flat surface, roll out the salt dough to approximately ¼ inch thickness. I found putting a piece of parchment paper below me worked best. It made it easier to transfer the ornament to the baking sheet. Take a gingerbread man cookie cutter and carefully cutout each gingerbread man.
Using a straw, carefully punch a hole in the top of the gingerbread man. This will create the hole that will allow the ribbon to go through it in the last step.
Step 4: Bake and Dry
Carefully transfer the snowflakes to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for around 2-3 hours until completely dry and hard. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Let them cool to room tempature before handling.
Pro Tip: Here's a little trick to maintain the vibrant brown color of your dough: if it loses some of its richness while baking, fear not! Once the dough has cooled to room temperature, take a moment to rub canola oil over it. Allow the oil to soak in and dry, revitalizing the color and ensuring your gingerbread salt dough looks as charming as ever.
How To Decorate Gingerbread Man Salt Dough Ornaments
Now comes the exciting part of the process! Once the salt dough has cooled, it's time to draw the details on the gingerbread man with puffy fabric paint. If you haven't experienced the joy of working with puffy paint, get ready for a delightful treat. This unique paint adds a three-dimensional effect to your artwork, creating a thick layer where applied. Watch as your snowflakes come to life making each uniquely festive and ready to stand out in your Christmas decor.
Begin by drawing the bowties using red puff paint. To create each bowtie, draw two triangles with their points meeting in the center. This simple shape gives the perfect bowtie look, adding a fun, textured detail to your project!
Next, use black puff paint to create the eyes by drawing two large dots side by side.
Then use the white puff paint to draw the mouth.
With the white puff paint, add fun details to the gingerbread figure! Create a line of buttons down the front, and add squiggly lines along the edges of the arms and legs to give the appearance of decorative frosting or clothing. These accents make your gingerbread character even more charming and festive!
Once the black eyes have dried, use the white puff paint to add two small dots in each eye, giving your gingerbread character a lively, animated look. These highlights bring the eyes to life and add a touch of personality!
Once dry and fully decorated, tie a piece of ribbon through the hole. and then your snowflakes are ready to be displayed. Hang them as ornaments, arrange them on a mantel, or use them as part of your Christmas table centerpiece.
Preserving Salt Dough Ornaments for the Long Haul
For ensuring the longevity of your dried creations, consider applying a layer or two of Mod Podge or using a protective sealer. Both methods work effectively. It's advisable to coat or seal both sides of the ornaments—apply on one side, allow it to dry, then repeat for the other side. If opting for a sealer, it's best to carry out this task in a well-ventilated area and away from children.
Pro Tip: When storing these ornaments between festive seasons, wrap them carefully in bubble wrap for added protection. Place them in a sturdy container that prevents excessive movement, avoiding exposure to moisture or potential impact. This way, your ornaments can be safely stored and cherished for years to come.
Don't miss out on the festive fun! Explore a world of creative possibilities with our other festive kids' art projects. Whether you're crafting delightful Christmas Paper Bag Puppets or cooking up some Reindeer Scotcheroos, each project is a gateway to imaginative joy and shared creativity. Discover the magic in every stroke of a paintbrush or the careful folding of paper. Our collection is brimming with delightful surprises, offering a variety of crafting experiences that cater to different interests and age groups. So, why stop here? Embark on a creative journey with your little elves and unlock the door to more artistic adventures. Your next masterpiece awaits!
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