I think by now you all know that I love to make things but this time of year I especially love making holiday decorations and gifts. Every year I make a new keepsake ornament for our tree. Generally they involve an adorable picture of my kids or dog but the great thing is that you can customize them to fit your personal style or preference.
These adorable decorations are really easy to make and extremely versitile. You can include a little face if thats what your into or cut any shape you like. These make great parent or grandparent gifts and are super fun to make on your own or as a fun activity with friends and family.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Salt Dough:
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup ground cinnamon
1/8 cup ground cloves
1 cup warm water
For Decorating: Find all products here
Puffy fabric paint
Craft Glue and/or hot glue
Red Pompoms
Ribbon or string for hanging
Picture for face
Steps to Create Your Gingerbread Ornaments:
Step 1: Mixing the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Mix thoroughly.
Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Adjust the water or flour if needed to achieve a smooth, pliable consistency.
Step 2: Rolling and Cutting
Preheat your oven to 250°F (93°C).
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut out the shape of a gingerbread man with something sharp or use gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your ornaments. Cut out a circle if you plan on adding a small picture face.
You can make a small hole at the top of each ornament with a straw or toothpick for hanging (I glued the string onto the back of the ornament).
Step 3: Baking
Place your gingerbread ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake them in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until completely dry. Thicker ornaments may require more baking time.
Once baked, let them cool completely before decorating. I've found that the top of the ornaments can turn a hazy color when baking so I like to turn them over so that the bottom now becomes the front or top. **If you want to add fun details before you bake, just flip them over so the top is facing down before going into the oven.
Step 4: Decorating
Now comes the fun part – decorating your gingerbread ornaments! I used puffy fabric paint to mimic the look of icing but you can get creative and add any details you like.
Allow the paint to dry completely before handling.
Use glue to adhere the picture face to the back of the ornament.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once your ornaments are dry and decorated, you can opt to seal them with a layer of clear varnish or mod podge for added durability and shine.
Thread a ribbon or twine through the hole you made earlier for hanging or glue the ribbon to the back in a loop.
Tips and Tricks:
Customize Your Designs: Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes, or even create your own unique designs!
Fragrance Boost: Add a few drops of essential oils like cinnamon or ginger to the dough for an extra aromatic touch.
Gifting Idea: These homemade ornaments make heartfelt gifts for friends and family. I made a whole crew of gingerbread grandkids to give to my parents.
Making salt dough gingerbread ornaments is a fun and beginner friendly way to get crafty during the holiday season. Whether you're spending quality time with loved ones or enjoying some time alone, these ornaments are a wonderful activity. So, gather your materials and let your creativity shine this festive season!
Happy crafting and happy holidays!
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