Back to basics - salt-dough Christmas decorations - step 2

In my previous post I detail the basics for making salt-dough decorations with 3 simple ingredients which every one has at home - salt, flour and water. Now for the fun bit...decorating! 

Step 2 - decorate

- Paint or not to paint? That is the question!

For this batch I went for paint. As soon as I had painted a couple I was hooked. 

Using paint which I've had since I was a child I turned this basic bakes into cute, festive ornaments ready to be displayed pride of place on the tree this Christmas! 

- Don't paint both sides at once as you will only end up trying to peel them off whatever surface you have left them to dry. Instead do them in batches, allowing them to dry each side to dry. 

- For finishing touches add glitter, sequins - whatever you fancy. 

- Finally thread ribbon through the hole so your decorations can hang on the tree.

What will you do with your salt dough decorations? Give them as a gift this Christmas or have them as part of your wrapping decoration - the perfect homemade finishing touch. 

Back to basics - salt-dough Christmas ornaments - Step 1

Take 3 simple ingredients - salt, flour and water and turn them into charming decorations for the Christmas tree and home. How to do it? Easy with these simple steps.

Ingredients

- 1 cup salt

- 2 cups flour

- 1 cup water 

Step 1 - bake and make 

- Mix together the ingredients forming a dough - as if you would bread.

- Roll out the dough until it is approximately 2mm thick or as desired. My recommendations are any thicker they will take longer to bake and any thinner they will be more brittle once complete. 

- Use an assortment of cutters, stamps, presses or anything else you can get your hands on to create the design. For example, cookie cutters, cake decorations, leaves from the garden etc. The more creative the better! 

- If you are planning on hanging your decorations make sure you add a hole, using a cocktail stick, straw or pen. Remember the hole will close over slightly during the cooking process, reducing in size.

- Place your decorations on to a grease proof paper covered baking tray. 

- Cook in the oven for 3-6 hours on a low temp. Approx 60 degrees c. I found that they cooked a lot longer than I was expecting but I wanted to ensure they were truly hard. Check on them regularly and don't allow them to burn. 

I had read a couple of blogs about microwaving for 3mins. This didn't work for me! Mine didn't even last 30seconds! Here's the results...

They bubbled and burnt - even if painted these wouldn't work as they are brittle. I'm glad I tried it though, as let's face it who doesn't want to speed up 6hours!  

- Once cooked leave out to cool on a cooling rack or switch the oven off and leave them in there to cool. 

The results: 

 

Step 2 - decoration

Coming soon...