February 14, 2022, 2:56 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Salt dough is the classic among modeling materials. It has captivated us for generations–and no wonder, as the dough can be made quickly and easily at home. This cost-effective material can be used in a wide variety of DIY projects. And the best part: Everything you need to make salt dough is already at home.
Whether it’s a dinosaur skeleton, handprint, play kitchen bread, or decorative tealight holder, salt dough continues to delight both young and old. This practical modeling material not only keeps kids entertained on rainy afternoons but is also a convenient and affordable way to quickly create gifts for grandmothers or stock the play store with new items–all without leaving the house. Even beyond kindergarten age, salt dough fascinates. This straightforward material is suitable for all sorts of DIY projects. A major advantage: Unlike clay, it doesn’t require complex firing.
Making Salt Dough–What Do You Need?
Most people will find everything they need for homemade salt dough already in their kitchen cabinets.
Material
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon oil
Utensils
The utensils used primarily depend on the intended purpose. Here, imagination knows no bounds!
- Bowl
- Mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Skewer, e.g., to poke holes for later hanging
- Ribbons for hanging
- Food coloring or watercolors for painting
- Clear varnish
Also interesting:REMOVED LINKMake Playdough for Kids Easily
Salt Dough: Step-by-Step Instructions
Salt dough can be made easily in a short time with just a few steps:
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well with a hand mixer. Then knead the salt dough by hand until it reaches a workable consistency.
- Place the dough on a floured work surface and work it as desired. Salt dough can be used to create wonderful gift tags, decorative pieces, door signs, plant markers, tealight holders, Christmas ornaments, and accessories for the play kitchen or store.
- To ensure the salt dough creations last and bring joy for longer, they must be properly dried. You can let the pieces air dry for at least two days. If you’re in a hurry, use the oven. Important: Gradually increase the temperature to avoid cracks! It has proven effective to dry the creations or decorative pieces for one hour at 50 to 80 °C and then for about two more hours at 120 to 150 °C.
- After drying, the homemade salt dough can be painted and sprayed with clear varnish.
Tip: Salt dough can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for about a week.