Here are some simple and fun recipes for making homemade ornaments:
**Recipe 1: Salt Dough Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup fine salt
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* Food coloring (optional)
* Decorations (optional): glitter, beads, sequins, etc.
Instructions:
1. Mix the flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add in the water and vinegar until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough until it's smooth and pliable.
4. Shape the dough into desired shapes (e.g., balls, stars, trees).
5. Allow the ornaments to air dry for 24-48 hours.
6. Once dry, you can paint them with acrylic paint or add decorations.
**Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* 1 cup peanut butter
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon water
* Food coloring (optional)
* Decorations (optional): glitter, beads, sequins, etc.
* Pinecones or other shapes for hanging
Instructions:
1. Mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the water until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Knead the dough until it's smooth and pliable.
4. Shape the dough into desired shapes (e.g., balls, trees).
5. Allow the ornaments to air dry for 24-48 hours.
6. Once dry, you can paint them with acrylic paint or add decorations.
7. Use a pinecone or other shape as a hanger.
**Recipe 3: Popcorn Garland**
Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
* 1 tablespoon white glue
* String or twine
* Decorations (optional): glitter, beads, sequins, etc.
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or a brown paper bag in the microwave.
2. Mix the glue and water to create a thin consistency.
3. Dip each piece of popcorn into the glue mixture, then string them together with twine or yarn.
4. Allow the glue to dry completely before adding decorations.
**Recipe 4: Felt Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* 1/2 yard felt (any color)
* Scissors
* Needle and thread (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut out desired shapes from the felt using scissors.
2. Use needle and thread to sew the edges of the felt together, if desired.
3. Add a loop or string for hanging.
**Recipe 5: Photo Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* Small photos (4x6 inches)
* Contact paper
* Scissors
Instructions:
1. Cut out small squares of contact paper.
2. Place a photo in each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Fold the contact paper over the photo to create a packet.
4. Use a pin or small piece of tape to secure the contact paper.
These are just a few simple and fun recipes for making homemade ornaments. You can customize them with your favorite colors, shapes, and decorations to fit your holiday style!
Salt dough! A classic and fun craft material that's perfect for kids (and adults!) of all ages. Here's a simple salt dough recipe to get you started:
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup fine salt
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Optional: food coloring, glitter, or other decorations
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in the water, stirring with a spoon until a dough forms. You may not need all of the water, so add it slowly and be prepared to stop adding water when the dough comes together.
3. Add the vegetable oil and mix well.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the dough. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it's smooth and pliable.
6. Use the dough as needed for your crafting project. You can shape it into various forms, such as ornaments, figurines, or decorative boxes.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make the dough more pliable and easier to work with, you can add a tablespoon or two of white glue.
* If you find that your dough is too sticky, try adding a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a tiny amount of water.
* You can also add glitter, sequins, or other decorations to the dough for extra sparkle and interest.
* To make a stronger, more durable salt dough, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the mixture.
* Salt dough ornaments can be baked in a preheated oven at 200°F (90°C) for 20-30 minutes to harden and preserve them. Alternatively, you can air-dry them or use a hair dryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
**Safety Notes:**
* Make sure children are supervised when handling salt dough, as it can be fragile and may break easily.
* If you plan to bake your creations, keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook or catch fire.
* Salt dough is non-toxic, but it's still important to handle it with care and avoid ingesting any small pieces.
Now that you have the recipe, get creative and start crafting!
Here's a simple and fun recipe for making easy homemade ornaments:
**Materials:**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tablespoon white glue
* Food coloring (optional)
* Decorations of your choice (e.g., glitter, sequins, beads, ribbons, etc.)
* Ornament shapes (you can use cookie cutters or make your own using cardboard or felt)
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, mix together the flour and water until you get a thick paste.
2. Add the white glue to the mixture and stir well.
3. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the ornaments.
4. Use a spoon or your hands (if they're clean!) to shape the mixture into small balls or use a cookie cutter to create shapes.
5. Place the ornament shapes on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat.
6. Allow the ornaments to air dry completely, which may take several hours or overnight.
7. Once dry, you can decorate your ornaments with glitter, sequins, beads, ribbons, or any other materials you like.
8. To add an extra layer of protection and make the ornaments more durable, you can apply a clear coat of varnish or Mod Podge.
**Tips:**
* You can customize your ornaments by using different shapes, colors, and decorations to match your favorite holiday theme or personal style.
* If you find that your ornaments are too sticky after drying, try dusting them lightly with cornstarch or powdered sugar.
* To make the ornaments more sturdy, you can add a loop of string or yarn for hanging, or attach a small hook or pin.
**Variations:**
* Make salt dough ornaments by substituting 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of salt. This will give your ornaments a nice texture and help them dry faster.
* Add some sparkle to your ornaments by mixing in some glitter or iridescent powder into the dough.
* Create themed ornaments by using different shapes, colors, and decorations to match your favorite holiday theme or occasion.
These easy homemade ornaments make great gifts for friends and family, or they can be used to decorate your own tree or home. Have fun!
Here are some creative and easy-to-make homemade ornament recipes:
**1. Salt Dough Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup fine salt
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* Food coloring (optional)
* Glitter or decorative items (optional)
Instructions:
1. Mix the flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add the water and vinegar until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough until smooth.
4. Shape into desired shapes (e.g., balls, stars, animals).
5. Let dry for 24 hours.
6. Paint with acrylic paint or decorate with glitter.
**2. Pinecone Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* Pinecones
* White glue
* Water
* Food coloring (optional)
* String or twine
Instructions:
1. Collect pinecones and clean them gently with a damp cloth.
2. Mix equal parts white glue and water to create a thick paste.
3. Paint the pinecones with the glue mixture, adding color if desired.
4. Let dry completely (this may take several hours).
5. Thread a piece of string or twine through the top of each pinecone to create a hanger.
**3. Recycled Material Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* Cardboard tubes (from paper towel rolls or toilet paper)
* Construction paper
* Scissors
* Glue
* Decorations (e.g., glitter, stickers)
Instructions:
1. Cut out shapes from construction paper.
2. Wrap the cardboard tube with the paper shapes, gluing in place.
3. Add decorations as desired.
4. Let dry completely before hanging.
**4. Felt Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* Felt sheets
* Scissors
* Needle and thread
* Stuffing material (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut out shapes from felt sheets.
2. Sew the edges together, leaving a small opening to turn the ornament right side out.
3. Fill with stuffing material if desired.
4. Close the opening by sewing or gluing.
5. Add decorations as desired.
**5. Photo Ornaments**
Ingredients:
* Small frames or ornaments
* Photos
* Glue
* Decorations (e.g., ribbon, beads)
Instructions:
1. Print small photos and glue them to the back of the frame or ornament.
2. Add a hanger (e.g., string, twine) if desired.
3. Decorate with ribbons, beads, or other embellishments.
These are just a few examples of homemade ornaments you can make. You can experiment with different materials and techniques to create unique and personalized ornaments for your tree or as gifts!
Salt dough ornaments can be a wonderful activity for adults too! While they may not be as commonly associated with grown-ups, salt dough crafts can be a great way to relax, express creativity, and create meaningful keepsakes. Here are some reasons why salt dough ornaments can be enjoyable for adults:
1. **Stress relief**: The process of creating with salt dough can be very therapeutic. The tactile experience of mixing the ingredients, shaping the dough, and adding decorations can be calming and meditative.
2. **Personalization**: Adults can create personalized ornaments that reflect their interests, hobbies, or personalities. For example, a music lover might create an ornament shaped like a guitar or a musical note.
3. **Gifting**: Salt dough ornaments make wonderful gifts for friends, family members, or coworkers. You can customize them with names, dates, or special messages to make them extra meaningful.
4. **Home decor**: Adults can use salt dough ornaments as decorative accents for their homes. They can be hung on trees, walls, or placed on mantels and shelves.
5. **Favors**: Salt dough ornaments can be used as party favors or wedding decorations. You can customize them with names, dates, or special messages to make them extra meaningful.
Some ideas for adult-themed salt dough ornaments include:
1. **Inspirational quotes**: Create ornaments with motivational quotes or lyrics that inspire you.
2. **Personal symbols**: Use shapes and designs that represent your personality, interests, or hobbies (e.g., a heart for love, a star for hope, or a bird for freedom).
3. **Themed ornaments**: Create ornaments related to your favorite TV shows, movies, books, or sports teams.
4. **Customized names**: Make ornaments with names, initials, or special dates that hold meaning for you or someone else.
5. **Abstract designs**: Create intricate, abstract patterns or shapes that reflect your artistic style.
To make salt dough ornaments more appealing to adults, you can add some adult-oriented twists, such as:
1. **Adding a twist of humor**: Incorporate funny phrases, puns, or memes into your design.
2. **Using different textures**: Experiment with different textures, like glitter, sequins, or even fabric scraps, to give your ornaments more visual interest.
3. **Creating 3D designs**: Use wire, beads, or other materials to create three-dimensional shapes that add depth and dimensionality to your ornaments.
4. **Making them functional**: Turn your ornaments into candle holders, vases, or pen holders to make them more practical.
Overall, salt dough ornaments can be a fun and creative activity for adults, offering a unique way to express themselves, relax, and create meaningful keepsakes.
Salt dough is a classic and easy-to-make material for creating ornaments! Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup fine salt (like kosher or sea salt)
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 cup white glue (optional, but helps with durability)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
2. Gradually add in the water, stirring with a spoon until a dough forms. You may not need all of the water, so start with the recommended amount and add more as needed.
3. If desired, stir in the white glue to help strengthen the dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it's smooth and pliable.
Tips for working with salt dough:
* To prevent the dough from drying out too quickly, keep it covered with plastic wrap or a damp cloth when not in use.
* If you find the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a bit more water.
* You can color your salt dough using food coloring, paint, or natural materials like paprika or turmeric.
Ornament ideas:
* Shape the dough into desired shapes (e.g., balls, stars, animals) and decorate with paint, markers, glitter, or other embellishments.
* Create a hole at the top of each ornament using a toothpick or skewer, so you can hang them on your tree.
* You can also add texture to your ornaments by pressing in small objects like beads, sequins, or even real leaves.
* To make more durable ornaments, bake them in a preheated oven at 200°F (90°C) for about 20-30 minutes. This will help harden the dough.
Some popular salt dough ornament ideas:
* Snowflakes: Create intricate designs by cutting out shapes with cookie cutters or using a craft knife.
* Animals: Make cute critters like cats, dogs, birds, or even mythical creatures like unicorns or dragons.
* Shapes: Go for classic shapes like stars, hearts, or trees, or get creative and make unique forms.
* Scenes: Create miniature scenes like winter landscapes, city skylines, or whimsical fantasy worlds.
Remember to have fun and be creative with your salt dough ornaments!
No-bake salt dough recipes are a great option, especially during hot summer days when you don't want to deal with cooking or heating up your kitchen. Here's a simple and easy-to-make no-bake salt dough recipe:
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup fine salt (such as kosher or sea salt)
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 cup white glue (like Elmer's)
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* Food coloring (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in the water, stirring with a spoon until a dough forms. You may not need to use all of the water, so add it gradually and be prepared to stop adding water when the dough comes together.
3. Add in the white glue and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint your salt dough. Mix well to distribute the color evenly.
5. Knead the dough with your hands until it's smooth and pliable.
**Tips:**
* To make the dough more manageable, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before using.
* If the dough becomes too sticky, add a small amount of flour. If it becomes too dry, add a small amount of water.
* No-bake salt dough is great for creating ornaments, decorations, and other crafts that don't require baking.
**Ideas for Using Your No-Bake Salt Dough:**
* Make ornaments for your Christmas tree or use them as gift tags.
* Create decorative shapes or figurines to display on a shelf or mantle.
* Use the dough to make custom cookie cutters or molds for candies.
* Make salt dough jewelry, such as pendants or earrings.
* Use the dough to create decorations for special events, like weddings or holidays.
Remember to store your no-bake salt dough in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent drying out. Enjoy!
Salt dough is a classic! Here's a simple and effective recipe for making salt dough:
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup fine salt
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Optional: food coloring, glitter, or other decorative items
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in the water, stirring with a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula until a dough forms.
3. Add the vegetable oil and continue stirring until the dough is smooth and consistent.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the dough. Mix well to combine.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes pliable and easy to shape.
**Tips:**
* Use fine salt instead of coarse salt for better texture and less risk of scratching your skin.
* If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a tiny amount of water.
* You can store the dough in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
* To prevent the dough from drying out, cover any exposed surfaces with plastic wrap or cling film.
**Using Your Salt Dough:**
1. Shape the dough into desired forms, such as ornaments, figurines, or decorative items.
2. Use a toothpick or skewer to create holes for hanging (if needed).
3. Allow the shapes to air dry completely, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the thickness of the dough and the humidity in your environment.
4. Once dry, you can paint or varnish your creations with acrylic paints, enamel paint, or clear varnish.
Some fun ideas for using salt dough:
* Make ornaments for Christmas trees or gift-giving
* Create decorative items for home decor, such as figurines or coasters
* Use as a base for other craft projects, like making jewelry or painting designs
* Give as gifts or use in educational settings to teach children about art and crafting
Enjoy your salt dough creations!