How To Make Scented Salt Dough

With the delightful infusion of orange, ginger, and cinnamon, this salt dough recipe delivers the scent of the holiday season.

Is there anything more charming than handcrafted Christmas decorations? If you're in search of a simple, rustic ornament that will endure for countless holiday seasons, these delightful salt dough ornaments are the perfect choice. I initially made this salt dough recipe with my children 12 years ago, and those ornaments still get hung on our tree to this day.

When the holiday season approaches, there's something truly magical about decorating your home with handcrafted ornaments. Salt dough ornaments are a wonderful way to infuse your decorations with warmth and character, and the best part is, they're simple to create. In this guide, we'll take you through the art of making salt dough ornaments, and how this creative activity can become a cherished tradition.

Creating salt dough ornaments is not just a craft; it's a beautiful tradition that can be shared with family and friends. These ornaments will not only adorn your tree but also serve as a testament to the creativity, love, and togetherness of the holiday season. So, this year, start your own salt dough ornament tradition and craft memories that will last a lifetime.

This salt dough recipe carries the scents of ginger and cinnamon, but don't hesitate to use any spices you have at your disposal, even if it's just one type. You also have the flexibility to skip spices altogether. The same holds true for the optional orange essential oil – you can easily swap it out for cinnamon or pine essential oil, allowing you to customize the fragrance to your liking.

What I love most about this salt dough recipe is its timeless, classic white hue. A touch of twine, and you'll have a stunning ornament or garland at your fingertips.

Commonly Asked Questions

Do I have to bake salt dough? You do not have to bake salt dough. To dry salt dough ornaments naturally, place them in a warm, dry location for several days until the salt dough becomes hard. The drying duration is influenced by factors like humidity, temperature, and the thickness of the ornaments.

How long does it take to dry salt dough in the oven? Depending on the thickness and size of the ornaments it can take up to two hours.

How do I seal salt dough? To seal salt dough ornaments, you can follow these steps:

1. Allow the Ornaments to Dry:

Make sure your salt dough ornaments are completely dry before attempting to seal them. This can take up to 2-3 days, depending on the thickness of the ornaments.

2. Sand Any Rough Edges:

If there are any rough edges or uneven surfaces on your ornaments, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth them out.

3. Choose a Sealer:

You have a few options for sealers:

- Mod Podge: Mod Podge is a popular choice for sealing salt dough ornaments. It comes in various finishes, such as gloss, matte, and satin.

- Acrylic Sealer Spray: You can use an acrylic sealer spray, which provides a clear protective coat. Make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.

4. Apply the Sealer:

For Mod Podge:

- Using a foam brush, paint a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface of the ornament.

- Let it dry completely, which may take a few hours.

- You can apply multiple coats for added protection, allowing each coat to dry in between.

For Acrylic Sealer Spray:

- Take your ornaments outdoors or to a well-ventilated area.

- Hold the spray can about 6-8 inches away from the ornaments.

- Spray a thin, even coat over the surface. Allow it to dry according to the product's instructions.

5. Optional: Add More Decorative Elements:

Once the sealer is dry, you can further decorate your ornaments with paints, glitter, or any other embellishments.

6. Allow to Dry:

After decorating, let your ornaments dry completely before handling or hanging them.

Sealing your salt dough ornaments with a sealer like Mod Podge or acrylic sealer will protect them from moisture and extend their life span.

How do I store salt dough ornaments! To properly store salt dough ornaments wrap each ornament in tissue paper. You can place cardboard between each layer of ornaments. Store in a cool dry area. I would avoid damp basements.

What you will need

- 2 cups of all-purpose flour

- 1 cup of salt

- 1 cup of water

- 3 tsp cinnamon

- 3 tsp ginger or all-spice

- 10-15 drops of optional orange essential oil

Feel free to customize your recipe by swapping out any of the spices for nutmeg or ground cloves and replacing the orange essential oil with options like cinnamon or pine essential oil.

How to make scented salt dough

1. Start by combining flour, salt, your favorite spices, and 10-15 drops of orange essential oil in a mixing bowl. With a utensil mix these ingredients thoroughly.

2. Gradually pour in the water while continuing to mix. Stir until the dough begins to take shape.

- At this point, transition from mixing with a utensil to kneading the dough with your hands. This will yield a beautifully smooth consistency similar to play-dough.

3. Embrace your creativity by rolling out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Use any cookie cutter shape that inspires you. If you're crafting ornaments or a garland, remember to create a hole for hanging, which you can achieve with a straw or a similar object.

4. Arrange your creations on a baking sheet and bake at 200 degrees for one hour. After the first thirty minutes flip the ornaments. You may need an additional hour depending on the thickness and size of the ornament. Allow them to cool before handling.

Creating with salt dough is a delightful and satisfying craft. I hope you find as much enjoyment in it as I do. Happy crafting!

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