These weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to pass too quickly each year. Between the fluster of finishing our school work, giving or making gifts, visiting family, and joining local celebrations with friends, time feels so concentrated. One way I’m trying to slow up our days and enjoy the season a bit more is having a craft and read-a-loud time each afternoon with my children. These are often hours contrasting with the loud, boisterous mess of handmade projects and the quiet doodles with candles and warm drinks and read-a-louds. Honestly, it’s been wonderful. Even the mess.
Last week, for one project, we made salt dough ornaments together. I pulled out all of Christmas cookie cutters (and the boys grabbed the Star Wars pancake molds in honor of the anticipated movie release–ha!). My sister and her three children joined us, because this project is really fun and easy for all ages. She created a really sweet video from our afternoon together, which you can view by pressing play in the above box. In case you’re interested in making these at home, I’ve included the recipe we used below (and doubled). Enjoy!
SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS (adapted from Moonschooling Eleanor)
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1/4-1/2 cup water
a few drops of essential oils (optional)
- Mix together 1 cup all purpose flour and 1/4 cup salt really well.
- Slowly add water until a dough forms–careful not to make it too wet!
- Add a few drops of essential oils (peppermint, balsam fir, or orange/clove –if your child isn’t sensitive to the clove)
- Wrap the dough in plastic and let it chill in the fridge for about twenty minutes.
- Roll out dough on floured surface and cut shapes.
- Poke holes using something toothpick-sized.
- Bake at 200 degree oven for about 60 minutes. Check them often, so they don’t harden or brown.
- String with twine and use for your tree, gifts for friends, or as gift tags for presents.
Comments
such a sweet video. those smiles at the camera.:) merry christmas time, bethany!
We are making these, too! It is so much fun and a cost effective little activity. :)
This is exactly what I am looking forward to once school gets out at the end of this week- I cannot wait! And such a sweet little video. I remember making ornaments like these when I was a kid- thanks for bringing back memories and inspiring once again.
They’ll love it (and you, too), Emily. It really is the perfect last minute activity to enjoy together–just watch the oven temp, as we had to tweak it a bit. Merry Christmas! x