I routinely question my sanity. Yesterday was no different. It was a steamy 31C summer day on the farm. The cicadas were screaming. The frogs loudly predicting a storm. Me? I was sweltering in the kitchen, baking salt dough christmas ornaments for two and a half hours. As you do, when you're completely bonkers.
Regular readers know I’m a reluctant crafter at the best of times. Crafting with my girls, the ratio of minutes kids enjoying activity to time mummy spends cleaning up afterwards is 1:2. Skewed to them wandering off to something else and me left with a half-finished creation and a lot of solo pick up, pack up. Yesterday I invited some older friends to join us and whadya know? The extra encouragement saw the salt dough creations get finished!
salt dough Christmas ornaments
Ingredients:
3 cups plain flour
1 cup cooking salt
2 tbs vegetable oil
320ml cold water
Method:
Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in oil. Gradually add water, stirring mixture until combined. Once combined, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until the dough is a smooth ball.
Roll out the salt dough to about 5mm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out ornaments. Use a skewer to poke a hole at the top of each decoration. Place decorations on trays lined with baking paper. Roll remaining dough back together and go again.
Bake decorations at 120C for 2 ½ hours or until hard and dry. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 
The end results - especially the older kids’ creations - turned out beautifully.
Why didn’t we paint them you say? I may be crazy, but I’m not certifiable. Plus I’m loving the simple look of the salt dough on this year’s real tree.
Sarah @ Slapdash Mama says
They look great! I might make some! Actually, no. I won't. Let's be honest here. STILL THE IDEA IS AWESOME!
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Those are the words of sane woman, Sarah!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Mine would just eat them, and so would I because I can't help myself when it comes to dough!!!!!!!!!! I have old candy canes on my tree and the kids try and eat them, some are 6 years old.
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
I can just see it. These decorations are making me thirsty!
fitbms says
I'm like that Amanda. Better get this oven cranked up because heaven forbid, I don't want my kids missing out on making damn salt dough Christmas ornaments! LOL I rather they just do that stuff at school now. My days of cleaning up craft messes is down to just cleaning up after my own! LOL
Anne xx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Collage? That's why there were six glue sticks on your book list darling. Do it at school! x
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
Oh bonkers is such a way of life isnt it. I'm bonkers but I blame the season, actually I blame every season and being a mum and being neurotic and ... you get the gist 😉 xx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Bonkers is my standard operating procedure too Sonia!
Cindy @Your Kids OT says
Great job! We are completely bonkers here too... driven crazy by eczema, heat, ezcema!