How Long Does It Take to Bake Salt Dough Ornaments Perfectly
I’ve had my share of trial and error with salt dough ornaments. After making hundreds of them, I’ve learned that baking time makes all the difference between perfect and cracked decorations.
Getting the baking time right matters because no one wants to spend hours making ornaments only to have them break.
In this guide, I’ll share my tested method for baking salt dough ornaments. I’ll tell you exactly how long to bake them based on their size and thickness.
Read on to learn the right temperature settings and timing that will help you create strong, long-lasting ornaments.
Plus, I’ll share some simple tips I’ve picked up that will make your crafting easier.
Step-by-Step of Making Salt Dough Ornaments
Tools & Materials Required
- Plain flour (250 grams)
- Table salt (125 grams)
- Water (125 milliliters)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring tools
- Freezer paper
- Tape
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or cups
- Straw (for making holes)
- Cardboard (for custom templates)
- Paint brushes
- White paint
- Colored paints or felt tip markers
- Clear-drying glue
- String for hanging
Stepwise Process for Making It
- Mix the Base:
- Put 250g flour in a mixing bowl
- Add 125g table salt
- Gradually add 125ml water while mixing
- Use hands to combine when spoon mixing gets tough
- Prepare Work Surface:
- Cover the table with freezer paper
- Secure paper with tape
- Keep extra flour in a bowl nearby
- Perfect the Dough:
- Test dough consistency
- If sticky, knead in extra flour
- Continue until dough doesn’t stick to hands
- Shape the Ornaments:
- Roll dough flat with a rolling pin
- Cut shapes using cookie cutters or cups
- For custom shapes, use cardboard templates
- Make holes using a straw for hanging loops
- Dry the Ornaments:
- Bake at low temperature for an extended time
- Or air dry for several days
- Let cool completely after baking
- Decorate:
- Apply white paint base coat first
- Add colored paint or use markers
- Let paint dry fully
- Apply clear-drying glue as finish
- Add string through holes when dry
DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE MAKING OF SALT DOUGH ORNAMENT FROM THIS PDF
Approximate Investment Required for Making It
| Category | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials ($10-15) | Plain flour (2 lbs) | $3 |
| Table salt (1 lb) | $1 | |
| Freezer paper | $4 | |
| Clear-drying glue | $3 | |
| If Starting from Scratch ($20-25 additional) | Basic mixing bowl | $5 |
| Rolling pin | $8 | |
| Cookie cutters | $5 | |
| Drinking straws | $2 | |
| Measuring cups/spoons | $5 | |
| Optional Decorating Supplies ($15-20) | White paint | $4 |
| Colored paints | $8 | |
| Paint brushes | $5 | |
| String for hanging | $2 | |
| Total Investment | Minimum (using basic kitchen tools) | $10-15 |
| Complete starter kit | $45-60 |
How Long to Bake Salt Dough Ornaments
The baking time for salt dough ornaments depends mostly on their thickness. For thin ornaments (about 1/4 inch), I set my oven to 250°F and bake them for 2 hours. Thicker pieces need more time – usually 3 to 4 hours at the same temperature.
I’ve found that slow baking at a lower temperature works better than rushing at high heat. When I try to speed things up with higher temperatures, the ornaments often crack or bubble up. Sometimes, I flip the ornaments halfway through baking to help them dry evenly.
You’ll know they’re done when they feel hard and sound solid when tapped gently. If they’re still soft in the middle, they need more time. It’s better to bake them a bit longer than to take them out too soon.
After baking, I let them cool completely for about an hour before painting.
If you don’t want to use the oven, you can air-dry the ornaments. But keep in mind this takes 2-3 days, depending on your room’s temperature and humidity. I prefer baking because it gives me more reliable results.
How to Decorate the Ornaments Beautifully
1. Paint and Brush Technique ($10-15)
I start with a white base coat to make the colors pop. Then, I add bright colors like red, blue, or green. Using small brushes helps me add neat details. The paint dries in about an hour, and I finish with clear glue for shine.
2. Glitter Magic ($5-8)
Before the paint dries, I sprinkle glitter over the ornaments. Silver and gold glitter work best. The glitter sticks to the wet paint, creating sparkly patterns. One small bottle of glitter goes a long way.
3. Stamp Designs ($8-12)
I use rubber stamps with ink pads to make patterns. Press the stamp gently on the dried ornament. Holiday-themed stamps like snowflakes or stars look great. Let the ink dry for 30 minutes before handling.
4. Natural Elements ($3-5)
I press leaves, flowers, or pine needles into the dough before baking. This creates pretty patterns. After baking, I paint the impressions in metallic colors. It’s a cheap but effective technique.
5. Ribbon Finish ($4-6)
I thread colorful ribbons through the holes instead of plain string. Satin ribbons look fancy but cost little. One spool makes about 20 ornament loops. I tie small bows for extra style.
6. Marker Art ($6-10)
When I’m short on time, I use permanent markers. They work great on baked ornaments. I can easily draw detailed patterns. The colors stay bright, and there’s no drying time needed.
Best Preserving & Storing Methods to Look After
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sealing the Ornaments for Long Life | Using a soft brush, apply two thin coats of clear-drying glue or acrylic sealer on both sides and edges. Allow the coats to dry for 24 hours between coats. |
| It prevents moisture absorption and preserves color brightness. | |
| Protection from Humidity | Place silica gel packets in storage containers to absorb moisture. |
| Replace silica packets every six months. Essential for humid environments. | |
| Careful Wrapping Methods | Wrap each ornament in acid-free tissue paper to prevent scratches. |
| Use bubble wrap between layers of ornaments. Avoid using newspapers due to ink transfer. | |
| Storage Container Choices | Use plastic containers with snap-on lids to protect ornaments from dust and bugs. |
| Avoid cardboard boxes as they can absorb moisture. Store in a cool, dry closet away from sunlight. | |
| Yearly Maintenance Check | Inspect ornaments for cracks or chips before each holiday season. |
| Touch up paint and apply an additional coat of sealer to damaged areas. | |
| Regular maintenance ensures the ornaments last for many seasons. |
Common Troubleshooting Issues to Consider
- Dough feels too sticky – Add more flour gradually while kneading until it stops sticking to hands
- Dough keeps cracking while rolling – Mix in a few drops of water to make it more pliable
- Ornaments puff up during baking – Temperature is too high; lower it to 250°F
- Edges curl while baking – Flip ornaments halfway through baking time
- Paint soaks into ornament surface – Apply white base coat first, let dry completely
- Colors look dull after drying – Use acrylic paints instead of watercolors
- Ornaments feel soft after cooling – Need longer baking time; return to oven until completely hard
- Holes close up during baking – Make holes slightly larger with straw before baking
- Ornaments develop mold spots – Didn’t bake long enough; needs complete drying
- Paint peels off after drying – Surface wasn’t clean; dust off before painting
- Glitter falls off finished pieces – Mix glitter with clear glue before applying
- Ornaments break easily – Dough rolled too thin; keep thickness at least 1/4 inch
- Surface looks bumpy – Roll dough on a smooth surface like freezer paper
- String pulls through holes – Holes too small; use straw to make them bigger
Conclusion
Making salt dough ornaments takes patience, but it’s worth the time. I’ve made these ornaments with my family for years, and they always bring smiles during special occasions.
Remember to follow the baking times carefully – it’s key to getting strong, long-lasting decorations. If your first batch isn’t perfect, don’t worry.
Each time you make them, you’ll get better at knowing just the right consistency for the dough and timing for the oven.
Want to start making your own? Gather your supplies and set aside an afternoon for crafting. With basic kitchen ingredients and some creativity, you’ll create beautiful ornaments that can last for many seasons to come.
Why not make some today?
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prevent My Ornaments from Puffing up Or Cracking?
I keep my oven at 250°F and bake slowly. I poke tiny holes in thicker areas with a toothpick before baking. This lets air escape and stops bubbles from forming.
Can I Speed Up the Drying Process?
I don’t recommend rushing the drying time. Quick drying leads to cracks. Stick to low heat for longer times. Using fans or dehumidifiers won’t help and might damage ornaments.
What are the Best Practices for Making Durable Ornaments?
I roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. I knead it well to remove air bubbles. After baking completely, I seal both sides with clear glue for strength.
