Painted Salt Dough Christmas Stars

Make this idea your own

Make small keepsakes for your own tree or use them as reusable gift tags. This simple version uses thin shapes so they dry more evenly; drying time still varies with thickness and oven.

Materials

• 125 g plain flour, plus a little for rolling
• 150 g fine table salt
• About 100 ml water, added gradually
• Bowl, rolling pin and 5–6 cm cutters
• Baking paper, tray and drinking straw
• Water-based craft paint and brush
• 20 cm cotton cord per ornament

Step by step

1. An adult preheats the oven to 100°C conventional. Mix flour and salt, then add water gradually until a firm, workable dough forms. Knead briefly; add a little flour if sticky.
2. Roll to an even 5 mm thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut small stars or circles and lift onto the lined tray.
3. Make a hole with the straw at least 8 mm from each top edge. Re-roll scraps once and cut more shapes.
4. Dry in the oven for approximately 2–3 hours, turning carefully halfway. Continue in short intervals until hard and dry underneath; do not brown. An adult handles the hot tray.
5. Cool completely, paint lightly and allow the paint to dry according to its label. Thread each hole and knot a hanging loop.

Useful tips

• Write names and the year on the back.
• Keep finished decorations indoors and store completely dry.

Safety and storage

Decoration only: raw flour and high-salt dough must not be eaten. Salt dough is dangerous to pets; keep both dough and ornaments out of reach. Adults supervise children and use the oven.

Editorial DIY draft — make a sample before publication.