DIY Salt Dough Ornaments: Christmas Tree Footprints & Santa Handprints
These DIY salt dough handprint and footprint ornaments are a simple, heartfelt Christmas craft that makes lovely keepsakes. They’re easy to make with common pantry ingredients and create memorable decorations to hang on the tree year after year.
My daughter made Santa handprint ornaments last year for her baby’s first Christmas and added Christmas tree footprints this year. The results are charming and make thoughtful gifts for grandparents and other family members.
Materials and tools
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup table salt
- 1.5 cups warm water
- Flour for your work surface
- A rolling pin
- A metal straw or skewer to punch a hole for hanging
- Acrylic paints, small brushes or toothpicks, and a fine marker for details
- Clear sealer (spray sealer or Mod Podge) and ribbon or baker’s twine for hanging
Step-by-step instructions
1. Combine the flour, salt, and warm water in a mixing bowl. Stir until a dough forms. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, add a splash of water.
2. Knead the dough briefly until smooth, then roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Press a child’s hand or footprint gently into the dough to create an impression. Cut around the print with a cookie cutter or knife to form the ornament shape.
4. Use a metal straw, skewer, or small tool to punch a hole near the top of the ornament for hanging.
5. Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake in a low oven set between 200–250°F (90–120°C) for 2–4 hours. They should feel completely hard and dry throughout; the exact time depends on thickness and oven temperature.
6. Once cooled, paint the ornaments with acrylic paint. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next. Use a toothpick for tiny details and a fine-tip marker for small features like eyes.
7. When the paint is fully dry, seal the ornaments with a clear spray sealer or a coat of Mod Podge to protect the finish. Thread ribbon or baker’s twine through the hole and tie a loop for hanging.
These ornaments make sweet personalized decorations that capture little hands and feet at a moment in time. They’re inexpensive, easy to create together, and perfect for gifting.
Merry Christmas and happy crafting!
Related projects you might enjoy include other salt dough ornament variations, winter-themed crafts, and simple holiday baking ideas that pair well with crafting days.