DIY Salt Dough Ornaments: Christmas Tree Footprints & Santa Handprints
These DIY salt dough ornaments are an easy, heartfelt Christmas craft that becomes a treasured keepsake. Perfect for parents and grandparents alike, they capture tiny hands and feet in a simple project that uses common pantry ingredients.
My daughter Courtney made Santa handprint ornaments last year for her son Forrest’s first Christmas, and this year she added Christmas tree footprints as well. They’re charming, personal, and so easy to make.
Ingredients and supplies:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup table salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
A rolling pin, a floured surface, a metal straw or skewer to make the hanging hole, acrylic paints, small brushes or toothpicks for detail, and a sealer such as Mod Podge or a clear spray sealer. Bakers twine or ribbon for hanging.
Step-by-step directions:
1. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth.
2. Roll the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Press a small hand or foot gently into the dough to make the imprint, then cut around the shape to create the ornament.
3. Use a metal straw, skewer, or small tool to punch a hole near the top so you can hang the ornament later.
4. Bake the ornaments on a lined baking sheet at a low temperature (around 200–250°F / 95–120°C) for 2–4 hours. Bake until completely hard and dry through the center—no cool or damp spots should remain.
5. Once cooled, paint the ornaments. Apply acrylic paint in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding more. Use a toothpick for tiny details and a fine marker for eyes or small accents if desired.
6. When the paint is fully dry, seal the ornaments with Mod Podge or a clear spray sealer to protect the paint and finish. Thread baker’s twine or ribbon through the hole to hang on the tree.
These ornaments make meaningful gifts and are a lovely way to remember small hands and feet each holiday season. They’re customizable—paint them as Santas, trees, hearts, or simple keepsake shapes to match your holiday decor.
If you enjoyed these ornaments, consider trying other simple winter crafts like snow globes, a cozy cocoa station, or baking gingerbread cookies to make the season even more special.
Merry Christmas and happy crafting!