Seasonal Decor – Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are a festive and eco-friendly way to deck the halls this holiday season! This simple, affordable craft is perfect for creating lasting memories while keeping waste to a minimum. They are endlessly customizable and keep well for years, or you can compost them at the end of the season.

Whether you’re making them with kids or crafting for yourself, these ornaments are easy to make with pantry staples. I am able to purchase exactly what I need (in my own containers!) at my local bulk store. Have you tried shopping in your own containers yet? No time like the present!

How To Make Salt Dough Ornaments

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup table salt
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add water until the dough comes together.
2. Knead the dough for 5–10 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable.
3. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
4. Use festive cookie cutters to create your shapes.
5. Use a reusable straw to poke holes for hanging. Be sure to blow the dough out of the straw each time.

Eco-Friendly Ideas for Decorating Salt Dough Ornaments

Now comes the fun part – decorating! Get creative with eco-friendly embellishments like:

• Coloured sugars, food colouring, or plant-based dyes (e.g. use beet juice instead of water)
• Spices such as star anise, cloves, cinnamon, rosemary, cardamom pods, fennel seeds etc.
• Items for adding texture. For example, I rolled a knitted dish cloth on top of the dough before using the mitten-shaped cookie cutter.
• A few drops of essential oils or some grated citrus zest for a light, natural scent.
• Pressed flowers, leaves, or sprigs of evergreen.
• Small acorn caps, pine cones, or twigs.

Once your designs are ready, you can air dry the ornaments for several days or bake them at 200°F for about 2 hours, flipping halfway through.

Adding Sustainable Finishing Touches

String your ornaments with twine, raffia, or any leftover ribbon you have on hand. Hang them on your tree, use them as gift tags, or even string them together for a festive garland.

And here’s the best part – once the holidays are over, these decorations can go straight into your compost bin. No waste, just memories. If you wish to keep them, simply store them in an airtight container with a little tissue paper and they should last for years!

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Related Podcast Episodes

Want more ideas for creative reuse? Check out my conversations with artist and author Sibia Torres Padilla (@sibster) and upcycling creator @SustainablyAmber on the Sustainable in the Suburbs podcast. Both episodes explore simple, meaningful ways to use what we already have and find joy in making.

What eco-friendly crafts are you excited to try this season? I’d love to hear your ideas!