How to Make Traditional Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are a true classic when it comes to holiday decorating. They're so simple to make, and they give your tree a very homemade and cozy feel. This is an easy craft to do with your kids, or even your pets, and it's a great little memory to have hanging from your tree that you'll smile at year after year.

This is my baby's first Christmas and I wanted to remember how little he was, so that in years to come, I can place his hand next to the ornament and be reminded just how teeny tiny he was. (crying...)

I'm excited to share this salt dough recipe with you, so let's start crafting!

Here's what you'll need to make these ornaments:

• 2 Cups All Purpose Flour

• 1 Cup Salt

• 3/4 Cup Water (may need more if needed)

• Rolling pin

• Cookie cutters

• Ribbon

• Parchment paper (optional)

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1. Make the dough - Combine all the ingredients and mix together. If it seems a little dry, add more water.

2. Knead - Knead the dough by hand until it has a smooth texture.

3. Roll - Roll the dough to a 1/4" thickness on parchment paper or a lightly floured surface.

4. Create handprints - Take your kids' hands or your pet's paws and press gently into the dough. If you have a baby, this step proved to be a little difficult. I was trying to take a picture, while holding my baby, while pushing his hand into the dough, while trying to prevent him from squishing it and pushing it onto the ground.

5. Cut your cookie - Cut carefully around the handprint with a knife. You can also use cookie cutters if you want other shapes. I also made a cow and a star.

6. Make a hole - Using a straw, press a hole into the top of the ornament you can add a ribbon or string to it.

7. Bake - Bake in the oven at 200 degreed Farenheit for 20 minutes. The carefully, flip them over and bake for another 10 minutes.

8. Transfer - Transfer your cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to dry out for a couple of days.

Once your cookie ornaments are dried out, string some ribbon through them and hang them on your tree! Voila! A simple and easy keepsake memory.