Since the time of the Ancient Egyptians, Salt Dough or Salzteig, has been used for decorations, and many other cultures have used this simple technique. In Germany you will see Salzteig creations everywhere, made by both children and adults. From the very simple cookie cutter cut out ornaments, to elaborate wreaths made with layers of leaves and fruits. These art objects are fun to make, and a treasure to own.
Plus, it’s fun to make Salt Dough Crafts! And it’s a great way to keep kids busy making something that can last. In Germany many kids (and adults) use Salt Dough (Salzteig) to make ornaments or figures. This simple dough can be mixed up with ingredients found in the kitchen, then formed, baked and painted. You can even add a coat of varnish to add shine, and preserve your treasure.
Flour Salt Dough Recipe
Flour Salt Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour
- 1 cup Salt
- 1 cup water don’t add all at once!
Instructions
- (The recipe is a proportion. Go ahead and double or triple it. Remember, always 2 to 1, flour to salt)
- Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, the slowly add the water. Knead it in as you go. You want a smooth, pliable dough… not too sticky, not too dry.
- The dough should be kneaded for 10 minutes until it’s smooth. Tet it rest for 20 minutes before using it.
- Now… go have some fun with it.
- For simple ornaments, roll out the Salt dough, and cut out figures with cookie cutters. Remember, if you want to hang them, you need to poke a hole in the top for a string! (a Straw is great for this)
- You can also shape the dough using your hands or kitchen tools to make designs like animals, baskets of flowers, wreaths, or even people.
- Roll out ropes of dough and braid them. Or weave a basket pattern with strips.
- Use a garlic press to make hair for an angel, or a knife to cut texture into a berry...
- You can even make 3 dimensional baskets. Support your structure with aluminum foil before baking.
COLOR:
- There are a few ways to add color to Salzteig.
- Add food color (I prefer food color paste) to the dough while you are kneading it. Remember, food color added to the dough may fade a bit while baking.
- Paint the object after it’s formed using watercolor
- Paint your craft with Model Paint... it already has varnish in it, so it will look shiny.
- Once you have your piece ready. It’s time to bake it.
BAKE:
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit
- Bake on a cookie sheet for 45 minutes… then let cool.
- Now, if you have a larger piece, you may want to let it bake at a lower temperature for a few hours!
- Don’t paint before it’s cool!!
- To preserve you Salt Dough creation, spray it with a spray varnish. This will keep your piece looking nice for years.
(The recipe is a proportion. Go ahead and double or triple it. Remember, always 2 to 1, flour to salt)
Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, the slowly add the water. Knead it in as you go. You want a smooth, pliable dough… not too sticky, not too dry.
The dough should be kneaded for 10 minutes until it’s smooth. Tet it rest for 20 minutes before using it.
Now… go have some fun with it.
When Do You Add Color To Salt Dough / Salzteig
There are a few ways to add color to Salzteig.
- Add food color (I prefer food color paste) to the dough while you are kneading it. Remember, food color added to the dough may fade a bit while baking.
- Paint the object after it’s formed using watercolor
- Paint your craft with Model Paint… it already has varnish in it, so it will look shiny.
Cut Out Your Ornaments with Cookie Cutters
Once you have your piece ready. It’s time to bake it.
Baking Your Salt Dough /Salzteig
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit
Bake on a cookie sheet for 45 minutes… then let cool.
Now, if you have a larger piece, you may want to let it bake at a lower temperature for a few hours!
Paint Your Salzteig Ornaments
Don’t paint before it’s cool!! You don’t need special paint. Use what’s in the craft supplies at home.
To preserve you Salt Dough creation, spray it with a spray varnish. This will keep your piece looking nice for years.
Looking for ideas for your Salt Dough Crafts?
You can find great Books on Salt Dough on Amazon in German and English… Just follow the links!
Let’s Get Crafty with Salt-Dough: 25 creative and fun projects for kids aged 2 and up
The Magic of Salt DoughChristmas DoughcraftsSalt Dough Projects (The Decorative Arts Series)
Formen mit Salzteig.Salzteig, Zauberhafte Ideen
Tools to Make Salt Dough Crafts
Generally, you can use things you have around the house to make your projects… but for more intricate designs, there are some great tools.
KeyZone 12 Pcs Small Stainless Steel Flower & Leaf Cookie Cutter Set Fondant Biscuit Cutter Cake Molds DIY ToolsYagugu 14 Pieces Plastic Clay Tools Ceramic Pottery Tool Kit for Shaping and Sculpting (Assorted Colors)
Some Videos on How to Make Salt Dough Crafts and Ornaments
See just how easy it is! Some are in English… others in German
Beautiful Examples of Salt Dough Crafts
This Video Shows the Step-by-Step of Basic Salt Dough Ornaments
How to Make Weinachtsmaenner
(this video is in German, but you should be able to follow the visual steps)
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