Salt Dough Ornaments

  pam in texas  Dec 21, 2011
Would make this again.
I found this recipe last night when looking for a quick idea to help my 9 yr old granddaughter make Christmas gifts. We did the baked version when her mom was little, and I was delighted to find this microwave option. Granddaughter reminded me to poke a hole (with a toothpick) for the cord BEFORE baking! I made the mistake of placing the cutout shapes on a thin plastic prep board to bake, and after only 20 seconds in the microwave, the salt and plastic began to burn and smoke! Switched to ceramic plate! Since we used small 1.5" cookie cutters, we placed 6 cookie shapes in a wide circle around the edge of the plate then adjusted baking time/temp to 1 minute on Power Level 8. The shapes puffed a little, but it gave them an interesting 3D appearance. The best part was very quick cooling so that we could get to the painting right away! Thanks for sharing this recipe! five stars

  A cookie baker  Nov 7, 2011
Would make this again.
To those who had trouble with the ornaments puffing up ... place cutouts on a microwave-safe plate and then place another microwave-safe plate on top of them. This keeps them beautifully flat and smooth for decorating. A great craft! five stars

  A cookie baker  Oct 30, 2011
Would make this again.
I had the same problem with mine puffing up in the microwave. Does anyone know what that happens to some but not others?

I'm trying to make a model of something and spent a lot of time working on the dimensions. The entire thing puffed up about half an inch but shrunk lengthwise about half an inch. I don't remember having this problem when i used to bake them. five stars

  A cookie baker in Kentucky  Oct 9, 2010
Would make this again.
I made Salt Dough ornaments when my daughter was 4 and lost the recipe after that. I made an impression of her little hand in the dough and carefully cut it out, made a hole in the top of the index finger with a straw and baked it. I painted it, lightly brushed it with gold leaf, and sealed it with acrylic spray sealer. It hangs on our tree every year in a place of honor near the top.
She may be grown, but I still love the feel of that little hand in my hand. Priceless! five stars

  G'Maddy in Colorado in Centennial CO  Nov 8, 2009
Would make this again.
I know this is a great recipe b/c I used the same one 33 years ago when my son, Lucas, was a child and now I am making ornaments with my Grand Daughter. I like the fact that now we use a microwave instead of the oven.
Merry Christmas everyone! five stars