Salt Dough Ornaments: A Holiday Keepsake with the Breadcrumbz
The holidays are the perfect time to mix a little creativity with connection — and what better way to do that than with a fun, hands-on project straight from the Crumby Kitchen?
This week in the Activities Basket, the Breadcrumbz are rolling up their sleeves to make Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments — a simple, inexpensive, and memory-filled craft that brings the whole family together.
Penelope Pumpernickel says it best:
“Every ornament tells a story — and this one tells yours!”
What You’ll Need
You only need three pantry staples to get started!
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
¾ cup warm water (you may need a bit more)
Optional:
Cookie cutters (holiday shapes like stars, trees, hearts, or gingerbread people)
Straw or toothpick (for creating the hole for stringing)
Paint, glitter, markers, or ribbons for decorating
Twine or yarn to hang your finished ornaments
Directions
1️⃣ Mix Your Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Slowly add warm water and stir until a dough forms. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.
2️⃣ Knead and Roll:
Knead your dough on a flat surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Then, use a rolling pin to flatten it to about ¼ inch thick — just like rolling out sugar cookies!
3️⃣ Cut Out Your Shapes:
Use your favorite cookie cutters (or create your own designs with a butter knife). Don’t forget to use a straw to poke a small hole near the top for hanging.
4️⃣ Bake or Air Dry:
Bake at 200°F (93°C) for about 2–3 hours until hard.
OR leave them out to air dry for 2–3 days if you prefer not to bake.
5️⃣ Decorate and Display:
Once they’re dry, paint and decorate your ornaments! Add names, dates, or little doodles that represent what you’re thankful for this year. Finish with a ribbon or string and hang them on your tree.
Breaducation Moment
While kids roll, shape, and decorate, they’re also learning:
Patience (waiting for dough to dry!)
Creativity (designing and decorating unique ornaments)
Gratitude (creating something meaningful to give or share)
Encourage your kids to make an ornament for someone special — a grandparent, teacher, or neighbor. Samantha Sourdough calls it “baking kindness into the holidays.”
Crumbz of Connection
When families create together, they build lasting memories. These ornaments aren’t just decorations — they’re story starters. Each one captures a moment in time, a laugh shared, or a lesson learned.
💬 Ask your kids while crafting:
“Who makes your world brighter?”
“What are you thankful for this Christmas?”
“What shape best shows your personality?”
These conversations are the real gift — the kind that never fades.
Bonus Idea:
Make this a yearly tradition! Each December, create new salt dough ornaments with your kids and label them with the year. Over time, you’ll have a tree filled with memories — and a beautiful visual reminder of how much your little Crumbz have grown.
