Easy to Make Salt Dough for Crafts (3 ingredient recipe)

This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).

Content Created by Tracey of Baker Street Living

Salt dough is one of the easiest and most affordable crafting materials you can make at home. With just three simple ingredients, you can create ornaments, handprints, decorations, and keepsakes for every season. This classic recipe is perfect for kids’ crafts, classrooms, and rainy-day projects. I was making salt dough ornaments when I was a kid, and that was a long time ago!

Salt dough is a homemade modelling dough made from flour, salt, and water. Once shaped, it can be air-dried or baked to harden, then painted and sealed. It’s inexpensive, non-toxic, and incredibly versatile for crafting.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Table Salt
• 3/4 cup Warm Water
• Food Colouring – Optional

How to Make Salt Dough Step by Step

1. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
2. Add water slowly
   Gradually add warm water, stirring as you go. Start with ¾ cup and add more only if needed.
3. Knead the dough
   Once the dough comes together, knead it by hand for 5–7 minutes until smooth and firm. If it’s sticky, add a little flour. If it’s crumbly, add a few drops of water.
4. Roll and shape
   Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes, or hand-form your designs.

To craft with Salt Dough, you may need:

• Silicone rolling mat
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie Cutters
• Skewer
• Sculpting Tools
• Spatula

How to Bake or Air-Dry Salt Dough

Oven Method (Faster)

When planning on baking, cut or shape your pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This eliminates the need for using a spatula to move them onto the tray. Baking slowly is reccomended to prevent cracking.

• Preheat oven to 200–250°F (95–120°C)
• Place items on a parchment-lined baking sheet
• Bake for 1–2 hours, turning occasionally
• Thicker pieces may need more time
• Allow to fully cool before handling, painting or adding embellishments.

Air-Dry Method

• Let pieces dry at room temperature for 24–72 hours
• Turn occasionally for even drying

If you are unable to turn the pieces over for drying, place them on a wire rack once they have dried enough to be stable.

Tip: Slow drying helps prevent cracking.

Decorating Salt Dough

Once fully dry, you can decorate your salt dough creations with:

• Acrylic paint or tempera paint
• Paint markers
• Glitter or metallic paint
• Clear sealant or Mod Podge for protection
• Gems, buttons and small embellishments can be added using hot glue.

Let the paint dry completely before sealing.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fine table salt for a smoother finish
• Keep unused dough wrapped tightly to prevent drying
• Poke a hole with a straw before baking if making ornaments
• Thicker pieces take longer to dry. Turn over after 24 hours to speed up drying.

Salt Dough Craft Ideas

• Holiday ornaments – use cookie cutters to cut shapes, dry and decorate
• Handprint or footprint keepsakes
• Garland decorations
• Magnets and small sculptures

Salt dough is a timeless craft recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you’re crafting with kids, creating seasonal décor, or making heartfelt keepsakes, this easy salt dough recipe is a must-have for any DIY crafter. With proper care, salt dough crafts can last for many years. I have some over 20 years old.

This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).