By Audrey HayesMaking homemade ornaments with your children is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, build family traditions, and create decorations that you will treasure for years. This guide covers several kid-friendly ornament projects: classic salt dough (which is not edible and should be kept away from dogs), simple paper ornaments, soft felt shapes, and sentimental handprint keepsakes. Each project includes clear steps, safety notes, and practical advice for drying and storing your finished creations. Whether your child is a toddler or a confident crafter, you will find a project that fits their skill level and your family’s style.
What You Need for Each Ornament Type
The supplies for homemade ornaments are generally inexpensive and easy to find at craft stores or around your home. Below is a quick overview of the materials for each project type. For a complete all-in-one solution, you can also look for ornament craft kits that include pre-cut shapes, paint, and glue.
| Ornament Type | Basic Supplies | Adult-Only Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Dough Ornaments | Flour, salt, water, rolling pin, cookie cutters, straw (for hanging hole), baking sheet, paint, sealant | Oven baking, supervising the use of the oven, handling hot items |
| Paper Ornaments | Cardstock or construction paper, scissors, glue stick, hole punch, ribbon or string | Using scissors with sharp blades, hot glue for assembly |
| Felt Ornaments | Felt sheets, embroidery floss or craft glue, needles (if sewing), stuffing (optional), ribbon | Handling needles, using hot glue if preferred |
| Handprint Ornaments | Salt dough or air-dry clay, paint (if using dough), acrylic sealer, ribbon | Oven baking (for dough), pressing handprints, applying sealer |
Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough is a classic choice for homemade ornaments because it is easy to make, holds its shape well, and can be painted and sealed. However, salt dough is not edible and contains a high amount of salt, which can be dangerous for dogs if ingested. Keep all dough and finished ornaments out of reach of pets.
Making the Dough
Mix two parts all-purpose flour with one part salt and one part water. For example, use two cups of flour, one cup of salt, and one cup of water. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until smooth. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time. Let your child help with mixing and kneading—it is a great sensory activity.
Shaping and Cutting
Roll the dough out to about a quarter-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters in holiday shapes like stars, trees, or gingerbread people. For a simple handprint ornament, press your child’s hand firmly into the dough (make sure their hand is dry and clean). Use a straw to poke a hole near the top of each ornament for hanging. If the dough sticks, dust your straw with flour. Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking (Adult Only)
Bake the ornaments in an oven preheated to a low temperature—commonly around 200 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact time depends on thickness, but a general guideline is 2 to 3 hours for quarter-inch thick pieces. Check every hour; the ornaments should be firm and dry, not browned. An adult must handle the oven and remove the hot baking sheet. Let the ornaments cool completely before decorating.
Decorating and Sealing
Once cool, paint the ornaments with acrylic or tempera paint. Allow the paint to dry fully. To protect the ornaments from moisture and dust, apply a clear acrylic sealer (spray or brush-on) in a well-ventilated area. Adult supervision is needed for sealing. After the sealer dries, thread ribbon or string through the hole and tie a loop.
Paper Ornaments
Paper ornaments are a safe, no-bake option that even young children can help create with simple shapes and glue. They are also a great way to use up scrap paper or recycled materials.
Simple Paper Shapes
Cut out shapes from cardstock or construction paper—stars, circles, or snowflakes work well. Let your child decorate them with markers, stickers, or glitter glue. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon loop. For a more dimensional look, cut two identical shapes, fold each in half, and glue the halves together with a loop of string sandwiched in between.
Paper Chains
Paper chains are a classic classroom craft. Cut strips of colored paper, each about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Form one strip into a circle and glue or tape the ends together. Loop the next strip through the first circle, then glue its ends. Continue until you have a chain of the desired length. These can be hung as garlands or arranged into a wreath shape.
Safety Notes for Toddlers
For toddlers, avoid small pieces that could be a choking hazard. Use larger paper strips and pre-cut shapes. Use glue sticks instead of liquid glue to reduce mess and ingestion risk. Never leave young children unattended with scissors. Consider using safety scissors or pre-cutting all pieces yourself.
Felt Ornaments
Felt is soft, easy to cut, and comes in many colors. You can make simple no-sew felt ornaments or introduce basic sewing for older kids.
No-Sew Felt Shapes
Cut two identical felt shapes (a heart, star, or ornament ball shape). Apply a thin line of fabric or tacky glue along the edge of one shape, leaving a small opening. Stuff with a little polyester fiberfill or cotton balls, then glue the opening closed. Add a ribbon loop at the top. Your child can decorate the front with felt cutouts, buttons (ensure they are securely attached), or fabric paint.
Simple Stitched Felt Ornaments
For children who can handle a needle (typically age 6 and up with close supervision), thread a blunt embroidery needle with embroidery floss. Show them how to do a basic running stitch around the edges of two felt shapes. Leave a gap for stuffing, fill, then finish stitching. Add a ribbon hanger. Adult-only steps include cutting the felt shapes and threading the needle.
Handprint Ornaments
Handprint ornaments capture the exact size of your child’s hand at a specific age. They make heartfelt gifts for grandparents or keepsakes for your own tree.
Salt Dough Handprints
Follow the salt dough recipe above. Roll the dough to about half an inch thick (thicker for handprints to prevent breaking). Press your child’s hand firmly into the dough. Use a knife to cut around the handprint, leaving a small border. Poke a hanging hole in the top. Bake as directed for salt dough. After baking and cooling, paint and seal the ornament.
Air-Dry Clay Handprints
If you prefer not to use the oven, air-dry clay is an alternative. Press your child’s hand into the clay, cut around it, and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 24 to 48 hours, depending on thickness). Once dry, paint and seal as desired. Note that air-dry clay can be more brittle than salt dough, so handle gently.
Keeping the Handprint Clean
Before pressing, wash and dry your child’s hand thoroughly. If using dough or clay, lightly dust their hand with flour to prevent sticking. Press evenly but not too hard—you want a clear impression without squishing the dough too thin.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even simple crafts can have hiccups. Here are a few frequent issues and what to do about them.
- Salt dough cracks while baking. This usually happens if the dough is too dry or rolled too thin. Add a little more water to the dough and roll to a consistent thickness of at least a quarter-inch. You can also smooth small cracks with a wet finger before baking.
- Paper ornaments tear or curl. Use heavier cardstock instead of thin printer paper. If glue causes curling, apply it sparingly and press flat under a book for a few minutes.
- Felt edges fray. Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter for clean cuts. Apply a thin line of clear glue along the edges to seal them before sewing or gluing.
- Handprint impression is too shallow or too deep. Press firmly but evenly. If the handprint is too shallow, it will disappear during baking. If too deep, the dough may become thin and break. Aim for an impression that is about an eighth of an inch deep.
- Painted salt dough peels or flakes. Make sure the dough is completely dry before painting. Use acrylic paint and a thin coat. Applying a sealer after painting helps protect the finish.
Troubleshooting
Why did my salt dough ornament puff up in the oven?
Air bubbles can form if the dough is not kneaded enough or if it contains trapped air. Knead the dough thoroughly and roll it out gently without folding. If you see bubbles forming during baking, you can carefully pierce them with a toothpick and press flat, but this may leave a mark. For best results, avoid overmixing after adding water.
How can I make paper ornaments last for years?
Store paper ornaments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Use acid-free cardstock and archival-quality glue to prevent yellowing. Laminating thin paper shapes or covering them with clear contact paper can add durability, but this is an adult-only step.
My child’s handprint ornament broke. Can it be fixed?
If the break is clean, you can glue the pieces back together with a strong craft glue. For salt dough, you can also mix a small amount of dough and water into a paste to fill cracks, then rebake at the same low temperature until dry. However, for safety and appearance, it is often better to make a new one. Thin or delicate ornaments are more likely to break, so consider making thicker handprints next time.
How do I store ornaments so they don’t get damaged?
Wrap each ornament individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap, then place them in a sturdy box with dividers or layers of packing material. Keep the box in a climate-controlled area—avoid attics or basements that get damp or very hot. For salt dough ornaments, make sure they are completely dry and sealed before storage, as moisture can cause mold or crumbling.
FAQ
Can toddlers help with making salt dough ornaments?
Yes, toddlers can help with mixing the dough and pressing cookie cutters, but they should not handle the dough unsupervised due to the high salt content. Keep all dough away from their mouth, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. The baking and hot glue steps are strictly for adults. For toddlers, paper or felt ornaments with pre-cut pieces and glue sticks are a safer choice.
Are homemade ornaments safe to hang on a tree with young children and pets?
Many homemade ornaments can be safe if you take precautions. Avoid small parts that could be a choking hazard, such as beads, buttons, or glitter that can fall off. For pets, especially dogs, salt dough ornaments are dangerous if eaten. Hang them high on the tree out of reach. Felt ornaments without small decorations are generally the safest option around toddlers and pets.
How long does it take to dry salt dough ornaments?
Baking is the fastest method. Air drying can take several days, depending on thickness and humidity, and may cause cracking. For best results, bake the ornaments as described in the instructions. If you choose to air-dry, place them on a wire rack in a warm, dry room and turn them occasionally. Check for complete dryness before painting.
Can I use the same dough recipe for handprint ornaments?
Yes, the same basic salt dough recipe works well for handprints. Just roll the dough slightly thicker (about half an inch) so the handprint does not press through to the baking sheet. Make sure to cut around the handprint with a border to prevent breakage.
Making ornaments with your children is about the process as much as the finished product. The joy of mixing dough, choosing colors, and seeing their own handprint preserved on the tree is something they will remember long after the holidays. For more seasonal craft ideas, explore our guides on Seasonal Crafts for Kids and Family Crafts. You can also find inspiration for other creative projects on our Holiday Crafts page.
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our family traditions all year guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
