Handmade Ornaments
Create charming handmade ornaments with simple dough that can be shaped or cut into festive designs, perfect for holiday decorating or fun craft projects with family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cornstarch and baking soda in a saucepan and add the water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is the consistency of wet mashed potatoes.
- Turn it out onto a plate, cover it with a damp cloth; let cool.
- When cool, knead it until it's smooth.
- Seal it in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.
- Shape ornaments by hand or flatten the dough and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Insert a wire hanger into soft dough, then let the ornaments dry overnight or heat them in a 250° oven for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance your handmade ornaments, consider adding natural spices like cinnamon for a festive scent. If you want to color your dough, use food coloring or natural dyes made from beet juice or turmeric. Ensure to knead the dough well for a smooth texture, which makes shaping easier. For a fun twist, try using cookie cutters from seasonal themes, similar to those used in Baked Dough Ornaments.
Serving Suggestions
These handmade ornaments make delightful gifts or decorations during the holiday season. Hang them on your tree, use them as gift tags, or decorate your home. They can also be paired with homemade paint to add personal touches, making them a fantastic project for kids and adults alike. Consider giving them alongside a festive treat like Raspberry Champagne.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dough in an airtight plastic bag to prevent it from drying out. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have shaped ornaments that are not yet dry, place them in a cool, dry area to avoid moisture. Once dried, they can be stored in a box or container without any special handling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Handmade Ornaments contains roughly 353 calories, with 3g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1240mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this dough for other crafts besides ornaments?
Absolutely! This dough can be used for various craft projects, including making custom shapes for decorations or even as a modeling material. Once dry, they can be painted or decorated, similar to projects made with World'S Best Play Dough.
How do I ensure my ornaments don't break easily?
To strengthen your ornaments, ensure they are evenly thick and not too thin when shaping. Allow them to dry thoroughly before handling, as this will help prevent breakage. If you're concerned, consider sealing them with a clear varnish once dry for added durability.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a bit more cornstarch to the mixture, kneading it until the texture is right. Alternatively, you can lightly dust your hands and work surface with cornstarch while shaping to prevent sticking. This will help you achieve a smoother consistency without compromising the dough's properties.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).