20 Salt Dough Crafts for Kids

alt dough is a magical crafting material for kids. It’s safe, inexpensive, and incredibly versatile. With just flour, salt, and water, you can whip up a batch of dough that transforms into ornaments, toys, keepsakes, and more!

The beauty of salt dough crafts lies in their simplicity. They’re perfect for kids of all ages, from toddlers exploring textures to older children creating intricate designs.

Plus, the drying and decorating process adds another layer of fun and allows for personalization.

So, gather your ingredients, grab your rolling pin, and get ready to unleash your creativity with these 20 Salt Dough Crafts for Kids:

Classic Keepsakes:

Handprint and Footprint Keepsakes:

These adorable keepsakes are perfect for capturing those tiny hands and feet. Simply roll out the dough, have your child press their hand or foot, and create a lasting memory. Decorate with paint, glitter, or markers for an extra touch.

Family Ornament Collection:

Craft a unique ornament for each family member. Cut out shapes like hearts, stars, or snowflakes, and personalize them with names, initials, or small decorations. This is a heartwarming addition to your holiday tree or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Salt Dough Photo Frames:

Create a one-of-a-kind photo frame for a cherished picture. Roll out the dough and shape it into a frame. Press buttons, beads, or other small objects for a textured design. Once baked, decorate it and add a photo for a personalized display.

Nature-Inspired Crafts:

Leaf Imprints:

Take a walk in nature and collect interesting leaves. Roll out the dough and gently press the leaves onto the surface. Carefully remove the leaves to create beautiful leaf impressions. Bake and decorate for a nature-themed masterpiece.

Seashell Ornaments:

Beach trip souvenirs can be transformed into beautiful ornaments. Roll out the dough and gently press seashells onto the surface, leaving an imprint. Decorate with paint and glitter to recreate the magic of the beach.

Acorn Cap Critters:

Gather acorn caps during a fall walk. Create little woodland creatures by shaping the dough into bodies and attaching them to the acorn caps as heads. Add details with pipe cleaners or small berries for eyes and tails.

Playful Decorations:

Garlands and Mobiles:

Craft colorful garlands or hanging mobiles. Cut out various shapes like hearts, stars, or animals. Poke small holes at the top before baking, and thread them with twine or yarn. Decorate them with vibrant paints and glitter for a festive touch.

Salt Dough Play Dough:

For a sensory play experience, add a few drops of food coloring or spices like cinnamon or cloves to the dough recipe. This creates a scented playdough that kids can mold and shape for imaginative play.

Button Animals:

Buttons can add a fun and colorful element to your salt dough creations. Roll out the dough and cut out animal shapes. Press various buttons onto the dough for eyes, noses, and other details.

Creative Characters:

Salt Dough Puppets:

Craft a set of hand puppets for imaginative storytelling. Roll out the dough and cut out basic shapes for heads and bodies. Add details with markers or buttons, and glue fabric scraps for hair and clothing.

Salt Dough Play Food:

Create miniature versions of your child’s favorite foods like cupcakes, cookies, or fruits. These can be used for imaginative play kitchens or pretend picnics.

Miniature Salt Dough Dragons:

Spark your child’s imagination by creating mythical creatures. Roll out the dough and shape it into dragons with long bodies, wings, and tails. Decorate with vibrant paints and add googly eyes for a playful touch.

Gifts and Goodies:

Salt Dough Coasters:

Handmade coasters are a thoughtful gift. Roll out the dough and cut out circles or squares. Use a straw to poke a small hole in the corner for hanging, if desired. Decorate with paint and allow them to dry completely before use.

Salt Dough Gift Tags:

Add a personal touch to homemade gifts with custom gift tags. Cut out small shapes like hearts or stars and write names or messages on them with a toothpick before baking.

Salt Dough Crayon Holders:

Keep crayons organized and add a decorative touch with homemade holders. Roll the dough into small balls and press them flat onto a baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center to hold the crayon. Bake and decorate with paint after drying.

Beyond the Basics

Salt Dough Marbled Ornaments:

For a mesmerizing effect, try marbled salt dough. Divide the dough into portions and color each with food coloring. Knead the colored doughs together gently to create a marbled pattern. Roll out the dough and cut out shapes for ornaments. Bake and decorate as usual.

Salt Dough Bead Jewelry:

Create unique necklaces or bracelets with colorful beads. Roll out the dough and cut out small shapes like circles or squares. Press a hole through the center with a straw before baking. Once baked and cooled, thread the shapes with beads and string for a personalized piece of jewelry.

Salt Dough Stamping:

Transform everyday objects into crafting tools! Cut fruits or vegetables like potatoes or apples in half. Carve a simple design on the cut surface. Dip the carved side into paint and press it onto the rolled-out dough to create stamped patterns.

Salt Dough Memory Game:

Put your child’s memory skills to the test with a homemade memory game. Cut out pairs of identical shapes from the dough. Decorate them with paint, glitter, or buttons to create different designs. Once baked and dried, use them for a fun and challenging memory game.

Salt Dough Message Board:

Create a decorative and functional message board for your child’s room. Roll out the dough and cut out a large plaque shape. Decorate it with paint, buttons, or other embellishments. Once dry, use small magnets or thumbtacks to attach notes or reminders to the board.

Tips for Success:

• Air drying vs. baking: Salt dough can be air-dried or baked. Air-drying takes longer (a few days) but can be a good option for younger children. Baking hardens the dough faster (30-60 minutes) but requires adult supervision.
• Prevent cracking: To prevent cracks in your creations, add a little bit of vegetable oil to the dough.
• Parchment paper is your friend: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Poke holes before baking: If you plan to hang your creations, remember to poke a small hole with a straw before baking for threading twine or yarn.
• Get creative with decorations: The possibilities for decorating are endless! Use acrylic paints, markers, glitter, buttons, beads, or even dried flowers for a personalized touch.
• Supervision is key: Always supervise young children while using salt dough, especially during the baking process.

Salt dough crafts are a fantastic way to spend quality time with your kids, boost their creativity, and create lasting keepsakes. So, grab your ingredients, unleash your imagination, and get ready for hours of fun and crafting adventures!