Dough you don't eat

We are now into the Christmas holiday season and thinking about gifts to give and maybe even crafts to do. One of my favorite activities is to make ornaments. In the years I have done this  couple times with the kids with varying degrees of success. I am hoping this year with them being older they will have more patience for the project of making ornaments from 'Dough'. I have 3 recipes, each simple and all with their own little quirks. All of them can be painted with simple acrylic paints and left alone or sprayed lightly with a lacquer as is your preference.

Salt dough:
The most traditional of the three. I remember in grade school we used it in art class to make things.

1 c Salt
2 c Flour
3/4 - 1 c Water

Mix salt and flour together
Add water 1/4 cup at a time, mixing well between additions
When it forms a stiffish and non sticky dough, it's done
Use immediately, when not in use wrap it tight in plastic wrap

This can be baked or set aside to air dry.
Dry the pieces before painting them! and definitely before lacquering them!

To bake, place in a very low oven 200°f for about 4 hours, Careful that they do not brown

This dough will be off white when dry but it is really nice to work with

Cinnamon Salt Dough:
A twist on the classic. Has a nice scent if not lacquered and is a pretty brown color for gingerbread men and reindeer.

1 c Flour
1/2 c Salt
1/2 c Cinnamon (ground)
3/4 - 1 c Water

Add water slowly starting with 3/4 c, if the dough is too dry add a bit more by the tablespoon.

Use immediately or wrap tightly

*This dough develops a white 'crust' to it. It is more pronounced when baked. When left to dry on it's own things look 'frosted' and it is quite pretty.

Alternative Dough:

1/2 c Cornstarch
1 c Baking Soda
3/4 c Water

Over medium heat cook all the ingredients together until it looks like smooth mashed potatoes
Cover well until cool

Bake in 200°f oven until dry through

* Finished product is white! It is sticky and soft to work with so you need to work carefully. Do not over bake! It will brown.

I have used all three with success. Finished products are firm but not as hard as ceramic so some care must be taken.

Remember to cut your holes for hangers Before you dry them! There doesn't seem to be any shrinkage when baked.

You can roll out the doughs and press leaves or pine needles etc into them and then cut simple circles, squares or other shapes

Extra decoration can be carved in while the dough is soft or painted on after they are dry

You don't need kids to do this craft so have fun and experiment!