How to Create Handprint Salt Ornaments with Turmeric and Cinnamon: A Festive Christmas DIY Tutorial

The holiday season is a wonderful time filled with joy, creativity, and family bonding. Crafting handprint salt ornaments is a charming project that captures your child’s unique touch and adds warmth to your home. By incorporating spices like turmeric and cinnamon, you not only enhance the ornaments' color but also their delightful aroma. This project is perfect for family fun, creating keepsakes that can beautify your Christmas tree for years.

Before you begin, gather your materials and prepare for some festive crafting. The recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for crafters of all skill levels. Let’s jump into the fun!

Ingredients and Materials Required

To create these memorable handprint salt ornaments, gather the following ingredients and materials:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour

• 1 cup salt

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder (adds a rich golden hue and a hint of scent)

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder (provides a warm fragrance and a beautiful color)

  
  

Materials:

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Straw or toothpick (to create holes for hanging)

• String or ribbon for finishing touches

Preparation Steps

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix flour, salt, turmeric, and cinnamon. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed to maximize color and scent in your ornaments.

   
   

2. Add Water: Slowly pour in the water while stirring with a spoon. The goal is to form dough. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more water. If it's too sticky, sprinkle in more flour until it reaches a smooth consistency similar to playdough.

   
   

3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a clean surface for roughly 5 minutes. This process mixes all the ingredients thoroughly and improves the texture for better handprints.

   
   

4. Flatten the Dough: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. A consistent thickness helps the ornaments hold their shape while baking and makes pressing handprints easier.

   
   

Colorful handprint salt ornaments ready for holiday decorating.

Making Handprints

The real fun begins now—time to make some handprints!

1. Create a Handprint: Have your child place their hand flat on the dough, spreading their fingers. Press down gently but firmly to leave a clear impression, ensuring the fingers are well defined.

2. Cut and Shape: Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut around the handprint. Aim to leave ample space around the edges so that the ornaments maintain a traditional shape, and ensure they are easy to handle.

3. Add Hanging Hole: With a straw or toothpick, poke a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging. Make sure the hole is big enough to thread your chosen string or ribbon later.

Baking the Ornaments

Now it's time to get your ornaments into shape by baking them.

1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents the ornaments from sticking and makes cleaning up a breeze.

2. Place Ornaments: Arrange your handprint ornaments on the baking sheet, keeping them spaced about an inch apart. This allows hot air to circulate evenly for consistent baking.

3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and bake the ornaments for about 2 to 3 hours. Thicker ornaments may need additional time, so check on them occasionally. They should feel completely hardened when finished.

Decorating and Finishing Touches

After your ornaments have cooled, it’s time to add some personality!

1. Decorate: You can choose to leave the ornaments natural, or embellish them with colorful water-based acrylic paints. Some fun ideas include adding glitter, drawing festive designs, or even using stamps.

2. Add String or Ribbon: Once the decorations are dry, thread a piece of string or ribbon through the holes. Your ornaments are now ready to hang on your Christmas tree or anywhere in your home for a festive touch!

Beautifully decorated Christmas tree with colorful handprint salt ornaments.

Final Thoughts

Crafting handprint salt ornaments with turmeric and cinnamon is more than just a fun activity; it's an opportunity to create lasting family memories. The delightful colors and scents from the spices make these ornaments truly special.

As you hang your beautiful creations on the tree, remember the joyful moments spent together, and cherish the warm traditions that come with the holiday season. Enjoy crafting and may your holiday season be filled with joy!