Removing Salt Dough: Pan Cleaning Tips

Salt dough is a fun and easy activity for kids, and a great way to keep them entertained on rainy days. The simple recipe typically includes flour, salt, and water, and can be mixed with food colouring for a fun twist. Once the dough is made, kids can use their imaginations to create all sorts of shapes and objects, which can then be baked in the oven or air-dried. The finished products can be painted and decorated, and even sealed with a craft sealer to preserve them for years to come.

How to make salt dough

Making salt dough is a fun and easy activity for kids, and a great way to keep them entertained on a rainy day. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to make salt dough:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup table salt
• Water

Optional:

• Food colouring
• Cinnamon or other spices
• Acrylic craft paint or washable tempera paint
• Mod Podge or spray sealant
• Cookie cutters or biscuit cutters
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper or baking parchment

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) or the lowest setting if you're using a fan oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. You can also add a few drops of food colouring to the dry ingredients at this stage if you want coloured dough.
• Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Keep adding water and stirring until the mixture forms a dough with a Play-Doh-like consistency. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon or other spices to the mixture for scented dough.
• Form the dough into a ball and knead for 5-10 minutes until it is soft, pliable, and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired texture.
• Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Roll it out to a thickness of approximately 1/8-1/4 inch. You can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, numbers, or letters, or get creative and shape the dough by hand.
• Place your dough creations on the prepared baking sheet. If you plan to hang your creations as ornaments, use a toothpick or skewer to poke a hole in each one before baking.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours or until dry and hard. The baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your creations. For each 1/4" in thickness, allow approximately 30 minutes of baking time. Turn each piece frequently to ensure even drying, and poke a hole with a pin or toothpick if any areas puff up.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before decorating. You can paint your creations with acrylic or washable tempera paint.
• To preserve your salt dough creations, coat them with a layer of Mod Podge or spray sealant. Allow the sealant to dry completely before storing your creations in a cool, dry place. With proper preservation, your salt dough creations can last for decades!

How to bake salt dough

Salt dough is a fun and easy activity to do with kids. It is made with simple, non-toxic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bake salt dough:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of salt
• 3/4 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Food colouring (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180 °F (80°C).
• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, water, and vegetable oil. Stir the mixture until it is clump-free and has a doughy consistency.
• Knead the dough with your hands to thicken it. You can add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, or a teaspoon of water at a time if it is too dry.
• Mould the dough into your desired shape. You can roll it out and use cookie cutters to create different shapes.
• Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for about 10 minutes to dry and harden.
• Remove the dough from the oven and tap it gently. If it sounds hollow and does not yield to your finger, it is ready. If it is still soft, return it to the oven and bake for a few minutes longer.
• Allow the dough to cool completely before decorating. You can paint it, add glitter, or use other craft materials to decorate your creation.

Tips:

• It is important to remind children that salt dough is not edible and should not be consumed.
• Cover your work area to make cleanup easier, as salt dough can be messy to work with.
• Store any leftover dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• You can also let your salt dough creations air dry for about a week instead of baking them.

Now you know how to bake salt dough! Get creative and have fun making different shapes, ornaments, or even jewellery with your salt dough!

How to air-dry salt dough

Air-drying salt dough is a great way to create long-lasting crafts and ornaments without the need for baking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to air-dry salt dough:

Step 1: Prepare the Salt Dough

Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 to 1 cup of table salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add warm water, mixing continuously, until the dough reaches a Play-Doh-like consistency. You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the humidity. The dough should be soft, pliable, and easy to work with.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Once the ingredients are well combined, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add small amounts of flour until it becomes less tacky. Form the dough into a ball when finished.

Step 3: Create Your Shapes

Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness. Then, use cookie cutters or other shaping tools to create your desired shapes. If you plan to hang your creations, don't forget to make a small hole in each ornament using a drinking straw or a toothpick.

Step 4: Air-Dry the Salt Dough Creations

Place your salt dough shapes on a drying rack or a flat surface. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and dry. The drying time will vary depending on the thickness of your creations and the humidity levels in your environment. For thinner creations, like cookie cutter ornaments, it may take 24 to 48 hours to air dry completely. For larger or thicker models, it could take up to a week. Remember to turn your creations over periodically to ensure even drying.

Step 5: Decorate and Seal (Optional)

Once your salt dough creations are completely dry, you can decorate them with acrylic paint or other craft paints. To preserve your creations for the long term, seal them with a craft sealer like Mod Podge or a spray sealant coating. Allow the sealant to dry completely before storing your creations.

Air-drying salt dough is a simple and fun activity, especially for kids. It may take longer than baking, but it's a great option if you don't have access to an oven or prefer a no-bake method. Get creative and enjoy crafting your unique salt dough ornaments and decorations!

How to decorate salt dough

Salt dough is a fun and easy craft to do with kids, and you can decorate it in many ways. Here are some tips on how to decorate your salt dough:

Before Baking:

Before you start baking your salt dough, you can add texture to your ornaments using various objects with interesting textures, such as forks, straws, steel wool, rubber stamps, or scissors. You can also use cookie cutters to cut out different shapes. Don't forget to poke a hole in the top of each ornament so you can hang them later.

After Baking:

Once your salt dough ornaments are baked and cooled, you can start decorating! Here are some ideas:

• Paint: Use non-toxic acrylic paint to add colour to your ornaments. You can use different colours such as red, green, gold, or silver. Let the paint dry completely before adding any other decorations.
• Glitter: For a sparkly touch, apply clear glue to your ornament and then shake glitter on top. You can fill handprints or other shapes with glitter for a festive look.
• Stickers and Pompoms: For younger children, stickers, tinsel, or pompoms can be a fun and easy way to decorate.
• Glitter Pens: If you want to add some sparkle and shine, use glitter pens to write names or draw designs on your ornaments.
• Mod Podge or Clear Glaze Spray: To protect your ornaments and make them last longer, seal them with Mod Podge or a clear glaze spray. This will also give them a nice finish.

Remember to let each layer dry completely before adding the next, and always supervise children during the crafting process. With these tips, you'll be able to create beautiful and unique salt dough decorations!

How to store salt dough

Salt dough creations can be stored for years if preserved properly. Here are some tips on how to store your salt dough:

Avoid Heat, Humidity, and Moisture

Do not store your salt dough creations in a damp place. Moisture can cause the dough to become mouldy and soft. Keep them away from heat and humidity as well.

Use Airtight Containers

Store your salt dough creations in airtight containers or plastic bags. You can also add a small bag of silica gel, rice, or even a marshmallow to absorb any excess moisture and prevent mould.

Use Wax Paper for Multiple Creations

If you have multiple salt dough creations, layer them between sheets of wax paper, never tissue paper, to prevent sticking. Then, store them in a sturdy box.

Store Leftover Dough

Leftover salt dough can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag for several days. You can also add a drop of vanilla extract to the dough to help keep mould away and give it a nice scent.

Prevent Drying

If you are working with a large piece of dough and want to prevent it from drying out, place a damp towel over the dough until you are ready to use it.

By following these tips, you can keep your salt dough creations looking great for years to come!

Frequently asked questions