The Crafter's Way 36

I write a weekly Craft Column for a local paper, I share it here for bloggers.

Salt Dough

You’ve just survived the expense of Christmas and before you know it you have to buy all the supplies for the upcoming school year. But wait! There is still one more week to entertain the kids before the end of the holidays. Here is an inexpensive activity that you can do with them using materials and tools around the house.

Salt Dough modeling dates back to Egyptian times and has been very popular across many cultures since. Dough sculptures were offered as gifts and used as decorations for weddings, christening and other religious ceremonies. For a fun activity your children could make flowers or animal shapes.

Ingredients: 1 cup of Plain Flour, 1 cup of Salt, ½ cup of Water

Tools: Large mixing bowl, Baking Paper, Kitchen Knife, Rolling Pin

Method:
Mix the flour and salt together.
Make a well in the center and slowly add the water.
The amount of water may vary depending on the type of flour.
Knead until smooth. The dough needs to be elastic and not sticky.
Shape dough into a ball and wrap in cling wrap for about 20 mins.
Once the 20 mins have passed the kids can start creating.
Flat shapes are easiest for the beginner and/or small hands.
Place finished shapes onto an oven tray lined with baking paper.
Put into a cold oven and turn onto 50 degrees Celsius.
After 30 mins gradually increase the oven temp to 100 degrees.
For every centimeter in thickness allow 2 hours in the oven.
Alternatively: place in microwave, cook on low power, check every 10 secs. Cook until hard. Allow to cool for 20 mins before painting.

This activity can be a little messy so old clothes are a good idea.



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