DIY Salt Dough Stars: Easy Homemade Ornaments to Spark Creativity in 2025

Let’s be honest—there’s something truly magical about crafting with your own hands. Especially when it’s something as timeless (and satisfying) as salt dough! 🎨 Did you know salt dough has been around since ancient Egypt? It’s true! And in 2025, it’s making a serious comeback. In this fun tutorial, I’ll show you how to make DIY Salt Dough Stars from scratch—whether you’re planning for Christmas, crafting with your little ones, or just looking for a cozy afternoon project. All you need are three basic ingredients and a sprinkle of imagination!

What You’ll Need to Make DIY Salt Dough Stars

So here’s the deal—I used to think making homemade ornaments was this complicated, Martha Stewart-level ordeal. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Once I figured out how ridiculously easy salt dough is to whip up, I was hooked. And trust me, if I can do it with a hyper puppy running around and two kids arguing over glitter, so can you.

The Magic Trio: Flour, Salt & Water

Literally just three ingredients. That’s it. No fancy stuff.

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour – I’ve used off-brand and name-brand. Both work fine.
• 1 cup of regular table salt – Don’t skimp here. The salt gives it that nice gritty texture and helps it harden like a rock. No kidding.
• 1 cup of water – Add it slowly while mixing. If you dump it all in at once (been there), you’ll get sticky goop instead of dough.

This combo forms the base of your salt dough. And get this—these ingredients cost like $1 total. Talk about budget-friendly holiday gift ideas, especially when every store is out here trying to sell you $15 ornaments.

Must-Have Tools

Alright, now onto the fun part—DIY Christmas crafts need tools! Well, kinda. You probably already have these:

• A big ol’ mixing bowl – Bigger than you think you need. Trust me.
• A rolling pin – Or a wine bottle. No judgment.
• Star-shaped cookie cutters – I got a cheap pack online with different sizes. Game changer.
• A baking sheet – You’ll need this for drying them in the oven.
• Toothpick or straw – To poke a hole for hanging. I forgot this step once and had to hot glue ribbon on top. Not ideal.

Decorations: The Sparkle Section

Here’s where things can get as wild or Pinterest-perfect as you want:

• Acrylic paints – Bold colors look best. Metallics pop really well too.
• Paintbrushes – Different sizes help for detail work. I let the kids do the base coat and I swoop in for the tiny stars or dots.
• Glitter glue or Mod Podge – Optional. But if you’re going for those “grandma will cry happy tears” kind of gifts? Go for the sparkle.
• String or ribbon – I use twine for a rustic vibe. My sister goes full glitter ribbon. You do you.

Pro Tips from the Chaos Zone

1. Lay out everything before you start. Once your hands are covered in sticky dough, there’s no turning back.
2. If you’re doing this with little ones, pre-cut the shapes. It makes life so much easier.
3. Keep some extra flour on hand to dust your rolling pin or the counter. Saves your sanity when things get sticky.

Honestly, gathering your stuff is the easiest part. What blew me away was how fun and stress-free this project turned out. It’s one of those easy crafts for kids that somehow doesn’t end with a giant mess or someone crying. Major win.

How to Make Salt Dough for Crafting

Okay, now that you’ve got your supplies ready to roll, let’s talk about how to actually make the stuff. I swear, every time I do this, I forget just how satisfying it is to squish warm dough between my fingers. Seriously—it’s the kind of therapy that should be covered by insurance. 😅

Making salt dough is so simple, it almost feels like cheating at easy Christmas crafts. And best of all? You’re only 10 minutes away from something that looks like it came from a fancy Etsy shop.

Step 1: Mix It All Up

This part is like making homemade playdough—but cheaper and tougher.

• Start with 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of salt in your mixing bowl.
• Slowly stir in 1 cup of warm water as you mix. Don’t rush this, or you’ll end up with soup instead of dough.
• Stir until it starts to clump together into a ball. If it’s crumbly, add a splash more water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in some more flour.

Pro tip: Warm water blends better and makes the dough smoother. I used cold water once and ended up with lumpy bits that wouldn’t mix. Lesson learned.

Step 2: Knead Like You Mean It

Now comes the part where you get your hands dirty—in the best way.

• Dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5–6 minutes.
• If it feels sticky or clings to your hands, just dust a little flour on top and keep going.

Kneading helps bring the texture together. Think of it like activating the magic inside this simple salt dough recipe. It’s also the perfect excuse to hand over the “work” to your kids if they’re bouncing off the walls. Give ‘em a task!

What the Dough Should Feel Like

So here’s the trick—your dough should feel soft, smooth, and slightly firm. Like squishy clay but not wet. If you’ve ever made homemade clay before, this should feel familiar.

If it’s sticky like glue, that’s too wet. If it crumbles when you roll it, it’s too dry.

Don’t be afraid to adjust a little. It’s not baking—it’s crafting. You’re allowed to improvise.

Storage Tip (Just In Case)

If life gets in the way (been there), and you don’t use the dough right away, wrap it tightly in cling wrap and toss it in the fridge. It’ll keep for a day or two. Just let it come back to room temp before rolling it out.

Shaping the Stars: Tips for Clean Cuts and Hanging Holes

This is the moment where things start to get real. You’ve got your dough. You’ve got your tools. And now? It’s time to start cutting out those little works of art. I’m not gonna lie—the first time I did this, half my stars looked more like chubby snowflakes. 😂 But hey, that’s half the fun of DIY holiday ornaments, right?

Roll It Even or Regret It Later

I cannot stress this enough—even thickness is key.

• Grab your rolling pin and flatten the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
• If it’s too thin, your stars will turn into little salt dough potato chips in the oven (ask me how I know).
• If it’s too thick, they’ll take forever to dry and might crack.

Pro tip: Use two chopsticks or pencils on each side of your rolling area as guides to get even thickness. It’s a game changer, especially for a Christmas craft for kids where perfection isn’t always the priority.

Cut Those Stars Like a Boss

Now for the fun part—shaping!

• Use your star-shaped cookie cutters to press into the dough.
• Don’t twist or wiggle the cutter. Press straight down and lift straight up. Twisting messes up the edges.
• If the dough sticks inside the cutter, dust the cutter with flour or tap it out gently on the table.

This is where kids love jumping in. I usually let them do their own shapes, and then I go in and do a “Pinterest version” for gifts and grown-up decor. Keeps everyone happy.

Don’t Forget the Hanging Hole (Seriously)

You’ll thank me later: poke that hanging hole before baking, not after.

• Use a straw, skewer, or even a pen cap to make a small hole near the top of the star.
• Make sure the hole goes all the way through and isn’t too close to the edge—it can crack if it’s too thin.

I forgot to do this once and tried drilling holes after baking. Let’s just say… the vacuum got a workout.

Remove the Extra Dough (Gently)

Once you’ve got a bunch of stars cut out, peel away the excess dough around them. Be careful not to stretch or warp the shapes. Then transfer the stars gently to a baking tray using a spatula or your hands.

Tip: If the dough feels sticky when you’re transferring, dust the tray lightly with flour or use parchment paper.

Baking Salt Dough Stars: How to Get the Perfect Texture

Alright, stars are cut, holes are poked, and the kids are covered in flour. Now comes the part where your kitchen smells like warm dough, and your house starts looking like a craft shop. Time to bake salt dough and get those ornaments ready to shine.

This step is weirdly satisfying. I love watching them slowly harden up in the oven. It feels like turning mush into magic. ✨

Preheat Low and Slow

Here’s the key to success with oven baked ornaments: go low and slow.

• Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). No hotter, or your stars might puff like sad little cookies.
• Place your stars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

They won’t rise or spread, but you still want to give them a little space in case any moisture bubbles pop up.

How Long to Bake Salt Dough Stars

This really depends on the size and thickness, but here’s a good rule of thumb:

• Bake for 2 to 3 hours.
• Flip them halfway through to help them dry evenly.

You’re not cooking them—you’re drying them out. That’s why patience is key. I once cranked the heat thinking it would go faster… nope. Half my stars puffed up like marshmallows and cracked.

If you’re in a super humid climate, they might need extra time—or even an overnight sit in the warm oven after it’s turned off.

Signs They’re Done

Here’s how you know they’re ready:

• They’re hard to the touch and have a slightly chalky look.
• No soft or doughy spots on the bottom.
• They make a light “tap” sound if you flick them with your nail.

If they still feel soft, pop them back in for another 30 minutes. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to how to dry salt dough properly.

Cool Completely Before Painting

This part is crucial: let them cool completely before painting or decorating. Warm salt dough + wet paint = soggy disaster. I usually wait at least 30 minutes, and sometimes longer if the stars are extra thick.

I’ve rushed this step before… and yeah, the paint peeled. Lesson learned.

Decorating Salt Dough Stars Like a Pro

This is where the stars go from “Oh, that’s cute” to “Wait, you made that?!” No joke—painting salt dough is my favorite part of the whole project. It’s where the personality really kicks in, and if you’ve got kids involved, expect some unicorns, googly eyes, and probably glitter in places glitter should never be. 😂

Whether you’re doing rustic farmhouse vibes or going full rainbow explosion, the beauty of these DIY Christmas crafts is that anything goes.

Choose the Right Paint

Let’s talk paint for a second. Not all paints play nice with salt dough.

• Acrylic paint is hands-down the best. It’s bold, dries fast, and sticks like a champ.
• If you’re working with toddlers, go for washable tempera paint. It’s messier, but safer.
• Skip watercolors—they just make the dough soggy and sad.

I’ve even used metallic markers for fine details. And white paint pens? Perfect for snowflake designs.

Add Some Holiday Bling

This is where you can really make these salt dough ornament ideas shine—literally.

• Brush on glitter glue while the paint is still wet, or seal with Mod Podge and sprinkle dry glitter over it.
• Want that antique gold look? Rub a little metallic wax on the edges.
• For a frosty winter feel, use white paint with chunky glitter. It looks like frost kissed the edges.

Just a heads up—glitter has no off switch. Once it’s out, it’s everywhere. I found some on my cat last year.

Let the Paint Dry (Seriously)

Resist the urge to handle them too soon. Let the paint dry completely before moving on.

• I leave mine on a cooling rack or baking tray overnight.
• If you’re using Mod Podge or a glossy sealer, give it extra time to set—especially if you’re stacking them for gifts.

Pro tip: Lay down newspaper or a dollar store plastic tablecloth before painting. It saves your sanity and your furniture.

Optional: Seal for Longevity

If you want these beauties to last for years (and not turn to powder in storage), seal them.

• Use clear acrylic spray, Mod Podge, or even furniture wax.
• Make sure everything’s fully dry before sealing.
• Do it in a well-ventilated space or outside. I learned that lesson the hard way—our kitchen smelled like an auto shop for a week.

Hanging and Displaying Your Finished Stars

Okay, you’ve mixed, shaped, baked, and painted your stars—now it’s time to show them off! This part makes me weirdly emotional sometimes. There’s just something about seeing your handmade ornaments dangling from the tree or taped to a wrapped gift that gives you that proud, “Yep, I made that” glow.

These little guys deserve to be front and center in your DIY Christmas decorations lineup.

Thread the Stars Without Snapping Them

Let’s start with the basics—getting the ribbon or string through the holes.

• Use a thin ribbon, baker’s twine, jute string, or even yarn.
• If the holes feel tight after baking, twist the end of your string and gently wiggle it through.
• I sometimes use a toothpick to clear any hardened edges if the hole shrinks a bit during baking.

Be gentle here. These stars are tough, but if you manhandle them too much, you might chip a corner. (RIP to the one I broke last year with a paperclip. 🫡)

Creative Ways to Display Your Salt Dough Star Crafts

There are so many fun options beyond just hanging them on your tree.

• Tree ornaments – Classic. Perfect. Can’t go wrong.
• Window garlands – Thread several stars along one long string and tape it across a window or wall.
• Gift toppers – Tie a star onto a wrapped present instead of a bow. Adds a beautiful, personal touch.
• Table place cards – Paint names on each star and place them on plates for Christmas dinner. Fancy and handmade? Win-win.
• Wall hanging – Use a stick from the yard, string multiple stars down at different lengths, and hang it like a boho holiday mobile.

These are also great holiday decor ideas for kids’ rooms or as sentimental teacher gifts (painted by little hands = heart melt).

Storage Tip: Keep Them Safe for Next Year

Salt dough is surprisingly durable when baked and sealed properly, but it still needs some TLC when it’s time to pack up the decorations.

• Wrap each star in tissue paper or bubble wrap.
• Store in a sturdy box in a dry place.
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top—they’re not indestructible.

Label your box if you’re like me and forget what’s inside by next November.

I hope this guide gave you everything you need to dive into one of the most heartwarming homemade holiday crafts out there. These DIY Salt Dough Stars are more than just cute decorations—they’re memories you bake into existence. Whether you’re crafting solo on a cozy night in or making a full-blown mess with your kids and a glitter bomb, there’s something so rewarding about turning simple ingredients into something beautiful.

They’re cheap to make. They’re easy. And honestly? They make the best last-minute DIY Christmas gift ideas—especially when you’re trying to avoid the mall madness.

So go ahead. Mix up a batch, get a little messy, and let your creativity lead the way. And hey, once you’ve made your own batch of easy Christmas ornaments, I’d love to see how they turn out!

📌 Don’t forget to pin this tutorial on Pinterest so you can come back to it every holiday season. Share it with your crafty friends too—they’ll thank you for it!