How to Make Salt-Dough Children Handprints

They grow up so quickly. Make a lasting memory by capturing your little one’s handprint. Display it all year long or use it as a Christmas ornament like we did.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour and the salt.

Add the water slowly, stirring as you do.

Knead the dough with your hands until the salt dough is firm, smooth and shaped like a ball.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough smooth and flat. You want the dough to be at least 1/4” thick. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into preferred shape. Make sure your shape is larger than your child’s hand.

Use a spatula to carefully move the shape onto a non-stick cookie sheet. Place your child’s hand so that the print is nice and evenly pressed.

If you plan on hanging your handprint, use a straw or a pencil to create hole(s) on the top. Bake at 200 degrees for two hours, or allow to air dry for at least two to three days.

You can stop here, but if you want to give your handprints a snow print look, you will need a little bit of white glitter, acrylic pain and polyurethane spray. Paint the handprint white and then sprinkle the glitter on top. Allow it to fully dry.

When the handprint is dry, spray it with polyurethane to set the glitter.

Use a permanent marker to write your child’s name and age or year.

Cut piece of ribbon to create the hanging loop and thread through holes along the top and knot both ends.

If you have extra salt dough, have the kids make some snowmen.