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How to make children's handprints with salt dough

Introduction

A lasting impression

They grow so fast. Make a lasting memory by capturing your little one's handprint. Display it all year long or use it as a Christmas decoration like we did.

Step 1

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Gather your materials

Step 2

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.

Step 3

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Add water

Add the water slowly, stirring as you do.

Stage 4

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Knead

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

Step 5

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Cutting shape

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 the preferred shape. Make sure your shape is larger than your child's hand.

Step 6

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Print

Use a spatula to carefully move the form onto a nonstick baking sheet. Position your child's hand so the impression is nice and pressed evenly.

Step 7

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Make holes

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

Step 8

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Paint and Gloss

You can stop here, but if you want to give your handprints a snowy look, you'll need some white glitter, acrylic paint, and polyurethane spray. Paint the footprint white then sprinkle glitter on top. Let it dry completely.

Step 9

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Seal it

When the print is dry, spray it with polyurethane to set the shine.

Step 10

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Tag it

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

Step 11

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Add ribbon

Cut a piece of ribbon to create the hanging loop and thread the holes across the top and tie a knot at both ends.

Step 12

How to make children s handprints with salt dough

Leftover Doughboys

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