Salt Dough Picture Frame Ornaments

Not only do I have the best salt dough recipe to share, but I've got a super simple idea for the perfect ornament to gift relatives.  Did I mention they cost next to nothing?  You've still got plenty of time to whip these up and it's a fun way to spend an afternoon.  I chose to leave them plain but you could always get wild with paint and glitter.  

Best Salt Dough Recipe (Note: this dough uses cornstarch instead of flour making it lighter, whiter, and gluten-free!) 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups water (divided)
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Special equipment: parchment or wax paper, rolling pin, cookie cutters, skewer, foil lined baking sheets

Directions:

1. In a small pot combine salt and 1/2 cup of water and heat over medium heat until hot.
2. Place cornstarch a separate bowl and slowly add remaining water until you've formed a loose paste (you might not need all the water).
3. Add you cornstarch slurry to the salt, stir constantly and cook until a solid dough ball forms.
4. Turn dough onto a parchment or wax paper covered surface. Allow dough to cool slightly.
5. Place another piece of parchment over the top and roll until about 1/4" thick.
6. Cut out shapes with your cookie cutters and add holes for pictures with a pairing knife.
7. Use a skewer to poke holes for hanging. 
8. Heat the oven to 250 degrees and bake on lined cookie sheets until completely dry, about 2-3 hours.  
9. Allow to cool and add a string for hanging.
10. Optional: add paint and/or glitter

To finish off your picture frame ornaments:

1. Print small photos and trim them to be slightly larger than your opening.
2. Place Glue Dots (affilitate link, this stuff rules!) or small dabs of glue on the corners of your picture.
3. Lay your frame on top and allow to dry.
4. Last on the back side use a marker to write the name of the person in the picture and year.
5. Adorn your tree and give with glee! 

This post is part of 12 Days of Handmade Christmas.  Be sure to check out all of the other awesome posts in the series.  There are so many fun, simple, affordable holiday crafts!

December 1 - Rustic Wooden Chalkboards with Living on Love
December 2 - Fabric Candy Cane Ornaments with Crafty Mally
December 3 - Cookie Jar Snow Globes with Tag & Tibby
December 4 - DIY Bath Caddy with Down Home Inspiration
December 5 - "You Are Home" US Ornament with Natalie Creates
December 6 - Fat Quarter Cloth Napkins with That Moxie Girl
December 7 - Painted Decor Blocks with Classic Play
December 8 - Footprint Reindeer Aprons with The Caterpillar Years
December 9 - DIY Hostess Gift with Buzzmills
December 10 - Emoji Onesies with Frock Files
December 11 - Dried Fruit Ornaments & Garland with Maker Mama
December 12 - Salt Dough Frame Ornaments with Small + Friendly

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