DIY Salt Dough Heart Garland

Jump to How-To

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to decorate your home than with a DIY salt dough heart garland? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this post will guide you through the process of making your own salt dough garland. So, gather your materials, and let’s start!

Finished baked heart shaped salt dough ornaments on an antique plate.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy and privacy policy.

This DIY project is easy, affordable, and a fun activity to do with loved ones. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a beautiful and unique garland to hang in any room of your home.

Salt dough projects like ornaments and others are especially great for kids with little hands. And you literally cannot mess it up, which makes it a win in my book. Plus, you can make it a family tradition and pull it out every year as a reminder of the special memories you shared making it!

From Dough to Decor: How to Create a Valentine’s Day Salt Dough Garland

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care, and one fun and unique way to do that is by creating a DIY Salt Dough Heart Garland.

Supplies

To make this fun craft, DIY Salt Dough Heart Garland, you will need a few simple ingredients and supplies:

Ingredients and Supplies

*Optional

Salt dough ingredients, flour, salt, and water in a cream bowl on a cutting board.

Step One – The Salt Dough Recipe

You literally cannot mess up this dough, so try to have a lot of fun with it! It is so quick and simple that it’ll be over in a matter of minutes. Also, you’ll have very salty hands in the end.

flour and salt in a cream bowl ready to be mixed.
Mix the salt and flour together thoroughly with a spoon in a cream bowl on a wooden cutting board.

Step One

The first thing you’ll want to do is pour together the flour and salt in a mixing bowl.

Step Two

Mix the flour and salt together in a bowl and stir until it is thoroughly mixed.

Mixing flour, salt, and water in a cream bowl together to make salt dough.
Salt Dough in white bowl after being kneaded into a soft smooth dough.

Step Three

Then slowly add in the warm water and stir until the mixture comes together to form a dough.

Step Four

At this point get in there with your hands and begin to knead the dough. If it’s looking too dry add in some more water 1 tsp at a time. Knead after adding water.

This is the same as a salt dough ornament recipe. Just a simple salt dough that you can use in all kinds of different applications, for more ideas keep reading!

Additional Notes:

  1. If desired, you can add a few drops of essential or fragrance oil to give the dough a pleasant scent.
  2. After a few minutes, the dough should start to soften and smooth out.

Step Two – Roll, Cut, & Design

This was the most fun part of making this DIY Salt Dough Valentine Heart Garland. Especially since I was smelling cedar essential oils the entire time. And each heart came out perfect!

Rolling out the salt dough with a paper doily on top to create a beautiful embossed look.
Embossing the dough with a paper doily.
Plain heart shaped salt dough ornaments sitting on parchment paper with a wooden roller.
Without embossing.

Step One

Next, roll out the dough onto a large piece of parchment paper a bit like cookie dough. At this point in the process, just try to roll your dough out evenly and to your preferred thickness.


Step Two

For a more 3D look, you can roll your paper doily on top. This works well to create an embossed pattern that looks so charming! Alternatively, you can leave the hearts without any embossing or detail for a very simple look.

Creating holes in the heart shaped dough before baking so it can be strung on twine to create a heart garland.
Salt dough ornaments sitting on a cookie sheet ready for the oven with a wooden roller and heart cookie cutter.

Step Three

Then use the heart cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. If you have big and small cookie cutters, you can also alternate small hearts and a larger heart on the garland.

Step Four

And then use a toothpick or straw to make a small hole on either side of the heart (or a single one for an ornament) for your string. I used a paper straw and it was a perfect size hole once cooked.

Put one hole in the center of the salt dough heart to create an ornament to put on a tree.

Optional Ornament

To create an ornament you would simply put one hole in the heart shape.

Note:

  • While I chose hearts, you can most definitely try creating salt dough decorations in all kinds of salt dough shapes like circles, squares, or arabesque. Try any and all cookie cutters you own for a really fun personalized garland!
  • Roll your dough out evenly and to your preferred thickness. Thin might be brittle, too thick will require longer cure times, but may be preferable.

Step Three – Bake, Cure, & Seal

Though baking is the easiest way to finish the salt dough, you can also air dry it. Keep reading for all your drying options.

Salt dough ornaments sitting on a cookie sheet ready for the oven with a wooden roller and heart cookie cutter.
Ready to bake.
Finished baked heart shaped salt dough ornaments on an antique plate.
After baking.
  1. At this point, place your salt dough hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (I did this after cutting each cookie).
  2. If you want to add some color to your garland, you can also paint the hearts with acrylic paint before baking.
  3. Then the next step is to bake the salt dough hearts in the oven at 200 degrees F for about 4-6 hours. Also, turn them over halfway through baking for a nice even finish.

Step Four – The Optional Paint

You can absolutely skip this last part if you love the natural state of your salt dough ornaments or garland. However, it is extra fun to experiment with colors, and sealing the dough can help it last for decades.

Painting Salt Dough

Milk bowls with acrylic paint wash, acrylic paints, and paint brushes on parchment paper.
Paint the heart shapes with acrylic paint wash in the milk bowls and paint brushes on parchment paper.

Step One

Pick your colors of acrylic paint. I chose two colors and created a wash by adding some water to my little milk glass bowls. Then mixed. In hindsight, I wish I had done a 1:1 ratio for more of a wash.

Step Two

I chose to paint it on, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe a lot off as if distressing. Sort of like a pottery wash.

Painted salt dough hearts on parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Painted salt dough hearts on an ironstone plate and cookie sheet.

Step Three

When you have your salt dough pieces painted layer them single file on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

Step Four

After you bake the salt dough let them cool for 30 minutes. Then you can give them a top coat with a mod podge. A top coat will allow them to last longer.

Note: If you opt not to paint you can leave the salt dough ornaments as is and seal them in their natural coloring for longevity.

Watch a Video Tutorial: Making a DIY Salt Dough Heart Garland

All the Reasons You Need this Salt Dough Heart Garland in Your Life

Valentine salt dough heart garland hanging as decor.
Heart salt dough garland strung up by vintage dishes.

It may not actually be all the reasons, but this is a good list to start.

  • Budget-Friendly Option. Salt dough is simple and inexpensive with ingredients like flour, salt, and water. This means it’s a cost-effective option for creating Valentine’s Day decorations.
  • Easy to Make: The recipe for salt dough is easy to follow and the dough is easy to shape and cut into various designs like hearts, stars, and letters.
  • Versatile. You can color, paint, and decorate salt dough in many ways. Which means the designs are endless. Because of that, it’s a perfect option for creating a Valentine’s Day garland with a personal touch.
  • A Fun Activity. People of all ages will have fun and enjoy the activity of making a salt dough garland
  • Long Lasting. An extremely durable material, it will last for a long time if stored properly. Like, over 35 years!! So, it’s the perfect option for decoration that you can use year after year.
  • Natural Decorations. You can create a salt dough with 100% natural and organic ingredients. This makes it the best option for people who prefer a more natural approach to decorating.
  • Unique Decor: Salt dough garland is a unique way of decorating which makes it stand out from other decorations, making it a perfect option for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day.

And as far as heart crafts it’s budget-friendly and easy to make. But the best part is it’s perfect to create beautiful and unique decorations to enjoy year after year.

Alternative Drying Methods to Consider

Heart shaped salt dough ornaments being cut out with a heart shape cookie cutter.

How to Air Dry Salt Dough

Although it’s really easy and quick to bake the option of air-drying clay is a great solution for hot summer days.

  1. To air dry salt dough, shape the dough into the desired form and place it on a baking sheet or plate.
  2. Leave it in a warm, dry place for several days, turning it occasionally, until it is completely dry and hard.
  3. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the dough and the humidity in the air. It is a good idea to let the dough dry for at least 24 hours before painting or decorating it.

How to Use a Dehydrator

To use a dehydrator to dry salt dough ornaments, follow these steps:

  1. First, shape the salt dough into the desired ornament shapes and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  2. Then, preheat the dehydrator to the lowest setting, typically around 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. At this point, carefully transfer the ornaments to the dehydrator trays, making sure that they are not touching each other.
  4. Dry the ornaments in the dehydrator for several hours, depending on the thickness of the dough and the humidity in the air. Check on the ornaments every hour or so to make sure they are not cracking or warping.
  5. Once the ornaments are dry and hard to the touch, remove them from the dehydrator and painted or decorated them as desired.

It’s important to note that the drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the dough and the humidity in the air, so it may take a longer or shorter time than expected.

Salt Dough is Diverse Enough for Every Season

If you love this craft and you want to try other salt dough ornaments, keep in mind it’s a great craft for all seasons and holidays. Another great option to try would be a DIY clay recipe, as well.

Holiday Decorating with Salt Dough

Use salt dough for a variety of crafts and projects, not just for the holidays. Here are a few examples:

  • Christmas Ornaments. Shape it into a variety of holiday-themed shapes such as Christmas trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread men. Then hang them proudly on your Christmas tree!
  • Handprint Keepsakes. Using a child’s handprint, you can create a keepsake such as a handprint ornament or a handprint plaque.
  • Jewelry. Roll your salt dough out and cut it into shapes to make beads for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
  • Halloween Decorations. You can make Halloween decorations such as ghosts, pumpkins, and bat shapes with salt dough.
  • Easter eggs. You can also make Easter eggs by shaping the salt dough into an egg shape and painting them in different colors.
  • Valentine’s Day. You can make hearts-shaped salt dough and paint them with different colors and decorate them with glitter as well as other embellishments.
  • Sculpture. Salt dough can be sculpted and molded into different shapes and figures.
  • Imprinting. You can use stamps or other objects to make impressions in the dough, creating unique designs.
  • Magnets. Salt dough can be made into magnets for the fridge or any magnetic surface.
  • Coasters. Salt dough can be used to make coasters for your home as well as for your business.
  • Decorative Pieces. You can create decorative pieces like candle holders, vases, as well as frames.
  • Paperweight. You can also make heavier ornaments to use as paperweights.

These are just a few examples, you can use your creativity to come up with other projects and holidays to use salt dough in.

A Must-Add Project for Your Family Activities This Year

In conclusion, a DIY Salt Dough Valentine’s Heart Garland is a fun and budget-friendly craft that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. It creates a beautiful and unique decoration that can be enjoyed year after year, and it’s a great way to show your loved ones how much you care.

FAQ

General Questions You May Ask

Will Salt Dough Go Moldy?

Salt dough can go moldy if it is not dried or stored correctly. Salt dough is made of flour, salt, and water, all ingredients that can attract mold and mildew if left in a humid or damp environment. To prevent mold from forming, it is important to dry the ornaments completely before storing them, in a dry and cool place.

Are Salt Dough Ornaments Fragile?

Salt dough ornaments can be fragile, especially if they are thin or have intricate details. They can be affected by humidity and temperature, which can cause them to warp or crack. To avoid breakage, it’s important to handle the ornaments with care and to store them in a cool, dry place.

What Kind of Salt Do You Use for Salt Dough Ornaments?

Salt dough ornaments are typically made with regular table salt. The fine texture of table salt helps to bind the dough together, making it smooth and easy to work with. Some people use kosher salt, which is coarser and gives the dough a rustic look. You can use any type of salt, but just make sure it’s fine-grained, to ensure a smooth dough.

How Long Do Salt Dough Ornaments Last?

Salt dough ornaments can last for several decades if they are made and stored properly. However, the longevity of salt dough ornaments can depend on several factors, such as the thickness of the ornament, the humidity and temperature of the storage area, and the type of paint or finish used on the ornament.

Decorating & Finishing Questions

Can You Use Sharpies on Salt Dough Ornaments?

Yes, you can use Sharpies on salt dough ornaments. Sharpies are oil-based permanent markers that work well on porous surfaces like salt dough. They allow you to create detailed designs and patterns on your ornaments. It’s best to use them after the ornaments have been painted and sealed, so the ink doesn’t smudge or smear. It is important to note that the sharpies may fade over time, especially if exposed to light or humidity, so it’s best to keep the ornaments in a cool, dry place.

Can You Paint Salt Dough Before it Dries?

It is not recommended to paint salt dough before it is completely dry. Completely dry them before painting, glazing, or storing them, to ensure that the ornament to avoid cracking or warping. If the dough is still wet, the paint will not adhere well and may smudge or smear.

How Do You Seal Salt Dough Ornaments?

Salt dough ornaments can be sealed with a clear varnish or sealant, such as a polyurethane or acrylic sealer. This can be applied with a brush or sprayed on. A sealant will help protect the ornament from moisture and humidity and will also enhance the colors and details of the ornament. For best results, it’s recommended to apply 2-3 coats of sealant, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Drying Methods with Salt Dough

How Long Do Salt Dough Ornaments Take to Dry?

The drying time for salt dough can vary depending on the size and thickness of the ornament and the method used to dry them. Air drying can take 2-3 days while baking in the oven at 200-250F can take 1-2 hours. If you want to speed up the drying process try a dehydrator, this will dry the ornaments usually in 24 hours. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to let the ornaments dry completely before painting, glazing, or storing them to avoid cracking or warping.

Can Salt Dough Dry without Baking?

Yes, salt dough can dry without baking. Air drying is an alternative method to baking. It involves leaving the ornaments to dry at room temperature for 2-3 days. Air drying can help preserve the color and details of the ornament, but it can also be less predictable and take longer than baking. To ensure that the ornaments dry evenly and without cracks, you should flatten the bottoms of the ornaments and turn them over occasionally.

Is it Better to Bake or Air Dry Salt Dough?

Both baking and air drying are suitable methods for drying salt dough ornaments. Baking in the oven will dry the ornaments quickly, but it may cause the ornament to crack or discolor, while air drying can take up to 2-3 days and can be less predictable, but it will preserve the color and details of the ornament. Ultimately, the choice of method depends on the desired outcome and the size of the ornament.
DIY salt dough heart ornaments embossed sitting on an antique plate.

DIY Salt Dough

Yield: 20 Ornaments
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $4

Salt dough is a simple, yet versatile material that can be used for a variety of DIY projects. Whether you're looking to make some cute and quirky home decor or want to keep your kids busy with a fun craft, salt dough is a perfect choice.

Materials

  • Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Essential oils*
  • Herbs (dried Lavender, Rose, Rosemary, etc)*
  • Spices (Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, etc)*
  • *Optional

Tools

  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie Cutters
  • Measuring Cup
  • Paper Straw or Toothpicks
  • Ribbon, Twine, or Jute Cord
  • Cookie Sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Embroidery Needle
  • Paper Doilies*
  • Lace*
  • *Optional

Instructions

  1. The first thing you'll want to do is pour the flour and salt inton a mixing bowl.
  2. Then mix the flour and salt together in a bowl and stir it until it is thoroughly mixed.
  3. Then slowly add in the warm water and stir until the mixture comes together to form a dough.
  4. If desired, you can add a few drops of essential or fragrance oil to give the dough a pleasant scent.
  5. After a few minutes, the dough should start to soften and smooth out.
  6. Next, roll out the dough onto a large piece of parchment paper a bit like cookie dough. At this point in the process, just try to roll your dough out evenly and to your preferred thickness. 1/8" to 1/4" is a good thickness.
  7. Then use the heart cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. If you have big and small cookie cutters, you can also alternate small hearts and a larger heart on the garland.
  8. For a more 3D look, you can roll your paper doily on top. This works well to create an embossed pattern that looks so charming!
  9. And then use a toothpick or straw to make a small hole on either side of the heart or a single hole for an ornament for your string. I used a paper straw and it was a perfect size hole once cooked.
  10. At this point, place your salt dough hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (I did this after cutting each cookie).
  11. If you want to add some color to your garland, you can also paint the hearts with acrylic paint before baking.
  12. Then the next step is to bake the salt dough hearts in the oven at 200 degrees F for about 4-6 hours. Also, turn them over halfway through baking for a nice even finish.
  13. Then finish them with Mod Podge or a spray coat to ensure a more permanent garland.
  14. After you bake, cool, and seal, string the hearts using a large needle with a piece of twine.

Notes

While I chose hearts, you can most definitely try creating salt dough decorations in all kinds of salt dough shapes like circles, squares, or arabesque. Try any and all cookie cutters you own for a really fun personalized garland!

© Julie Boston
Project Type: Craft / Category: Craft
Author photo of a 38 year old woman with shoulder length dark brown hair, blue eyes, she's wearing a grey shirt with pockets.
Contact Us | About Me

Meet the Author

Hi, I’m Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me here→

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *