Better Than Salt Dough: The Best DIY Recipe for Ornaments & Crafts

This better than salt dough recipe makes smooth, durable ornaments and crafts! Easy to make, non-cracking, and perfect for DIY holiday decor.

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If you love homemade Christmas ornaments and DIY crafting, but hate how traditional salt dough cracks, crumbles, and feels grainy, then you’re going to love this better-than-salt-dough recipe!

This easy-to-make dough creates smooth, bright white ornaments that dry beautifully without the rough texture of salt dough. Whether you’re crafting handmade Christmas ornaments, keepsake handprints, or DIY gift tags, this simple recipe is durable, easy to work with, and long-lasting.

In this post, I’ll share exactly how to make better-than-salt-dough ornaments, plus tips for stamping, drying, and sealing your creations.

Why This Recipe is Better Than Salt Dough

Salt dough has been a classic DIY material for years, but it has some major drawbacks:
❌ Grainy Texture – The salt can make dough rough and uneven.
❌ Cracks & Breaks Easily – Salt dough tends to dry out and crumble over time.
❌ Yellowish Tint – The natural color isn’t always bright white.

This baking soda and cornstarch dough is a superior alternative because it is:
✔ Smoother & Softer – Creates perfectly smooth, crack-free ornaments.
✔ Bright White – Looks stunning on its own or painted.
✔ More Durable – Holds its shape and dries with a porcelain-like finish.
✔ Easier to Work With – Kneads into a soft, pliable dough that’s perfect for kids & detailed designs.

Better Than Salt Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 ¼ cups water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Ingredients

In a medium saucepot, combine baking soda and cornstarch. Stir in cool water and mix well.

2️⃣ Cook Until Thickened

• Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly.
• After 5-7 minutes, the mixture will start to bubble and thicken.
• Continue stirring for another few minutes until the dough forms a thick consistency, like mashed potatoes.

3️⃣ Let the Dough Cool

• Transfer the dough to a glass bowl and cover it with a lightly damp cloth to prevent drying.
• Let it cool for at least an hour.

4️⃣ Knead Until Smooth

• Once cooled, knead the dough until soft and pliable.
• If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little extra cornstarch while kneading.

5️⃣ Roll & Cut Your Ornaments

• Roll out the dough to your desired thickness (¼ inch works well).
• Use cookie cutters or stamps to create shapes.
• If making ornaments, poke a hole near the top for hanging (a straw works great!).

6️⃣ Let Dry for 24 Hours

• Place ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack.
• Let them air dry for at least 24 hours (flip halfway through for even drying).

Tips for the Best DIY Ornaments

✨ For a Super Smooth Finish: Lightly sand dried ornaments with fine-grit sandpaper.
✨ For a Vintage Look: Press lace, leaves, or textured fabric into the dough before cutting.
✨ For Scented Ornaments: Add a few drops of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough.
✨ For Colored Ornaments: Mix in natural food coloring while kneading.

How to Seal & Preserve Your Ornaments

Since this dough dries to a beautiful, natural white finish, you can leave it as is or customize it!

🎨 To Paint: Use acrylic or watercolor paints for vibrant colors.
🖌 To Seal: Brush on a clear Mod Podge or matte sealer to prevent moisture absorption.
✨ To Add Sparkle: Dust with fine glitter while the dough is still damp.

Storage Tips: How to Keep Ornaments for Years

To keep your ornaments in perfect condition, follow these tips:
✅ Store in a cool, dry place wrapped in tissue paper.
✅ Avoid humidity to prevent softening over time.
✅ If an ornament becomes soft, place it in a warm, dry spot to re-harden.

Ways to Use Your DIY Dough Creations

💡 Christmas Ornaments – Create handmade keepsakes for your tree!
💡 Gift Tags – Personalize presents with hand-stamped name tags.
💡 Handprint Keepsakes – A perfect baby’s first Christmas craft!
💡 DIY Garland – String dried shapes together for a rustic holiday decoration.
💡 Fridge Magnets – Attach a small magnet to the back for cute kitchen decor.

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Final Thoughts: A Simple & Fun DIY Craft

This better-than-salt-dough recipe is an easy, affordable, and fun way to make homemade ornaments and keepsakes that last for years. Whether you’re crafting with kids, making gifts, or creating holiday decor, this simple dough is the perfect alternative to traditional salt dough.

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