Cornstarch Dough Ornaments Recipe: Step by Step Guide

Making cornstarch dough ornaments is a fun activity. It’s great for kids and adults alike. You can use these ornaments to decorate your home.

Why Make Cornstarch Dough Ornaments?

Cornstarch dough ornaments are easy to make. They are also inexpensive. You can customize them in many ways. This makes them perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Materials Needed

• 1 cup of cornstarch
• 2 cups of baking soda
• 1.5 cups of water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Glitter (optional)
• Cookie cutters
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Straw (for making holes)
• String or ribbon

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, mix the cornstarch and baking soda. Add the water slowly. Stir until smooth. If you want colored dough, add food coloring now.

Step 2: Cook The Dough

Place the saucepan on the stove. Cook over medium heat. Stir constantly. The mixture will thicken. It will start to look like mashed potatoes. This takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cool The Dough

Remove the dough from the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead it until smooth. This helps make the dough more pliable.

Step 4: Roll Out The Dough

Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten it. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure it’s even.

Step 5: Cut Out Shapes

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. You can make stars, hearts, or any shape you like. Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Add Holes

Use a straw to make a hole near the top of each shape. This is where you will thread the string or ribbon later. Make sure the hole is big enough.

Step 7: Decorate The Ornaments

If you want, you can add glitter now. Sprinkle it over the dough shapes. Press it in gently so it sticks. You can also leave them plain.

Step 8: Bake The Ornaments

Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 1 hour. The ornaments should be hard and dry. Let them cool completely.

Step 9: Add String Or Ribbon

Once the ornaments are cool, thread a piece of string or ribbon through each hole. Tie a knot to secure it. Now your ornaments are ready to hang!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to knead the dough well. This makes it smooth and easy to work with.
• If the dough cracks, add a little water. Knead it until it’s smooth again.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes clean-up easier too.
• Store unused dough in an airtight container. It will keep for a few days.

Fun Variations

You can customize your cornstarch dough ornaments in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Add cinnamon to the dough for a pleasant scent.
• Use different food coloring to make colorful ornaments.
• Paint the ornaments after baking. Use acrylic paint for bright colors.
• Seal the ornaments with a clear varnish. This makes them last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Making cornstarch dough ornaments is a fun and easy craft. It’s perfect for kids and adults. You can make beautiful decorations for your home. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll have lovely ornaments in no time. Happy crafting!