How to Make a Baby Footprint Ornament?

Making a baby footprint ornament is a fun and sentimental DIY project. Here's how you can create one using a simple salt dough recipe:

Materials You'll Need:

• 1 cup salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm water (approximately)
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (optional, for shaping)
• Drinking straw or skewer
• Baking sheet
• Paints (acrylic recommended)
• Paintbrushes
• Ribbon or string for hanging
• Sealer (optional, to protect the paint)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salt Dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the salt and flour.
   • Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms. You might need slightly more or less water depending on humidity.

2. Knead the Dough:

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
   • Knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a tiny bit more water.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

   • Roll the dough out to approximately ½ inch thickness. Thicker ornaments will take longer to dry.

4. Create the Footprint:

   • Gently press your baby's foot into the dough to create a clear footprint. You may need to practice a few times to get a good impression. Have a helper on hand!

5. Cut and Shape (Optional):

   • Use cookie cutters to create a desired shape around the footprint (e.g., a circle, heart, or star). If you don't have cookie cutters, you can use a knife to carefully cut around the footprint.

6. Create a Hole for Hanging:

   • Use a drinking straw or skewer to make a hole at the top of the ornament for hanging. Make sure the hole is large enough to accommodate your ribbon or string.

7. Bake the Ornament:

   • Place the ornament on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 3-4 hours, or until completely dry and hard. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the ornament. Check frequently to avoid burning.
   • Alternatively, you can air dry the ornaments for several days, flipping them occasionally to ensure even drying.

8. Cool and Decorate:

   • Let the ornament cool completely before painting.
   • Paint the ornament with acrylic paints. You can paint the footprint itself a different color or add other decorative details.

9. Seal (Optional):

   • Once the paint is dry, you can seal the ornament with a clear acrylic sealer to protect the paint and make it more durable.

10. Add Ribbon and Hang:

    • Thread a ribbon or string through the hole and tie a knot.
    • Hang your precious baby footprint ornament on your tree or display it as a keepsake!

This simple salt dough recipe creates a lasting memento of your baby's tiny footprint, perfect for years to come.