How to Make Free Winter Crafts for Young Children

Use salt dough to make a permanent gingerbread house.

Winter is prime time for making crafts with children. When it is too cold to play outdoors, kids can stay in and do projects. There are many secular and religious themes associated with the season to explore. Salt dough is an ideal material to use, as it is easy to make, virtually free as it uses everyday ingredients found in the house, and is very versatile. Children can use salt dough to make holiday gifts or decorations for the home or classroom. To keep the project as free as possible, scrounge around the house for embellishments--get creative and you are unlikely to have to purchase any materials for salt dough projects.

Things You'll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Cup measure
• Salt
• Flour
• Water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Utensils, pencils or carving tools
• Craft sticks, optional
• Candles, optional
• Craft glue
• String or ribbon

Instructions

1. Measure equal amounts of salt and flour to make the desired quantity of salt dough. Add them to a mixing bowl. Pour in water to equal four parts dry ingredients to one part water. Knead the dough until it is smooth. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.

2. Divide the dough into a few piles. Add a few drops of different shades of food coloring to each ball. Knead the dough to distribute the food coloring.

3. Allow children to select the color/s that they would like to work with. Flatten the dough with a rolling pin if you are using cookie cutters or cutting out pieces to make a gingerbread house. Use a utensil, tool or pencil to punch a hole if making a hanging ornament.

4. Shape the dough by hand as you would clay, if making a sculptural object, such as a dreidel or candleholder. Carve into the salt dough with a pencil or utensil to make designs. Be sure to press into the center of the top of your dreidel with a craft stick to make an indentation so you will be able to attach the handle later. Use a candle to make a hollow in your candleholder.

5. Allow salt dough to dry completely before handling or assembling. Thread string or ribbon though holes to make ornaments. Glue the walls and roof of your house together. Use glue to attach dreidel handles and secure candles in candleholders.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate salt dough objects with paint, glitter glue or sprinkles.

• Store any unused dough in a tightly sealed bag or container in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of mold.

• Salt dough candleholders are intended for decorative purposes only. Lit candles can be dangerous if left unattended.

References

• Easy Child Crafts: Easy Salt Dough Recipes Every Child Can Make