Salt Dough Heart Wreath

As a kid, I made "salt maps" for geography class, and if we were lucky, we got to make salt dough ornaments at home with Mom.

Here's a standard dough recipe you can use to make a valentine heart.

Before cooking, break a paper clip in half, and embed it in the dough so that you have a way to hang your heart, if desired. This is a fun craft for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:
2 c. Flour
1 c. table salt
1 c. water
1 tbl. vegetable oil
1 tbl. of lemon juice
optional:
1 tbl. wallpaper paste (gives the mixture more elasticity)

Put everything except the water into a bowl and mix. Gradually add the water. If it’s too sticky, add more flour

When thoroughly mixed, knead for 10 minutes on a flat surface to create a smooth texture. Let the dough stand at least 10 minutes (20 is better) before starting.

Divide into 3 ropes, each about 8 inches long. Braid together all 3, being careful not to flatten braids or rip them. When the braid is complete, shape it into a heart. Join together by pinching dough where the braids meet.

You can either dry your wreath in the air, or it can be baked in an oven. Bake at about 200 for 2-3 hours. Air dry takes 2 or more days.

When completely dry, paint with acrylic or other permanent paints. You can use a shellac when the paint is dry, if desired, for extra hardness and shine.

—Roxy