Directions
In
a large bowl, mix together the salt and flour. While mixing, gradually
add the water and continue to mix until dough becomes elastic. (If you
would like to add the optional vegetable oil, do so at this point.) Add
more flour if your mixture is too sticky and add more water if the
dough is crumbling and not holding together. Knead the dough by hand
until it is smooth and elastic.
On
a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about ¼”
thickness. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on a
cookie sheet. Use a toothpick to form a hole at the top of each
ornament big enough to thread a ribbon through. Bake at 200 degrees
until ornaments are no longer soft and doughy. If the dough begins to
darken before cooking is complete, cover the cookie sheet with aluminum
foil.
To
add color to ornaments, either paint them after they have baked and
cooled or mix food coloring into the water before adding it to the dry
ingredients. Ornaments can also be decorated with glitter glue after
they have been painted. Seal ornaments on all sides with a clear
varnish or polyurethane spray.
After ornaments dry, attach them to gift packages with personalized holiday ribbon. Unused dough can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for about two to three days.