1st of December… let’s begin preparing for Christmas. I know a lot of you are ready for Christmas already (I mean decorations and advent wreath) but here in Latvia… we are running into a forest for natural material for wreath right before Advent Sunday. Otherwise, it will fall apart.
A few days ago the weather was so unpleasant that we decide to stay inside. What to do inside with 5 years old… and 3 years old… aaaaaand 2 years old. Huh…
How about a 30-minute action called – hand and footprints! It is easy and actually few minute activity if you do it by yourself (I mean – grownup!). But for kids… it will hold them in place for up to 30 minutes (for Nelle & Linna even more but for Helmī after 30-minutes she runs out of dough and ideas too! Good.
I have few pictures of Christmas ornaments from last year made from salt dough (white one).
If you can’t decide – let your kids to cover in flower or not… How about the list of skills they can learn:
- motor skills like mixing, kneading, rolling, flattening, poking and much more;
- sensory like wet, dry;
- math and physics like weighing, counting, gravity, full, empty and so on (I have a math-related degree…);
- do like grownups – work independently;
- and BE CREATIVE!
The recipe is for one ball. We made 3 balls. I showed how to do it and then assist with two others.
RECIPE:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 – 3/4 cup water
In a bowl mix together flour and salt. Add hot water and mix in a dough. Knead the dough on a flat surface, adding a few more drops of water as needed (but not making it too moist).Make whatever you want. If you want to make hanging ornaments, pierce the dough through with a straw or toothpick while it’s wet.
Make whatever you want. If you want to make hanging ornaments, pierce the dough through with a straw or toothpick while it’s wet.
Allow the shapes to dry for a day (or two depends on how thick), turning them over periodically to speed up the drying process.
Ilze
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Tasty fun!
At least it’s not harmful to kids! They can eat a bit! 🙂 For example, playdough smells good and 1 year old would love to eat it!
On the list for me and Malina to do, cheers 🙂
I will make them with kids once more. We will make something for Godmothers and Godfathers… I need to share the recipe for cinnamon dough… but I don’t know where I put it… Those cinnamon ornaments still have aroma (after a year)!
Great job mom!!
Thank you, Jodi! I can’t wait you start crafting with your lovely granddaughter!
Me too! I have a spot all set up for her. She’s not quite ready yet though. Don’t want to rush her out of babyhood, but it is happening fast!
It is happening fast! And it’s good, that you don’t want to rush!
I remember doing this. It’s a fantastic activity this time of year.
We did it in the summer too, but for a different reason – made footprints etc. now it’s time to make a bit more ornaments for Chirstmas tree!
Footprints would be fun too! Great idea!
🙂 you are welcome!
It’s so good to see someone making their own Christmas decorations with their children. Reminds me of my childhood, when Christmas was much more exciting. Mum made all the decorations with us boys, but not with salt dough. Would have been fun.
I guess that usage of white flour in ornaments by that time would be crazy. I remember how my grandmother told me, that they didn’t had white flour… just a bit to back pancakes for special visitors… So… nowadays it’s different 🙂
Very creative – will pass on your recipe for my daughter to try with her 6 and 2 year olds
Nice. Let me know how it went!
Great activity for a rainy day. Kids learn without knowing they are learning! And something to show at the end! Win/win all round!
Thank you! I need to find the other recipe for cinnamon ornaments… I brought them down yesterday from the attic and they are still smelling so good!!!
Cinnamon ornaments… what a great idea!
Yes! Unfortunately I can’t find the recipe! But I will! I love those ornaments that don’t need backing! Air – dry!