These salt dough keepsake candle holders would make the cutest (and most useful) Mother’s Day gift for kids or Christmas gifts. Well, because they’re adorable, personalized, and super easy to make, they’d make a great gift for kids for any occasion.
You can use salt dough to make handprints, which is really economical for a homemade classroom gift, or use air dry clay if you make your own salt dough handprints at home.
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Not only do these souvenirs make great gifts for kids, they’re actually useful, so what’s not to love!
If you are a teacher and are looking for a great project to do with your class on Mother’s Day (preschool, kindergarten is perfect) then this project is definitely suitable, and if you are using salt dough (which we definitely recommend as it is cost effective). If you are doing this at home, salt dough is definitely an option but you might want to try air dry clay as it is even quicker – so no prep required at all.
Salt dough is really easy to make, we will share a quick recipe in this guide, however if you want more information and tips and tricks to make the best salt dough, check out our detailed guide “how to make salt dough recipe” with tips and tricks.
How to make salt dough handprints as candle keepsakes
What you need:
- air dry salt or clay
- hand painted
- paint brush
- Tea candles (you can also buy electronic candles) – they are really economical, you can buy a bunch at the dollar store.
Optional: gemstones or other decorations
Step by step instructions
If making salt dough, start by making a batch. Skip this step if you are using air dry clay.
To make salt dough, you will need the following ingredients:
- flour (1 cup)
- salt (1/2 cup)
- water – warm (1/4 to 1/2 cup – start with 1/4 and add more if needed)
- bowl
- oil paper
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a larger bowl.
Then slowly add water, mixing or kneading while adding water.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes – it should be of even consistency. It shouldn’t be sticky!
Now that you have air-dry dough or clay – shape it with your fingers. The shape should be large enough to fit in your child’s hand.
Press your hand firmly into the dry dough or clay to leave a handprint.
Depending on the age of the child and the type of candle, this step may not be possible for the child to do independently. Press the candle into the dough/clay in the middle of the palm. Shake the candle gently, as the dough will shrink as it dries, the candle hole will shrink a little.
Bake the dough or let it air dry.
When the paint is dry, have your child draw his or her handprint. Let the paint dry.
Place the candle in the designated location (you can even secure the candle with glue).
And there you have it! Your child has made a keepsake salt dough candle holder.
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Categories: Activities for Kids
Source: fetb.edu.vn