Crafty Kids Salt Dough Leaf Prints

Photo credit: Surviving A Teacher Salary

The leaves are falling which seems to be a hassle! Go outside, pick some leaves and do some art work with the little ones. 

Ingredients & Supplies

• 1/2 cup table salt
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water +/-
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Circular or any shape cookie cutter
• straw
• ribbon
• gel food coloring
• small paint brush

Directions

1. Collect a variety of leaves in different shapes and sizes.
2. preheat your oven 200 F
3. Mix salt and flour together. Slowly add the water, starting with just under 1/4 cup. Knead the mixture until a dough consistency begins to form. Gradually add the remaining water (more if needed) until the dough is the consistency of play-dough.
4. Roll out the dough to approximately ¼” thickness and cut out using your circular cookie cutter. Make sure that the size is large enough to accommodate the leaf you plan to use.
5. Transfer the dough cut to a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
6. Gently press your leaf into the dough. Apply enough pressure that the edges of the leaf and veins are well defined in the dough. Remove the leaf. At this time you can add a decorative edge. Use your thumb to press the edges.
7. Mix a variety of colors of food coloring with a few drops of water to create a liquid water paint. Brush a small amount of the mixture onto the ornament where you want to enhance the impression.
8. Use a straw, poke a small hole in the top of the ornament for the ribbon.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 3 hours.
10. Remove from oven, allow to cool. Cut your ribbon to the length of your choice, slip through the hole and tie a bow. 

 We would LOVE to see your child’s creations. Share with #SavingByDesign on instagram!

(Thank You Surviving a Teachers Salary)