If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to celebrate Halloween with your little ones, spooky salt dough keepsakes are the perfect project! They are simple to make and double as cherished mementos you’ll love pulling out year after year.

As a mom with an 8-year-old, I sometimes miss the days when we did these cute crafts together all the time. But let’s be real—he’ll never be too old for me! He’s stuck doing these projects until he’s an adult. It’s definitely fun, though, to keep these traditions alive with my younger son. Making handprint ghosts and candy corn footprint keepsakes together has become a sweet way to continue the fun memories and pass them down.

Ingredients

For the Salt Dough:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of salt
• 1/2 cup of water

For Decorating:

• White, black, orange, and yellow acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Clear varnish or Mod Podge (optional)
• Ribbon or string for hanging
• A straw (for creating holes in the dough)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and pliable.
2. Shape the Keepsakes:

• Handprint Ghosts: Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Help your child press their hand into the dough to create a handprint. Cut around the print, leaving a small border. Use a straw to poke a hole at the top for hanging.
• Candy Corn Footprints: Roll out the dough and help your child press their foot into it to create a footprint. Cut around the print, leaving a small border. Use a straw to make a hole at the top of each piece if you plan to hang them.

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours or until fully dry and hardened. Let them cool completely.
2. Decorate the Keepsakes:

• Handprint Ghosts: Paint the entire handprint white. Once dry, use black paint to add eyes and a mouth for a ghostly face.
• Candy Corn Footprints: To resemble candy corn, paint the heel of the footprint white, the middle section orange, and the toes yellow. Let the paint dry thoroughly.

1. Seal and Hang: Once your paint is dry, apply a clear varnish or Mod Podge coat to protect your keepsakes. Thread ribbon or string through the holes, and your spooky salt dough keepsakes are ready to display!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store salt dough keepsakes?
To prevent fading or cracking, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Wrapping them in tissue paper before storing can also help preserve them.

Can I use other shapes for these keepsakes?
Of course! Get creative with Halloween-themed cookie cutters like pumpkins, bats, or witches’ hats.

What if my dough is too sticky or crumbly?
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s crumbly, gradually add water until it reaches the right consistency.

Can I make these with a baby or toddler?
Yes! Just keep in mind that you’ll need to help them press their hands or feet into the dough and handle the paint. Supervision is key, especially during the baking and painting stages.

Are salt dough keepsakes safe around pets?
NO, salt dough can be very dangerous if eaten by pets due to its high salt content. Be sure to keep these keepsakes out of reach of curious animals.

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These spooky salt dough keepsakes are more than just Halloween decorations—they’re a way to capture memories with your kids. Remember to keep them out of reach of your furry friends!

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