Here’s an easy craft project you can do with your little ones and at the same time make a keepsake to remember how little they used to be. Salt dough is super easy and cheap to make and lasts for a very long time once cooked. So that makes it the perfect modeling material!

Step 1: What Is Needed to Make Salt Dough...

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• Up to ¾ cup water

Also needed:
• One very cute and happy baby!

Step 2: How to Start...

Combine the salt and flour, then add the water slowly until it forms a dough. Knead it well for a few minutes until it combines and it’s no longer sticky. If it stays sticky add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s a little dry and won’t form a dough, add more water just a teaspoon at a time.

Here’s what the dough should look like.

Step 3: Roll the Dough...

Now we roll it with a rolling pin until it is about 1-2 cm thick. It’s very important to make sure it’s not too thick because it won’t cook evenly and won’t fully cook even after hours in the oven.

Step 4: Make It the Shape You Want...

I formed it into a very basic plaque type shape. You could use the base of a pot, the inside of a plate or a giant cutter to mold the shape- anything will do!

Step 5: Feeties Into the Dough...

The next part was the most challenging to do alone, but with two people it is much easier! Gently press the baby’s foot into the dough on one side, making sure to firmly press the toes so that they make a deep impression. I love how the little creases show up so clearly! ADORABLE.

Now it’s time to repeat with the hand on the other side of the plaque! With young babies this is tricky because they like to keep their fists curled up so tightly! Lorelei was, thankfully, happy and willing as we did this.

Step 6: Hang And/or Decorate...

If you want to hang it on the wall, you need to make two holes using a straw, one on either side. You can thread through some raffia or ribbon once it has hardened.

You can let the newly made creation air dry or you can dry it in the oven. Bake at 200 F until it’s dry, and you are ready to paint it or simply hang it up.

And that's it. Do it with all the kids. Do it a few times and watch their creations change as they do.

About Melissa Meier: She loves doing crafts with the children in her life while also writing for Long Island Honda blogs.