Want to learn how to create salt dough figurines to honor your ancestors this Samhain? It is easy!

Supplies

To make this dough, you will need flour, salt, and water, plus a mixing bowl and spoon, a 1-cup measuring cup, a cookie sheet, and an oven. Optional ingredients include food coloring and food-grade extracts like vanilla, cinnamon, peppermint, or rose to make your salt dough (and your kitchen) smell amazing.

If you choose to decorate your baked figurines, you can use any type of paint you have on hand. You can also add glitter (environmentally friendly preferred), ribbons, shells, felt, fabric, or other knick-knacks with glue.

Step 1: Make the Dough

Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of salt, and up to 1 cup of water. Add the water gradually until you have the consistency you want. You may want to mix it with your hands.

Step 2: Optional: Add Extras

Add food coloring and food-grade extract to get the color and scent you want.

Step 3: Shape Your Figurines

Make people to represent your beloved ancestors. They can be as detailed or as simple as you like. You can also create shapes of items that remind you of your ancestors. We made hearts, a guitar, a canoe, and a painter's palette.

Step 4: Bake Your Figurines

Bake your dough at 150-170 degrees F until dry and firm. The amount of time needed will vary depending on the thickness of your figurines.

Step 5: Decorate Your Figurines

Let your dough cool completely and then decorate them with paint. You can also add eco-friendly glitter to the wet paint and you can glue your ribbons, shells, felt, fabric, or other items onto your figurines. Be as creative as you like. Your ancestors will love it!