DIY starfish salt dough garland

Don’t these starfish look expensive? I think they look like something you’d find in an upscale shop at the beach! So I was surprised to find out they’re actually homemade salt dough ornaments, which you can make for pennies. This idea is courtesy of Blythe at Desperate Craftwives, who started with a classic salt dough and came up with an easy decorating method for her starfish design. All you need is a toothpick!

The little toothpick dots along the edges of the starfish make it look so real! All strung together on jute, the starfish ornaments make a lovely garland for a nautical inspired Christmas tree. You could also use the garland at a mermaid party or an under the sea party. Or, leave the ornaments separate for on your Christmas tree, or tie them onto party favors!

What You Need:

• Salt Dough: Mix 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 Cup Salt, and 3/4 to 1 Cup of Water
• Jute or Heavy Twine
• Toothpicks
  

How You Make It:

• Take a chunk of the dough and roll it into a ball. On a lightly floured surface (to prevent sticking), use hands to flatten ball.
• Once you have your circle of dough, use a toothpick to press marks into the dough where the arms of the starfish will be.
• Remove dough between markings and use hands to round and shape the starfish form.
• Use toothpick to make long indentation in center of each leg and to poke small holes up and down arms of starfish.
• Poke a hole in top of starfish (we used the non-pointy end of a ball point pen).
• Let dry, either by allowing to air dry, or by baking in a 200 degree oven for several hours until hardened.
• Once dried and cooled, apply coat of acrylic sealant.
• Tie small loop through hole at top of starfish with jute so the starfish will hang flat when suspended.
• String starfish on strand of jute to make garland.

Reposted with permission from Desperate Craftwives. Thank you Blythe!