Rosemary Remembrance: DIY Salt Dough Ornaments for a Scent-sational Christmas

The scent of rosemary always reminds me of winter. Perhaps it’s the evergreen nature of the herb, a defiant pop of green in the otherwise slumbering garden. As the holidays approach, I often find myself craving that grounding aroma amidst the ever-increasing frenzy of shopping lists and social obligations. Last year, determined to slow down and cultivate a more mindful Christmas, I decided to try my hand at making rosemary salt dough ornaments. The project was deceptively simple, delightfully fragrant, and a wonderful way to bring a little bit of nature’s calm into our home during the busy season. And it’s a project that I think you'll enjoy too!

These aren’t just any ornaments; they're a fragrant, sustainable alternative to mass-produced plastic trinkets. Imagine the warm, herbaceous scent of rosemary gently filling your home, a natural aromatherapy treatment as you decorate your tree. This project is incredibly easy to make, surprisingly eco-friendly, easy on the wallet, and something the whole family can enjoy. Best of all, it creates lasting memories as you connect with the season and appreciate the beauty of simple, natural elements. Plus, rosemary has a rich history, often associated with remembrance and good luck, adding an extra layer of meaning to your holiday decorations.

Ready to embark on this simple, sensory journey? This blog post will guide you through every step, from gathering your materials to adding the finishing touches. Let’s bring a touch of the homestead to your holiday!

1. Gathering Your Materials: Nature’s Pantry & Minimalist Supply List

The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of what you need right in your pantry or garden. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour or bread flour. You can even use gluten-free flour for a GF version! The flour provides the structure for the ornaments.
• Salt: 1 cup of table salt or sea salt. Salt acts as a preservative and helps the ornaments harden properly.
• Water: ¾ cup of warm water. Warm water helps the salt dissolve and the dough come together more easily.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: A generous handful, ideally from your own garden or a local source. Rosemary is the star of the show, providing fragrance and visual appeal.
• Optional Essential Oils: A few drops of rosemary, pine, or fir essential oil to enhance the scent. Use sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
• Natural Twine or Ribbon: For hanging your ornaments.

Tools You'll Need:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
• Cookie Cutters: Choose various shapes to suit your style. Holiday themes work best!
• Baking Sheet: To bake your ornaments.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent the ornaments from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Straw or Skewer: For creating the holes for hanging.
• Oven: For baking the ornaments.

Embrace the spirit of resourcefulness! Check your cupboards and drawers before heading to the store. You can even forage for rosemary responsibly in your area, asking permission from the landowner first, of course. To preserve your rosemary harvest, consider storing the excess sprigs in olive oil – a wonderful way to infuse flavor into your cooking later on!

2. The Recipe: Baking & Shaping Scent-sational Ornaments

Now for the fun part: making the dough and shaping your ornaments! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
2. Add Water: Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water, drop by drop.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
5. Press in Rosemary: Gently press fresh rosemary sprigs into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more ornaments.
7. Create Hanging Holes: Use a straw or skewer to create a small hole near the top of each ornament. This is essential for hanging!
8. Bake: Place the ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until hardened but not browned. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your ornaments, so keep a close eye on them. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
9. Cool Completely: Remove the ornaments from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Dough too sticky: Add flour one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a manageable consistency.
• Dough too dry: Add water one drop at a time until it comes together.
• Ornaments cracking during baking: Lower the oven temperature slightly and bake for a longer period.

Remember to enjoy the sensory experience of kneading the dough and inhaling the fragrant aroma of the rosemary. This is a great opportunity to slow down and be present in the moment. Always be mindful of oven safety and keep a close eye on the baking ornaments!

3. Decorating & Embellishing: Natural Touches & Personalized Flair

Once your ornaments are baked and cooled, it's time to add some personality! Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

• Let Rosemary be the Star: Sometimes, the simplest designs are the most beautiful. The natural texture and color of the rosemary itself can be stunning.
• Natural Pigments: Experiment with natural pigments to add subtle color. Beet juice can create a soft pink hue, while turmeric can add a warm yellow. Simply brush the pigments onto the ornaments after baking.
• Dried Flowers & Herbs: Add dried flower petals or other herbs for extra texture and visual interest. Press them gently into the dough before baking, or glue them on afterward.
• Essential Oils: Enhance the scent by adding a drop or two of essential oil directly to the ornament.
• Natural Twine & Ribbon: Use natural twine, raffia, or ribbons to hang your ornaments. This adds a rustic touch and complements the natural aesthetic.
• Stamps & Stencils: Use stamps or stencils to create patterns on the ornaments.
• Paint: Gently drybrush white or metallic acrylic paints to create a wintery effect.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your imagination run wild! The key is to have fun and create ornaments that reflect your unique style.

To preserve the scent and longevity of your ornaments, store them in an airtight container when not in use.

4. Beyond the Tree: Gifting & Alternative Uses

These rosemary salt dough ornaments are more than just tree decorations; they’re thoughtful, handmade gifts and versatile additions to your home decor.

Gifting Ideas:

• Fragrant Gift Tags: Attach an ornament to a gift package as a fragrant and unique tag.
• Homemade Food Gift Baskets: Include ornaments in homemade food gift baskets, adding a personal touch.
• Hostess Gifts: Offer them as a thoughtful hostess gift when attending holiday gatherings.
• Teacher Gifts: Show appreciation for teachers with a small ornament packaged in a muslin bag.
• Presentation Matters: Package the ornaments in small muslin bags with a handwritten card for a truly special touch.

Alternative Uses:

• Natural Air Fresheners: Hang them in closets or drawers to freshen the air naturally.
• Fragrant Potpourri: Place them in a bowl as a decorative and aromatic potpourri.
• Winter Wreath Embellishments: Use them as fragrant elements in a winter wreath.
• Rosemary Garland: String them together to create a beautiful rosemary garland.
• Natural Fire Starters: Add them to natural fire starters for a fragrant and eco-friendly fire.

The beauty of homemade gifts lies in their thoughtfulness and sustainability. These rosemary salt dough ornaments are a wonderful way to show your loved ones you care while minimizing your environmental impact.

Conclusion

In a world that often prioritizes material possessions, creating these rosemary salt dough ornaments is a beautiful way to slow down, connect with nature, and create meaningful memories during the holiday season. Don't strive for perfection; embrace the imperfections, as they are part of the charm of handmade items. I still remember the laughter and joy shared with my children as we pressed rosemary sprigs into the dough and carefully cut out our shapes. Those moments are far more precious than any store-bought ornament. And I hope you and your family experience similar joy.

Call to Action

Now it’s your turn! Share your own rosemary salt dough ornament creations on social media using the hashtag #BHHRosemaryOrnaments. We can’t wait to see what you create! And don't forget to subscribe to the Better Homes & Harvests newsletter for more homesteading tips and recipes to help you create a more meaningful and sustainable life. Happy crafting!