This is the perfect grandparent gift. Make them every year to record your children’s growth.

Ingredients for Self-Hardening Salt Clay
1 1/2 cups salt
4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups water
Also need: ribbon, picture hangers or a plate stand (Available at photo shops.)

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl and add water gradually. Knead the dough until it forms a ball, adding water if it is too crumbly.

Take a ball about the size of an orange and roll it out to1/2 inch thickness. Press your child’s hand into the center of the clay and press down. With spatula, place print on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in oven at 300 degrees for 30 minutes or until hard. When the clay has cooled, write your child’s name and date on the back of the piece or have your child write his name next to his handprint. If you like, you can hang a picture hanger with a ribbon on the back or purchase a stand to include with your gift.

Use leftover salt clay to make ornaments. Roll out dough and cut out with seasonal cookie cutters. Before baking, poke holes through the top to place hooks or ribbons. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 300 degrees until hard. When cooled they can be painted and decorated with sequins and beads.