Among the cherished trinkets adorning our holiday tree stands a vintage salt dough snowman ornament, a precious creation by Grandma Mama Mac in the winter of 1986. This beloved ornament, gifted to Kim / 1969 during her high school...
Among the cherished trinkets adorning our holiday tree stands a vintage salt dough snowman ornament, a precious creation by Grandma Mama Mac in the winter of 1986. This beloved ornament, gifted to Kim / 1969 during her high school days, has adorned our tree each festive season since. As we celebrate our enduring love and marriage since 1991, this year, we've decided to honor its legacy by preserving it in a shadow box.
A Snowy Treasure From the Past: Crafted with love and dexterity by Mama Mac, this snowman ornament emerged as a wintry masterpiece, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit. Its creation marked a time of joy and familial warmth that has echoed through the years. I mean who doesn't love a snowman? And, added bonus...this one has a history.
A Symbol of Shared Traditions: From Kim's high school days to our marriage in 1991, this snowman ornament has remained a constant, gracing our holiday celebrations. Its presence on our tree has become an emblem of shared memories, reminding us of the laughter, love, and cherished moments we've experienced together...especially those in the kitchen over the years. Lots of Christmas cookies and cheese straws have been made with Mama Mac's daughter who we call Ma"C". We have blogged on Ma"C" before check it out in the links below:
https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2020/04/mac-and-her-mosaic-trays.html
https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2020/06/beer-pong-tabledaniel-cochran-style.html
https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2019/04/mac-and-kappa-delta-handmade-mosaic-art.html
https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2019/01/handmade-heidi-j-hale-and-mac-christmas.html
https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2017/01/mac-artsy-fartsy-mother-in-law.html
https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2010/05/birdhouses-mother-in-law-memories.html
Honoring a Sentimental Journey: As we approached this holiday season this year, we've decided to honor our treasured ornament's journey. To safeguard its legacy, we've chosen to preserve it in a shadow box—a keepsake that will allow us to display and safeguard its sentimental value for years to come.
Embracing the Legacy: In encapsulating Grandma Mama Mac's lovingly crafted snowman ornament in a shadow box, we're commemorating not just a beautiful piece of holiday decor but also the enduring spirit of family, tradition, and the legacy it holds within our hearts.
The vintage salt dough snowman ornament, gifted by Grandma Mama Mac, has become an enduring symbol of our family's holiday traditions. Its journey from Kim's high school days to our marriage has woven a tapestry of love and shared moments. As we encapsulate it in a shadow box, we continue to honor its legacy, preserving the warmth and memories it embodies. We will one day pass it along to 1969's daughter, Mary Frances! Scroll below to look at the details on this snowman's facial features.
How do you make salt dough ornaments?
Making salt dough ornaments is a fun and simple activity that allows you to create personalized decorations for various occasions. Here's a basic recipe and instructions for making salt dough ornaments:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour1 cup salt1 cup waterOptional: Food coloring (for colored ornaments), cinnamon or other spices for a pleasant scent (optional)Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. If you're adding spices for scent, this is the time to incorporate them.Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms. The dough should be smooth and pliable, not too sticky.Kneading and Rolling:
Dust a flat surface or cutting board with flour to prevent sticking.Transfer the dough onto the floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it's smooth and easy to work with.Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness, usually about 1/4 inch thick.Cutting Shapes:
Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out various shapes from the dough. Stars, hearts, circles, and holiday-themed shapes work well for ornaments. Make a small hole at the top of each ornament using a straw or toothpick for hanging purposes.Baking:
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F (95°C).Place the ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 2-3 hours. The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your ornaments. The goal is to thoroughly dry out the dough without browning or burning the ornaments.Cooling and Decorating:
Once baked and completely cooled, you can decorate the ornaments using paint, markers, glitter, or varnish. Acrylic paint works well for coloring the ornaments.Thread a ribbon or string through the hole for hanging, and your salt dough ornaments are ready to adorn your tree or be gifted!Preservation:
To prolong the life of your ornaments, you can seal them with a clear varnish or Mod Podge after decorating. This helps protect them from moisture and extends their durability.Salt dough ornaments are versatile and can be personalized to suit different occasions or themes. Get creative with colors, shapes, and decorations to make unique and festive decorations for any time of the year!
1969