In Russian traditions, figures from salted dough were considered not only a funny souvenir, but also a strong amulet. Our distant ancestors symbolized figures from salted dough with well-being, prosperity and luck. Used crafts from salted dough and ancient Egyptians - the figure was an important attribute for worshiping the gods. In the Nordic countries, handicrafts from dough were used as souvenirs for Easter and Christmas.
Despite such a long history, this ancient art has won many admirers even today. In the modern world - the world of industrial and technological progress, any crafts made of environmentally friendly materials are highly valued. A picture or figurine, made from salted dough by one's own hands, is an excellent and original gift. Such a souvenir is suitable for close people, and for colleagues at work.
The molding from salted dough is a fascinating process. Everyone is able to master this kind of art. In order to start creativity, you need a spacious workplace, a salty dough, a glass of water and vegetable oil.
How to make a salted dough?
The recipe for a salty dough is simple. The main ingredients are salt, wheat flour, water and vegetable oil. A glass of flour should be mixed with a glass of salt, add a spoonful of vegetable oil and half a glass of cold water. Stir the dough with a spoon and hands until a uniform, thick mass is obtained. The resulting mass is placed in the refrigerator for cooling. After 2-3 hours, the salty dough is ready.
A salty dough can be left in a natural color, and can be dyed. By giving the test a certain color, you do not need to then paint the finished products. Dye the dough with gouache paints. Separate a piece of salted dough, make a hole in it and pour a little paint there. Then wrap the edges so that the paint remains inside the dough. The resulting lump must be rolled until you get a uniform color. With the help of gouache paints you can get any shade. This is especially convenient if the modeling of a salt dough is done by a child, since it is usually difficult for children to paint small figures with a tassel.
We make a salty dough
When the salted dough is ready for molding, you can start working. Any products from salted dough, consist of simple elements - a ball, sausages, plates. Blind all the components and put them together. On individual elements very impressive look prints of fabrics - guipure or a grid. To print the cloth, soak it in vegetable oil. With a knife or scissors, you can make eyes, mouth and nose on the faces of the figures. Use any jewelry - beads, buttons, paper, pieces of leather.
When the picture or figure from the salted dough is ready, it must be baked. Thermal treatment will make your work of art even more durable. You can bake a figurine in an oven or microwave. For baking, choose the lowest temperature - from a strong heat, a salted dough product can burn or crack. If you do not have the opportunity to bake a figure, it can be dried
The baked and cooled product from the salted dough can be varnished and, if necessary, colored. Gouache and acrylic colors are suitable for coloring. To get a better picture, add a little glue of PVA to the gouache. Lacquering is the final step in the preparation of a salted dough product. The most suitable is acrylic lacquer.
A molding from salted dough is an opportunity to remember childhood. Lepish, enjoy this process, and you will get great results!