Dala Horse Salt Dough Ornaments

I just can't get enough of Swedish Dala Horses.  I've shared before, but my Grandpa was Swedish and last year we had the privilege of getting to go to Sweden and meet some of our extended family. Christmas seems like a good excuse to bring out as many Dala Horses as possible. 

I love to find ways to make inexpensive decorations and ornaments.  Salt Dough is about as cheap as you can get.  Years ago, I made salt dough ornaments and even posted a DIY video. I decided to see if I could paint salt dough in rich colors and metallics.  I think the results look almost like ceramics, it's hard to tell that this is just salt, flour and water.  

Now that Pantone has released 2015's Color of the Year - Marsala, I'm ready to embrace it. Last year's color was honestly not my favorite (Radiant Orchid), but this rich burgundy-ish color is right up my alley.  

Using my favorite spray paints, Design Master, I created a ombre-like, metallic version of Marsala with Burgundy and Rose Gold.

Here's how to make these painted salt dough ornaments:

1. First follow the Salt Dough recipe linked above to create the shapes you want for your ornaments. I used a Dala Horse cookie cutter that we picked up in Sweden. Follow the directions for drying them thoroughly before you paint them. If the edges are a little rough, you can take a little sand paper and smooth them out.  
2. Start with the solid burgundy color. Paint the back of the ornament first.  You will need to paint 2-3 coats to get a nice dark color.  Design Master paints are perfect for layering and you need only 5 minutes for drying between coats.
3. Apply the Metallic Rose Gold paint to just the bottom half of the Dala Horse.  This will give the effect of ombre or metallic dipped. Spray a light coat across the bottom of the ornament. Go back and layer one more coat of the rose gold on just the feet of the Dala Horse. 
4. When the ornaments are completely dry, thread twine or string through the hole and decorate!

The possibilities are endless. You can cut and create any shape ornament for your tree, as long as you have a cookie cutter. It's such an inexpensive way to make custom ornaments for you tree.

Be sure to check out the some of the other fun DIYs of created using Design Master Spray Paint - DIY Faux Copper Vase, DIY Ombre Give Thanks Banner, Metallic Dipped Taper Candles, and the Gold Dipped Yarn Hanging. 

I buy my Design Master paints and my local Michaels and Joann Fabrics. Design Master paints can paint the most delicate of surfaces, such as silk and fresh flowers, fabric, ribbon, tulle, lace, paper, foam board and Stryrofoam TO the sturdy hard surfaces such as wood, metal, masonry, terra cotta, ceramics and plaster. Design Master is a great resource for products and ideas.  Be sure to check out all the craft and project ideas on their blog.  

This post is sponsored by Design Master. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.