Salt Sculptures

Subject: Salt Sculptures Mon Nov 24, 2008 3:29 pm

Salt Sculptures

2 cups all purpose flour (not self rising)
1 cup morton salt
1 cup water
food color, Optional

Combine flour and salt in a large flat bottomed bowl
Mix well with spoon
Form into ball by mixing in a little water at a time
If you want colored pieces, add food color to the dough (for a marbled effect) or to the water (for an even color throughout)
Be sure to knead 7 to 10 minutes until dough is smooth, firm consistency.
Add a little water, if necessary
Place dough in plastic bag to prevent drying
May be stored in refrigerator for 5 days
Work at room temperature

The Tools
You'll Need

Fork
Cookie Cutters
Table Knife
Cookie Sheets
Garlic Press
Basting Brush
Nails
Aluminum Foil

SALT SCULPTURE IS ART, NOT FOOD, IT IS NOT EDIBLE

Technique
Flour hands and work surfaces to keep dough from sticking
use foil covered cookie sheets for a work surface and baking for easier clean up
To attach pieces of dough to each other, moisten connecting areas with water and press together

Hardening Methods

Air Drying; Place sculpture on a screen so both sides can dry allow to dry at least 48 hours until it is hard and white like limestone

Baking; Preheat oven to 325-350 degrees and bake on foil-covered cookie sheet allow half and hour for each quarter inch of dough thickness or bake until dough is golden brown
bake pieces immediately after sculpting to prevent crumbling
Thin pieces bake more rapidly, are more likely to burn, and may need less time or a lower temperature
Water carefully

To prevent large flat pieces from curling, weight the edges with cookware after the surface has baked long enough to support the weight
Fill any cracks with moistened dough and let air dry.

The Big Finish

You can make these like any other cookie out of cookie cutters or...You can mold in your hand like playing with playdough (example..Make 3 balls different colors start rolling in your hand till you have a long snake then take all 3 of these snakes and braid them and shape into a wreath...Or shape a Santa Face like playdough or with a cookie cutter, and do the same thing with little white snake shapes, for his beard...get the Idea)

Ok now you can finish naturally and varnish it

Or you can Antique finish it by apply 2 coats acrylic lacquer, then a commercial wood stain, dry, rub with soft cloth to create highlights, varnish

Water color finish Paint with watercolors and varnish

Acrylic paint finish Brush on a white acrylic base coat then use transparent yellow, followed by transparent orange and varnish

Metallic finish Paint piece metallic dark green, Highlight with rub on metallic finish then varnish

Egg Yolk or Milk Finish Bake piece about 15 minutes. Baste with whole beatened egg yolk, canned milk or a mixture of both. Return to oven. Varnish when cool

Use white household glue to apply sequins, button, rhinestones, seeds, bells, pasta, etc....

You could make a very impressive gingerbread cookie ornament.....Or Gingerbread House..

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