Crafts | Chinese New Year | Salt Dough Oranges

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Salt Dough Oranges
by Amanda Formaro

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Chinese New Year is upon us. In some areas of China it is customary to present oranges to friends and relatives. In Chinese, the word 'orange' sounds like 'Ji', which translates to 'good luck'. A gift of oranges sends the message of good wishes for the coming year.

You will need:

1/2 cup salt
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup water
acrylic craft paint: green, red, and orange
green toothpicks
gold glitter glue
piece of cardboard
acrylic sealer spray
hot glue gun

If you make this project we'd love to see it! Just send your photos and comments to the editor and it may get published on this page!

What you do:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Mix together, salt, flour, and water until a dough is formed. Knead the dough on a floured surface until the mixture is elastic and smooth. If dough is too sticky, sprinkle with flour, continue to do so until stickiness is gone. BE CAREFUL. Do not add too much flour, this will dry out the dough and will cause it to crack before you get a chance to bake it.

THIS DOUGH IS NOT EDIBLE.

Roll dough into balls, be sure they are smooth. Break green toothpicks into thirds. Insert toothpick into ball and use tip of your finger to gently press the dough dough into the center around the toothpick just slightly. Place oranges on cookie sheet.

To add leaves, pinch off small amounts of dough, roll in fingers and flatten then lay on top of apples near toothpick stem.

Note: Make extra oranges as some may crack during baking. Better to have too many than not enough.

Bake the salt dough oranges in the oven for approximately 2 - 2.5 hours. Check the bottom of the oranges for spots that are not done. When finished, remove from oven and allow to cool completely, at least 1-2 hours.

Paint the leaves green. Repeat with a second coat.

Paint the oranges orange, repeat with a second coat.

When dry, spray oranges with acrylic sealer spray.

For the tray, we used the side of a cylindrical salt container. If you don't have one, use any piece of cardboard and curl it with a pencil.

Paint the cardboard red and let dry. Use gold glitter glue to outline the edges of the tray and let dry. Spray tray with acrylic sealer spray.

Use hot glue to attach three oranges to the tray.

More You Might Like:
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Chinese Red Lantern
Good Fortune Cupcakes
Mandarin Orange Muffins

About the Author:
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is the Chief Editor of FamilyCorner.com Magazine. Subscribe to her free newsletter by clicking "sign up" below

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