Decorative Packaging

Cornstarch Dough Ornaments
This cornstarch dough recipe makes a smooth, pure white ornament that
resembles plaster before you paint it.
If you prefer a white, porcelain-like finish for your ornaments, coat them
with a shiny protective coating such as a clear thin shellac or clear nail
polish instead of painting them.

Materials
1 cup cornstarch
2 cups soda
1-1/4 cups cold water
Cookie cutters
Acrylic or enamel craft paint (optional)
Clear thin shellac or clear nail polish
shiny narrow ribbon or pre-tied elastic bow (for hanging)

Instructions
Combine the cornstarch and soda in a saucepan.
Gradually add the water until the mixture is smooth.
Stirring constantly, heat until the mixture reaches a moist, mashed potato
consistency.
Turn the dough onto a plate and cover it with a damp towel.
Knead the dough when it is cool enough to handle.
Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut with cookie cutters. (Dip cutters in cornstarch and shake before
cutting.)
Using a skewer, or coffee stir,  pierce a hole at the center, top of each ornament (for the ribbon to go through later to hang the ornament). (Instead of poking hole, you can use
a heavy duty staple for the hanging mechanism.)
Place the dough ornaments on a cooling rack to air dry. It will take several
days at room temperature for the ornaments to dry and harden sufficiently
before they will be ready to be painted.
The rest of the instructions are identical to those for the salt dough
Christmas ornaments: File any rough edges after the ornaments have dried.
Paint the ornaments with acrylic or enamel paints. When the paint is dry,
coat the ornaments with a clear protective coating. Push the ribbon through the hole and make at least a 2 inch loop then tie a bow at the top to hang on the tree, or insert the pre-tied elastic bow through the top and pull through.