Make An Incredible Ice Luminary & Ice Globe

When life gives you freezing temperatures...

An arctic blast has hit much of the country (in the U.S.) and sub-zero temperatures are keeping things frozen.

There is an old saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Well, let’s change that a bit and say, “When life gives you freezing temperatures, Make An Incredible Ice Luminary & Ice Globe!”

...make an ice luminary & ice globe

I’ve seen these before in people’s yards but have never made them myself. My grands are not around so Nana made these on her own and sent pictures and a Marco Polo to the little ice sculptors so they could try it at home.

Ice sculptor's delight-

Before it warms up, why don’t you and your ice sculptors Make an Incredible Ice Luminary & Ice Globe for your front steps?

These are easy to make, but there is the possibility of spilling, of course. You will want to do this over a counter, a cookie sheet with edges, or the sink. An apron could come in handy, too, since you will be using food coloring. My hands are still stained green!

Make an Incredible Ice Luminary

Set the jar in the center of the plastic container and add rocks to weight it down.

Add Food Coloring to water and pour it into the space between the container and the jar. Fill to close to the top of the jar. The kids love the colors. I just made the four colors that came in my box, you can also mix orange(red/yellow) and purple (blue/red) for fun and more variety of colors.

Tip: The luminary is beautiful with no food coloring as well. The clear ice sparkles with the light. Also, you can place some greenery, leaves, sticks or holly in to space before filling it with water. It makes a beautiful effect.

Let it freeze

Place the container outside to freeze. Our temperature yesterday was 2 degrees so it only took about 3 hours to freeze. But usually it works best if they are left outside overnight. 

When frozen, bring the container in for just a few minutes or run it under water for just a few seconds and the ice luminary will slip out of the plastic container.

Sparkling light

Place the luminary outside where it will be enjoyed the most. We have a small table on the front porch which works great.

Set a Flameless Tea Lights in the jar and turn it on or place a tea light or candle into the jar and light it.

The light just sparkles through the ice. It is so pretty.

Make An Incredible Ice Globe

Add Food Coloring to the bottle of water

Do the twist

Blow up the balloon and twist off the end (don't tie it off).

Place the mouth of the balloon over the opening of the water bottle. 

Tip: This step definitely takes two people. The first time I tried it myself I accidentally squeezed the bottle while trying to pull the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. Let’s just say that more water squirted up on me than went in the balloon. Papa held the bottle and I held the balloon. That worked MUCH better!

Fill the balloon with water

Turn the bottle upside down and the water goes into the balloon. It is wise to hold onto the balloon and the mouth of the bottle as you do this so it doesn’t slip off.

Tip: Some people don’t blow the balloon up first and just squeeze the bottle of water into the balloon. I’ll try that next time. It’s a bit tricky to keep the balloon twisted off and pulled onto the bottle at the same time.

Let the excess air out of the balloon and tie it off. Watch out because the water will squirt out when the air is gone! But this is necessary so the water in the balloon freezes round, not with an air pocket.

Let it freeze

Place the balloons outside to freeze.

When frozen, slit the balloon and remove it.

Set the ice globes on your steps, in a planter or along the sidewalk.

Tip: You can put Flameless Tea Lights under the ice globes to make them glow with light in the snow. Wouldn't that be cool?

Papa approved craft

I can’t believe how happy these little balls of color make me. Papa just came in from chores and wants me to bundle up and come out just to look at them again. They are a hit with Papa!! 

"Frozen" winter party idea

I think these would be beautiful to make for a winter time party. You could line the driveway and/or sidewalk to welcome your guests.

And who is to say that they have to be just for the winter time? How about making them in the freezer for a “Frozen” birthday party any time of the year? They would melt quickly of course, but would make a fun centerpiece for a while at least.

Other ideas when you make an incredible ice luminary & ice globe

I’m thinking it would be fun to experiment with other shapes, designs and purposes. They could be hung from trees or made into hearts or whatever your imagination comes up with. Don't forget the idea above about adding greenery or fruit in the sides of the ice luminary, too.

Let me know what ideas you come up with as you Make An Incredible Ice Luminary & Ice Globe.

Fill some cold days with other crafts and activities found on Welcome to Nanas. Try some of these 40 Awesome Craft Ideas for Kids Stuck Inside!

Supplies to make an incredible ice luminary & ice globe:

• Larger plastic container
• Jar to fit in plastic container
• Weight (rocks will do)
• Food Coloring
• Real or Flameless Tea Lights, glow sticks or small candles
• Water bottle
• Balloons

Enjoy!

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