Make a Candle-lit Ice Lantern
Intro: Make a Candle-lit Ice Lantern
I saw ice lanterns at http://wintercraft.com & thought I could make these without having to buy their expensive kit.
STEP 1: Items Needed
-round balloon
-cup
-plate
-pin
-flat rock can be helpful
-tea light
-matches/lighter
-freezer
-cup
-plate
-pin
-flat rock can be helpful
-tea light
-matches/lighter
-freezer
STEP 2: Fill Balloon With Water
I blew the balloon up first to stretch it. Then I filled it like a water balloon. Try to have as little air in the balloon as possible when you tie the knot. This will help your ice lantern to be as round at the top as possible.
STEP 3: Freezer Time!
This is where the cup comes in. You want to put the balloon with the knot down in the cup, then put them in the freezer & wait. The time will vary depending on your freezer, size of your balloon, & how full you've made the balloon.
After about 4 hours, I took the balloon out & poked the bottom of it so that the bottom would not freeze over. Then put it back in the freezer. Poke the bottom of the balloon again about every 2 hours.
After about 4 hours, I took the balloon out & poked the bottom of it so that the bottom would not freeze over. Then put it back in the freezer. Poke the bottom of the balloon again about every 2 hours.
STEP 4: Time to Remove the Balloon
Be sure you're holding the balloon over the sink, cuz as soon as you stick the pin in the balloon, it's gonna be GONE. The water doesn't just trickle out (like *I* thought it might).
STEP 5: Ice Lantern Complete!
You now have a cave of ice! Use the flat rock under one side of the ice lantern so that your candle can still get oxygen. These don't melt as fast as you might think, but DO check the water levels fairly often. These would be gorgeous decorations to put in the snow, but are lovely for anywhere that is a little dark. The impurities in the water create really pretty patterns too!
I was shocked how beautiful this turned out the first time I did it! Have fun!
If you make one, post a pic & I'll give you a patch. :)
I was shocked how beautiful this turned out the first time I did it! Have fun!
If you make one, post a pic & I'll give you a patch. :)
20 Comments
sunshiine 11 years ago
Sunshiine
Browncoat 11 years ago
blackweb 10 years ago
ilikecory 10 years ago
ilikecory 10 years ago
ilikecory 10 years ago
ilikecory 10 years ago
ilikecory 10 years ago
TinaIsNoAcronym 11 years ago
chefsea 11 years ago
MsJan 11 years ago
bajablue 11 years ago
BTW, I did add several drops of blue food coloring, but the ice pretty much stayed white.
Browncoat 11 years ago
bajablue 11 years ago
I also used scalding hot water from a hose. The lantern ice was actually quite clear.
roboticarrow 11 years ago
Browncoat 11 years ago
roboticarrow 11 years ago
Browncoat 11 years ago
1) Hard to fill a balloon with distilled water
2) I think the impurities in the water are what make the beautiful patterns.
But people may have different ideals, so if you DO manage to do this with distilled water, please post a pic! I'd be super curious! :)
bajablue 11 years ago
I've never seen anything like it!
Browncoat 11 years ago