Creation

Before you begin . . .the creation of ice lanterns begins with a warning!

In order to have a successful and comfortable ice lantern building experience, you need to be prepared. Think through the following steps and plan ahead for what you will need. When you are dealing with water in freezing temperatures, dress wisely. Put on clothing you normally wear for physical exertion in the winter—dress in layers and remember, “cotton is rotten.” But, the most important thing is the gloves. Make sure they are waterproof and insulated to keep your hands warm and dry.

The Methodology of Ice Lanterns

The universe of ice lantern creation can be divided into two distinct techniques—the Freeze Solid Method and the Crust Method. One fights nature, the other works with it, yet each has its own merits and pitfalls.

The Crust Method

I will begin with what I refer to as the Crust Method. It requires experimentation and the ice cannot be easily colored or capture flowers or other decorations in the ice, but the Crust Method relies on the magic of science to do the work and thus creates the most beautiful natural ice lanterns.

Here’s basically how it’s done . . . a form or mold is filled with water and put in freezing temperatures until an ice crust has formed, but not allowed to freeze solid. Imagine a tray of ice cubes taken out too soon. What do you find? Crusts of ice with water inside. Release the water and, voilà, miniature ice lanterns. So now we will attempt to do the same thing, but on a much larger scale.

For more information about the finer points of ice lantern creation using the Crust Method, please contact Jennifer.

The Frozen Solid Method

The main reason for using the Frozen Solid Method is if you would like to freeze flowers into the ice or color the ice. This method requires the use of two molds of different sizes or the use of a specialty ice lantern mold (found on-line in both small and large sizes). The smaller mold is placed inside the larger mold, which is filled with water. The smaller mold is held in place with tape or weights until the water freezes solid. The major problem with this method is the fact that it must freeze solid. It limits the number of molds or forms you can use. There are not many molds that can freeze solid without breaking. In my opinion, I find this method creates an uninteresting product and is very challenging and fussy—all that tape and weights. So, I say, why fight nature when you can use it? See the Crust Method, above.

Purchased Ice Lantern Molds

The value of a purchased an ice lantern mold is its unusual shape. Otherwise, any plastic wastebasket or bucket will do. The concept for any mold is the same—you fill a mold with water, put it out in the freezing weather or freezer; don’t let it freeze solid so that the inside will be free for a candle. That’s it. It is that simple.

The drawbacks to purchased molds are: they are expensive, take a lot of storage space, and most importantly, they will BREAK if you let them freeze solid by mistake.

Let's Begin...

Step 1: Let’s begin with a discussion about water. I believe that to create the most stunning ice lanterns, stay away from pure water. Pure water will create boring, crystal-clear ice lanterns, devoid of natural formations that reflect the light. This reflection of light is what makes a globe ice lantern spellbinding—like a meditation ball with streaks of light that radiate from the center. So the gist of this discussion is simple—use plain old tap water.

Step 2: Where to Fill the forms and do finishing work on frozen lanterns?
Step 3: What Tools to have on hand?
Step 4: Check the Forecast.
Step 5: Think about Where to Freeze your ice lanterns.
Step 6: Pick a Form.

For more information about Steps 2- 6, please contact Jennifer.