How to make an ice lantern
Making ice lanterns is a fun and simple thing to do and it’s a lovely way to enjoy the beautiful things that are around in nature at this time of year. We also found this activity to be the perfect incentive to get us outside!
What you will need:
A tea light
One large container (such as a large round yoghurt pot or a plastic bowl)
One smaller container (small enough to fit inside your larger one but large enough to fit your candle in)
A large stone or pebble or some sticky tape
Winter nature finds
Freezing cold weather (Or a freezer!)
What you need to do:
Resist the urge to stay in the warm and hibernate, and go for a walk and see what winter treasures you can find to decorate and add colour to your lantern! At this time of year, you can find small pine cones, fir, holly, ivy and plenty of winter berries.
When you get home, take your large container and put some of the foliage at the bottom. Then place the smaller container (open end facing up) inside the larger container so it holds the foliage in place. This will help create a base to your lantern but you can also put the smaller container straight in so that it sits on the bottom of the larger container and then the lantern will be open at both ends. Ideally you would want at least 1cm gap between the two containers so the lantern isn’t too thin and fragile.
Spread your nature finds in the space between the two containers. Individual berries will float so it’s best to add sprigs of berries or wedge them in between other foliage. Once you’ve finished, slowly pour water into the space left between the containers until the water is about 1-2cm below the top of the larger container. Water expands as it freezes, so if you fill it too full the water will overflow as it turns to ice. If your small container is lightweight you may need to place a stone or pebble inside it so it doesn’t float up and free the leaves at the bottom. You can also use some sticky tape to hold the smaller container in place. If any of your nature finds are now sticking out above the water, try to squash them down a bit.
You can then leave your container outside overnight in weather that is freezing or below freezing. However, if the weather is mild, you can put it in your freezer.
When your lantern has frozen and you are ready to use it, tip it upside down and tap it until comes out. If it is hard to get out, pour some warm water on the outside of your large container to release the ice. Then turn your lantern over and pull out the small container. Pouring a small amount of warm water in your small container can also help get it free.
When it gets dark, put a small tea light inside your ice lantern, light it, and enjoy the glow of your ice lantern! The light from the candle should make beautiful colours through your nature finds.
Author: Denise Hope, home educating mum of two boys