DIY Ice Luminaries are a gorgeous and elegant way to welcome to guests at your next social gathering.
The Winter Solstice is here and that means colder days and longer nights. Lighting a luminary creates a warm inviting glow. This is a super easy project you can even do with your kids. Ask a local dairy farm for some cup or pint size containers for your kids to make their own! Let them forage in the back yard and use their findings to make their own luminaries.
Ice luminaries have been around for centuries originally to bring light into cold, dark winter nights. According to Wintercraft many cultures lay claim to creating the first ice lantern, the truth is most cold weather countries (Finland, Norway, Russia, China and Japan) all had their own versions and reasons for developing ice luminaries or lanterns. Some to light the way, some for communication and some were symbolic.
The Method of Ice Luminaries
Supplies needed:
- empty clean container
- candle (I like a pillar in a glass container to keep melting water away from the flame)
- scissors
- decorations: evergreens, berries, fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, apples, cranberries), spices (cinnamon sticks, star anise), herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme)
- water
- gallon plastic bag
- sheet pan
directions:
Gather supplies. Place the candle and decorations inside the carton. Fill the carton with water to a half inch below the rim of the candle. Place it in a plastic bag in case of spillage, then put it in the freezer until frozen.
Once frozen, run under warm water until the carton paper peels off easily. Finally, place your luminary outside, light and enjoy!
Decor Ideas for Ice Luminaries:
Think about what purpose the luminaries will serve. The above was made for Christmas and New Year’s Eve so greens and berries were a natural choice for the decorations..
Pink baby roses, boxwood and lambs ear might be a nice choice for a wedding.
Fruits, spices and herbs would make a spectacular centerpiece near a buffet.
Try pinecones, acorns and evergreens for an outdoor bar and bonfire party.
Design Notes:
tips for success:
Place your containers on a sheet pan in the freezer to keep then from wobbling.
To create a layered look, place some items in the carton and fill partially with water. Freeze. Once that layer is frozen, repeat.
diy variations:
Plastic containers, which are reusable, are another vessel you can use. Just run the plastic under warm water until the luminary slips out.
how to use:
Place one on a small table near a window to enjoy it’s beauty. A nice tradition on New Year’s Eve, as you light your candle, is to say some affirmations, give thanks for the blessings you have, and think of your resolutions for the new year!
Having a party? Make several and line your walkway. Your guests will appreciate your effort and the beauty these impart.
How about a snowy winter wedding? Nothing says romance better than candles and flowers! These would make lovely accents outside or in. Wrap some bows around the outside and maybe some silver initial ornaments to personalize them. (Just be sure to place them in a shallow bowl to catch the melting water if using as an indoor centerpiece!)
Do you like DIY Decorations? Try my Fall Centerpiece or my St. Patrick’s Day Centerpiece!
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