What do you get when you mix fire and ice?
A whole lot of awesome, that’s what.
Seeing how we’re starting to enter into ‘Winter Temperatures: The Extreme Edition’ around here, I thought it would be a great time to put all of the cold to some creative use. Plus, all of this gray outside can make people squirrelly. Enter the Icy Candle Holder. I swear, it’s going to be the next Snuggie.
All you’ll need is an empty can – big, small, whatever you have – (although tuna sized cans would make for particularly cute holders), some water, food coloring and a chunk of plasticine. And if you know me at all, you know I’ve got plenty of plasticine lying about. *Grin*
Start off by cleaning out your can and giving it a quick dry with a tea towel. Next, use your hands (or feet, if you’re really talented) to form it into a tea light shape. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be Bernini to pull this off. Starting off with a bit of clay the size of a rum ball should do the trick. Stick your chunk of clay into the bottom of the can – this will serve as where the candle will be set when your masterpiece is done.
Next, fill ‘er up! Add water to the top and a dash of food coloring and head on outside to find a good spot for it to freeze. Letting the water freeze for awhile before adding color will give you some cool streaky designs, while adding it right away will give you a nice blended look. When the whole lot is frozen, a quick run under warm water will loosen the ice and voila! – a wintery candle holder to add a bit of color to your winter world!
I’d love to see some of your creations, so send some my way (pictures, please no ice in the mail) if you try it out!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go and shovel purple snow.
Field notes:
-Hat on wet hair does not a warm girl make.
-Adding bird seed to the water will gain you some feathered friends.
-If attempting while windy, be prepared for lovely food colored-splash on pristine white snow. (see above) This might result in neighbors thinking your dog is terribly ill. Oh my.
December 14th, 2009 at 9:56 am
WICKED COOL! I’m going to use these for my holiday decorating.
You’re so creative! <3
December 14th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Way cool!! (no pun intended)Bet they would look great in groupings of 3 using different sized cans. I think I will make several and use them on the buffet table! Of course I will put them on a tray w/ a lipped edge to catch the melt… maybe even some “greens” as extra decor!
Thanks for the idea!
December 15th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Gorgeous idea! Will try it when winter swings around down under. wouldn’t last long at the moment
xx
December 15th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Thanks all! Definitely want to include a tray for the melting…!
And Caro: I was thinking of adding an addendum on for my friends down under – must admit that I’m kind of jealous about all the sun I’ve been reading about on your blog! *looks out to gray everywhere*
December 16th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Hi Jessica,
My project I will be presenting with my friends in February for Challenge for Change will involve writing stories for children about making a difference in this world, going to local schools and reading them. They will be fictional, but show the message and we will talk to tem about ways we helped etc. Do you have any suggestions for our little fictional books to be interesting, and still tell them ways to help? Thanks so much!
By the way, I’m going to try this craft. It is so cool!
December 17th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Hey Emma!
That is so great that you’re writing stories for your Challenge for Change project in Feb! If you like, once you write it, send me a copy and I’ll put it online here so we can get even more people reading it. As for suggestions, I’ll send you a proper email today! I hope you like the icy craft!