How to Make Ice Luminaries

Greet your evening guests and visitors with these colorful icy orbs for the garden.

By: Melissa Caughey

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Shop This Look

Photo By: Melissa Caughey

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Photo By: Melissa Caughey

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Photo By: Melissa Caughey

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Photo By: Melissa Caughey

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Photo By: Melissa Caughey

Make These Icy Garden Luminaries

Greet garden guests and light up the night with these colorful icy orbs. This is a fun and easy year-round craft for the entire family.

Gather Your Supplies

For this craft you will need: balloons / food coloring / water / scissors / freezing outdoor temperatures or a freezer / cookie sheet / small light sources / plastic wrap or plastic bags

Color Fun

Add a total of three drops of food coloring to the deflated balloon. Try blending the primary colors for more unique variations.

Fill It Up

Next place the balloon on the faucet.

Hold on Tight

Be sure to hold onto the balloon until it is filled. Then carefully remove the balloon from the faucet while pinching it shut and tie it off in a knot. Repeat this process with each balloon.

Freeze Them Solid

Place the balloons on a cookie sheet knot side down. If the temperatures are below freezing, you can leave them outside. If outside temperatures are not cold, the balloons can be placed in the freezer. Allow them to freeze overnight.

Add Lights

Add small battery powered lights such as candles or small LED lights. Wrap them in plastic or seal them in clear plastic bags to prevent water damage.

Placement of Lights

Make a small hole in the garden and place the light source inside. If you are working in snow, scoop out a small spot for each light.

Remove the Balloon

With the scissors, remove the balloon from the ice.

Light the Orbs

Once dusk arrives, turn on the light source and place the icy orb on top.

Color the Night

These icy orbs glow brighter as the night gets darker.

Frozen Beauty

Look closely at the small captured bubbles inside. The light dances through each orb. Each one is unique. This color orb was achieved by mixing one drop of red with two drops of yellow food coloring.

Garden Green

Add a touch of green to the garden with this colorful orb created by mixing one drop of blue, yellow and green together.

Light the Way

Try lighting up the front walkway, a garden path, a walk down the aisle, or evening party. It's a great way to make a night in the garden even more magical.

How to Make Ice Luminaries

Related To:

Shop This Look

Make These Icy Garden Luminaries

Gather Your Supplies

Color Fun

Fill It Up

Hold on Tight

Freeze Them Solid

Add Lights

Placement of Lights

Remove the Balloon

Light the Orbs

Color the Night

Frozen Beauty

Garden Green

Light the Way

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