Ice Luminaries

Ice Luminaries, also known as Ice Candle Holders, are a fun and easy project to make during the winter months. Welcome guests with light along the walkway to your front door. Once the greenery is in the mold and the water is frozen, pop in a votive or LED candle for a festive display.

Video of the Build:

To add interest to the luminaire, evergreens, berries, fruits, etc. can be added. The first picture is a variety of plants taken from the yard. Note that this is in Maryland during the month of January. In addition to local plants, lemons, limes other fruits can be added.

I used a quart size (32oz) plastic container for the outer shell. A one cup (8oz) jar was used for the recessed volume. To prevent glass breakage during the freezing process, I recommend using plastic containers for both pieces. In addition to the containers, you will need tape and something (coins, marbles, beans) to weigh down the inner container.

Place inner container inside large container. Use tape to center as shown. Add weights to inner container. Fill outer container with water - keep the final level ~ 1/4" below inner container.

Greenery, berries, sliced citrus and other natural elements should be added evenly around the containers. To layer the berries, fill the water only part way up the mold. Once the first layer is frozen, you can top off the container as noted or continue with more layers.

Place outside (if below freezing) and let the luminarie completely freeze. Note that you can also do this step in a freezer.

Fill the inner container with hot water to release the mold.

Again, use hot water on the outside of the mold to break the interface between the ice and the outer container. Be careful with the lumiere at this point, it will be slippery.

Be sure to place the luminary on a level surface outside and keep away from anything flammable.