One of the joys of winter, ice
lanterns are virtually free for the asking. In colder parts of the
country, they are as common as snowfall, and steady brisk temperatures
keep them glowing until spring. It’s not necessary to wait for dark to
light them; they are a beacon anytime.
MAKING ICE LANTERNS
Fill a plastic bucket about 14
inches deep and 7 inches in diameter with water to 2 inches from the top.
Float a smaller container, about 3 inches deep and 4 inches in diameter,
centered in the bucket. (The candles you plan to use should be slightly
smaller than this container). If necessary, tape the container down with
masking tape so it forms a depression in the water, or weigh it down with
a heavy object. Freeze.
To add flowers, herbs, leaves or
berries, freeze them in stages, starting with a little water at a time,
placing more material on top of each frozen layer.
Fill the small container with warm
water to loosen it, then remove it from the ice. Place the bucket in a
warm-water bath to loosen the ice form, then slip it out of the bucket.
Line the indentation created by the small container with plastic wrap.
Place a small pillar or votive candle in the depression.
If the temperature outside is above
freezing, the lanterns will last two or three hours after they are lit.
SNOWBALL LANTERNS
Fill ordinary balloons with water
and freeze (outdoors if cold enough). When frozen pop the balloons and
peel them off of the ice globe. Stack several ice balls to make an ice
container.
To make holes for the votives,
slowly pour boiling water in the center of the ice container. Make the
hole deep enough that the candle flame is at the surface of the lantern or
the melting ice will extinguish the flame.
Insert the candles in the holes
and set the lanterns along a path or front walk.
Excerpted from Country
Living: Decorating with Candles. Copyright Sterling Publishing/Hearst
Books.
