Oh, Brother!

This fun activity is best suited for cold climates where snow and ice are common in the winter.  The outdoor flickering lights add a warm glow to a cold evening.  To store the icy globes, leave outside if temperatures are below freezing, or bring indoor and put them in your freezer.

Here’s the stuff you’ll need for one ice candle:

• 1 medium-size sturdy balloon
• 1 recycled medium size plastic margarine tube or deli container
• Water
• 1 votive candle

Here’s the fun:

1.  Attach the balloon to your kitchen faucet and fill it with water until it is about the size of a softball. Blow once into the balloon and tie a knot.  Place the water-filled balloon in the
plastic container and set outside if the temperature is below freezing.  If it’s not cold enough, place it in your freezer.

2.  After 4-5 hours, a fairly thick shell of ice should form inside the balloon.  Check by shaking the balloon gently.  If the outside is completely hard and water can be heard sloshing around inside, pop the balloon and discard it properly.
Pour excess water out to reveal a cavity in the ice dome where the candle will be placed. Freeze it for 2 more hours, until it is very hard.

3.  At sunset, put a votive candle in the center of the holder, set outside your front door in a safe place for burning the candle, and ask an adult to light it before guests arrive at your home. Enjoy the beautiful glow!

Safety note: An adult should always be present when burning candles.

CRAFT TALK: While you make one or several ice candles, talk about different places you might see ice such as icicles dangling from a roof, ice on the sidewalk, or frozen fruit treats on a stick!