Make Your Own Ice Lantern - A Frozen Luminaria

These easy to make ice lanterns are inspired by southwestern luminaria and Scandinavian winter tradition. Each ice lantern holds a votive candle, and a row of ice lanterns looks dazzling lining a snow-covered holiday walkway. Make a dozen or more luminaria for a natural fire and ice display that will delight the guests at any Christmas party or solstice celebration. These ice luminaria are also brilliant decoration for an ice sculpture or snow sculpture display. The ice lanterns can be decorated or colored to match holiday décor for a New Year's or Superbowl party, or left clear. Best of all, these winter decorations are virtually free, use commonly available materials, and completely biodegradable - the perfect do-it-yourself project.

Supplies for Each Ice Luminaria

32 ounce yogurt tub
6 ounce yogurt tub
1-2 egg sized rocks
Water
Tea light
Optional: berries, pine twigs, food coloring

Prepare an Ice Base for the Lantern

In this do-it-yourself luminaria, the ice is frozen in stages. First measure 2 cups of water and pour into the large yogurt tub. Put into the freezer and freeze overnight or until solid.

Prepare the Lantern Top and Candle Cup

Put the rocks into the 6 ounce yogurt tub. Center the yogurt tub on the bottom layer of ice in the larger yogurt tub. Fill the space around the small tub with water. The rocks will keep the small tub from floating. Place in the freezer and freeze overnight or until solid.

Unmold and Use the Ice Lantern

Remove the rocks from the small yogurt cup and fill the cup with hot water. Wait 15-30 seconds, then remove the cup, leaving a cavity or space for the votive candle. Dip the 32 ounce yogurt container in hot water for 15 seconds. The completed lantern should slide out easily. Place a lighted tea light or votive in the center. The lantern is ready to display in a snowbank or along the sidewalk.

Ice Lantern Variations

Throwing a Superbowl party? Make luminaria in team colors! Add food coloring to the water before freezing to create a tinted luminaria. For a special effects lantern, create stripes by adding and freezing one inch of water at a time to the yogurt container. Display outdoors on a non-staining surface.

For a lovely Christmas or Solstice ice lantern, add pine twigs and cranberries to the container. Cover with just enough water to hold them in place - cranberries tend to float. Freeze, then add additional water on top to encase the botanicals in ice. These botanical lanterns are stunning with the candles shining through the ice-trapped berries and twigs.

Remember to treat burning candles carefully!