Jill Burke, a news writer from Anchorage, Alaska, spun out a wonderful article, Frozen Glow: Ice Lanterns, on the creation and appreciation of ice lanterns. Great photos, too!
I was fortunate enough to be included.
She also mentioned the City of Lakes Luminary Loppet, an amazing ice luminary event in Minneapolis orchestrated by ice lantern gurus, Hal Galvin and David Bryan. (I usually add a few of my special globe ice lanterns to the mix.)
Thanks Jill!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Problem with Success
We have a problem. A wonderful problem. The Globe Ice Lantern Kits sold so well out of the Patina and Shoppe Local stores that we have an inventory issue--we are currently sold out. We do have a few available for online orders, but are unable to restock any of the stores . . . for now.
See, the idea was that we would do a "soft roll out" of the product to see if it was a good idea and then take it to market on a larger scale. After Patina picked it up, it became a "hard roll out".
THE GOOD NEWS is that we are well on our way to securing vendors that can keep us in good supply of all the good things that are in the kit, so we can send them out to people who are excited about Globe Ice Lanterns.
And excited they are! I get emails everyday from people who are trying it for the first time. It is fascinating to read the different responses. My favorite is from a woman from Anchorage Alaska who said she had just started experimenting with making Globe Ice Lanterns and loved that even her rejects look beautiful!
Have fun and please feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
See, the idea was that we would do a "soft roll out" of the product to see if it was a good idea and then take it to market on a larger scale. After Patina picked it up, it became a "hard roll out".
THE GOOD NEWS is that we are well on our way to securing vendors that can keep us in good supply of all the good things that are in the kit, so we can send them out to people who are excited about Globe Ice Lanterns.
And excited they are! I get emails everyday from people who are trying it for the first time. It is fascinating to read the different responses. My favorite is from a woman from Anchorage Alaska who said she had just started experimenting with making Globe Ice Lanterns and loved that even her rejects look beautiful!
Have fun and please feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Welcome to "Globe Icelanterning"
Making Ice Lanterns is an ancient craft that relies on science and ingenuity to create a natural form of art that we all can appreciate but it does not have a name. I say, "I'm going out to make ice lanterns" or "create ice lanterns" which are both unnecessarily long, so I decided to give it a name, like "knitting" and see if it sticks.
So I am introducing, "Globe Icelanterning" as an old craft with a new name.
If you just received the Globe Ice Lantern Kit as a gift and are looking for tips or suggestions, please note the blog topic to the left, but please feel free to contact me with questions. I am very happy to help and REALLY WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!
I have been icelanterning for 20+ years but this is the first year of the Globe Ice Lantern Kits. We assembled all the high quality tools we use plus an instruction sheet that has the basic know-how needed to create small globe ice lanterns. If you have a suggestion for how to improve the globe icelanterning experience, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Hmmpf. The little red underline still appears under the term "icelanterning" while I am writing this. How long will it take to make icelanterning a REAL word. Maybe like Velveteen Rabbit, it will just take the love of the craft and a little time.
Oh, and if you think you have a better name for the wonderful craft of making ice lanterns, I'd love to hear it! Contact me.
So I am introducing, "Globe Icelanterning" as an old craft with a new name.
If you just received the Globe Ice Lantern Kit as a gift and are looking for tips or suggestions, please note the blog topic to the left, but please feel free to contact me with questions. I am very happy to help and REALLY WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!
I have been icelanterning for 20+ years but this is the first year of the Globe Ice Lantern Kits. We assembled all the high quality tools we use plus an instruction sheet that has the basic know-how needed to create small globe ice lanterns. If you have a suggestion for how to improve the globe icelanterning experience, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Hmmpf. The little red underline still appears under the term "icelanterning" while I am writing this. How long will it take to make icelanterning a REAL word. Maybe like Velveteen Rabbit, it will just take the love of the craft and a little time.
Oh, and if you think you have a better name for the wonderful craft of making ice lanterns, I'd love to hear it! Contact me.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Melting Globe Ice Lanterns
The temperatures in Minneapolis these last few days have caused many Globe Ice Lanterns to reduce in size - melt to be specific. But, thankfully, there are several ways that one can extend the life of an ice lantern by protecting a lantern from the wrath of the sun:
1. If possible, display in an area that is shady for the majority of the day.
2. Cover with a WHITE plastic bag during the day.
3. During warm spells, move the lanterns to the north side of a building or a freezer. (If the lantern has become frozen to a surface, a gentle kick [don't break your toe] will loosen the globe. If it won't budge with a kick, put a "Wonderbar" or flat screwdriver at the base and with a hammer, tap to loosen.)
4. During a very warm spell, put the lantern in a plastic bag and bury in a snow bank. The snow will insulate against the heat.
But then again, don't worry. Now that you own a Globe Ice Lantern Kit, you can just make yourself another lantern when it gets cold again!
Pray for cold weather!
Have fun and please feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
1. If possible, display in an area that is shady for the majority of the day.
2. Cover with a WHITE plastic bag during the day.
3. During warm spells, move the lanterns to the north side of a building or a freezer. (If the lantern has become frozen to a surface, a gentle kick [don't break your toe] will loosen the globe. If it won't budge with a kick, put a "Wonderbar" or flat screwdriver at the base and with a hammer, tap to loosen.)
4. During a very warm spell, put the lantern in a plastic bag and bury in a snow bank. The snow will insulate against the heat.
But then again, don't worry. Now that you own a Globe Ice Lantern Kit, you can just make yourself another lantern when it gets cold again!
Pray for cold weather!
Have fun and please feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Eight stores are currently stocking the Globe Ice Lantern Starter Kits!
PATINA Gift Stores have 5 locations throughout the Twin Cities:
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30-9:00, Sunday 11:00AM-6PM
Highland Park
2057 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116
651.695.9955
Northeast Minneapolis
2305 18th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN,55418
612.788.8933
Uptown/Kenwood
1009 W. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
612.872.0880
South Minneapolis
5001 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55419
612.821.9315
Selby & Snelling
1581 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104
651.644.5444
The Guild Collective on Excelsior Boulevard - in between Trader Joe's and Opitz in St. Louis Park. She has displayed local artisan's wares with fun and flair!
4414 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN - (952) 378-1815
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-8, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5, Closed Mondays
Shoppe Local on 50th Street next to the Malt Shop (near Lyndale Ave S.). Shoppe Local is the new venture by Patina Stores to promote local artisans!
813 West 50th Street, Minneapolis, MN - (612) 827-3071
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun.
Camrose Hill Flower Studio & Farm, "Located in the heart of downtown Stillwater our shop has beautiful flowers and wonderful nature inspired treasures for your home and garden."
233 South 2nd Street (Corner of 2nd and Olive), Stillwater, MN 55082 - (651) 351-9631
Hours: 10:00 to 5:00 Monday through Saturday and 11:00 to 5:00 Sunday.
Happy Shopping!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Am I a Science Teacher?
"I wish, but noooooo!", is the answer I offer after explaining the basic concept behind making an ice lantern. But, I am the daughter, niece and granddaughter of teachers, inventors and hand crafters. As I was growing up, I heard my mother say, "there has to be a better way to do this", in regards to almost everything, and then gave me incredible freedom to explore my own creativity.
So when she introduced the concept of making ice lanterns decades ago, I played with the idea and tried to "make it better." And when my own kids came along, I had one more trick up my sleeve around the holidays to add even more magic to their lives. As time marched on, ice lanterns continue to be lit for homecomings and celebrations, and an old crusty ones filled with sun lines are often put (in a punch bowl drip tray system) in bedrooms as ethereal nightlights.
If you are wondering what the basic science is behind making ice lanterns . . .
. . . water, as it is freezing, forms very orderly crystalline patterns that do not have room in their molecular structure for any other substances, so the impurities are pushed toward the warmer center of the lantern (causing streaks of light). When a balloon filled with water has been placed on the warmth of the earth to partially freeze is popped, the unfrozen water and extra minerals (impurities) are released revealing a natural cavity on the bottom of the lantern. Because of the round nature of the cavity, a candle can be placed under the lantern (with plenty of air flow from underneath) and a chimney forms all by itself. How? The surface tension of water causes the melting water to follow the shape of the cavity and not extinguish the candle."
Science teacher, no. Ice lantern ethusiast, yes . . .
ASIDE
I am thrilled to report that we now have secure ONLINE ORDERING of Globe Ice Lantern Kits and Supplies through our distributor, Hedberg Maps. As always, feel free to CONTACT ME with question, concerns and suggestions!
So when she introduced the concept of making ice lanterns decades ago, I played with the idea and tried to "make it better." And when my own kids came along, I had one more trick up my sleeve around the holidays to add even more magic to their lives. As time marched on, ice lanterns continue to be lit for homecomings and celebrations, and an old crusty ones filled with sun lines are often put (in a punch bowl drip tray system) in bedrooms as ethereal nightlights.
If you are wondering what the basic science is behind making ice lanterns . . .
. . . water, as it is freezing, forms very orderly crystalline patterns that do not have room in their molecular structure for any other substances, so the impurities are pushed toward the warmer center of the lantern (causing streaks of light). When a balloon filled with water has been placed on the warmth of the earth to partially freeze is popped, the unfrozen water and extra minerals (impurities) are released revealing a natural cavity on the bottom of the lantern. Because of the round nature of the cavity, a candle can be placed under the lantern (with plenty of air flow from underneath) and a chimney forms all by itself. How? The surface tension of water causes the melting water to follow the shape of the cavity and not extinguish the candle."
Science teacher, no. Ice lantern ethusiast, yes . . .
ASIDE
I am thrilled to report that we now have secure ONLINE ORDERING of Globe Ice Lantern Kits and Supplies through our distributor, Hedberg Maps. As always, feel free to CONTACT ME with question, concerns and suggestions!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday, December 15th at REI in Bloomington
The Science Behind Magic In Creating Beautiful Ice Luminaries
12/15/2009 7:00 PM
Join Luminary Chief, Hal Galvin and David Bryan, Chief Luminary Technical Officer as they discuss the science employed to create the magical City of Lakes Luminary Loppet. Jennifer Hedberg, will follow with a discussion about Globe Ice Lanterns and her artistic contribution to the Luminary Loppet!
Now in its fifth year, the Luminary Loppet has quickly become a premier event in the festival of activities that make up the City of Lakes Loppet. The all-volunteer crew uses both science and alchemy to transform swamp water into a visual splendor. Specific topics include the process of making 1000 luminaries, the Ice-Cropolis - towers of ice up to 12' tall, the Ice-Pyramid, and Globe Ice Lanterns. The Luminary Loppet is a non-competitive ski and snowshoe around Lakes of the Isles in Uptown, Minneapolis.
The 2010 Luminary Loppet will be held Friday evening, February 6th.
Participants ski onto the lagoon in Uptown between Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun. The lagoon is lit by Globe Ice Lanterns made by Jennifer Hedberg. Proceeding under two bridges, skiers will emerge onto a luminary-lit trail around Lake of the Isles. With more than 1,000 luminaries, an ice pyramid, the Ice-Cropolis, five stations with fire pits and goodies including hot cocoa and coffee, and even some fire-spinners, the Luminary Loppet can be enjoyed by anyone on skis or snowshoes.
- Location: REI Bloomington
- Contact: Hal Galvin, Chief Luminarian, galvin@cityoflakesloppet.com or 612-868-2435
- Cost: Free
- Registration Required? No.
- http://www.cityoflakesloppet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=31
Filling the Globe Ice Lantern Kit Balloon - NEW Step One
If you have purchased the Globe Ice Lantern Starter Kit, or received it as a gift, you will have noticed that we have included 3 of our premium heavyweight balloons. These balloons are wonderful for making globe lanterns because they make such a nice round shape. And if filled to a reasonable size, can take a lot of pulling and poking without breaking!" (something you will appreciate if you have ever had a cheap water balloon break as you are carrying it outside to freeze!)
The trick to getting these thick rubber balloons to fill with water is:
NEW Step One for Instruction Sheet
FILL the balloon with tap water by stretching the balloon's mouth around the water faucet head. Water pressure is necessary to expand a balloon of this strength, so hold the balloon tightly in place with fingers as it fills with water to the desired size.
Proceed to Step Two on your instruction sheet . . .
Personal Note: I use a 3' section of a garden hose in my laundry tub! I wrap my entire hand around where the balloon has been fitted over the hose head. Then, because the water entering the balloon is under pressure, I need to squeeze hard to keep the balloon on as it fills. I also put an upside-down bucket under the balloon to support it as it fills. Otherwise, it will stretch and make it more challenging to hold the balloon on the faucet head or hose.
Have fun and please feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
The trick to getting these thick rubber balloons to fill with water is:
NEW Step One for Instruction Sheet
FILL the balloon with tap water by stretching the balloon's mouth around the water faucet head. Water pressure is necessary to expand a balloon of this strength, so hold the balloon tightly in place with fingers as it fills with water to the desired size.
Proceed to Step Two on your instruction sheet . . .
Personal Note: I use a 3' section of a garden hose in my laundry tub! I wrap my entire hand around where the balloon has been fitted over the hose head. Then, because the water entering the balloon is under pressure, I need to squeeze hard to keep the balloon on as it fills. I also put an upside-down bucket under the balloon to support it as it fills. Otherwise, it will stretch and make it more challenging to hold the balloon on the faucet head or hose.
Have fun and please feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Where to pick up a kit in the Twin Cities?
Three stores are currently stocking the Globe Ice Lantern Kits!
#1 The Guild Collective on Excelsior Boulevard - in between Trader Joe's and Opitz in St. Louis Park. She has displayed local artisan's wares with fun and flair!
4414 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN - (952) 378-1815
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-8, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5, Closed Mondays
#2 Shoppe Local on 50th Street next to the Malt Shop (near Lyndale Ave S.). Shoppe Local is the new venture by Patina Stores to promote local artisans!
813 West 50th Street, Minneapolis, MN - (612) 827-3071
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun.
#3 Camrose Hill Flower Studio & Farm, "Located in the heart of downtown Stillwater our shop has beautiful flowers and wonderful nature inspired treasures for your home and garden."
233 South 2nd Street (Corner of 2nd and Olive), Stillwater, MN 55082 - (651) 351-9631
Hours: 10:00 to 5:00 Monday through Saturday and 11:00 to 5:00 Sunday.
Happy Shopping!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
#1 The Guild Collective on Excelsior Boulevard - in between Trader Joe's and Opitz in St. Louis Park. She has displayed local artisan's wares with fun and flair!
4414 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN - (952) 378-1815
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-8, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5, Closed Mondays
#2 Shoppe Local on 50th Street next to the Malt Shop (near Lyndale Ave S.). Shoppe Local is the new venture by Patina Stores to promote local artisans!
813 West 50th Street, Minneapolis, MN - (612) 827-3071
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun.
#3 Camrose Hill Flower Studio & Farm, "Located in the heart of downtown Stillwater our shop has beautiful flowers and wonderful nature inspired treasures for your home and garden."
233 South 2nd Street (Corner of 2nd and Olive), Stillwater, MN 55082 - (651) 351-9631
Hours: 10:00 to 5:00 Monday through Saturday and 11:00 to 5:00 Sunday.
Happy Shopping!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Instant Gratification Weather - Timing Schedule Adjustment
For all of you who thought that waiting 12-18+ hours for a globe was just too long, take note of the recent drop in temperatures, at least in the Minneapolis area!
A small globe can easily freeze in 8-12 hours in this weather, -2°F !
Adjust your timing schedules, everyone . . .
Last night Tom put out a small (8" in diameter) at 9:30 pm and I removed a circle of rubber from the top of the balloon and looked inside this morning at 6:30 am. If I had taken the balloon completely off, it would have been nice, but I left the rest of the balloon on so it could "cook" a few more hours. The temp for the day will be a high of 18°F, so given the size, it will probably be ready at noon.
REMEMBER, you should only cut a hole in the top of the balloon if you first have determined by pushing on it that a complete crust of ice has formed! If you can lift the balloon, the bottom of the balloon should be soft and unfrozen, allowing you the ability to feel how thick the ice crust has become. (Do not attempt this step with dime store balloons!)
IDEA TO TRY
A recent inductee into the Ice Lantern Lovers came up with a very interesting idea. She suggested that if the timing schedule you are on determines that you will need to get up at 2 am to check a globe before it freezes solid, bring it inside for a few hours before you go to bed to slow the freezing process. Put it back out just before you go to bed so you can wake up at a reasonable hour. Great idea and worthy of an experiement!
I know she is testing it and I will, too! Report to follow.
If you try it, I'd love to know how it worked for you!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
A small globe can easily freeze in 8-12 hours in this weather, -2°F !
Adjust your timing schedules, everyone . . .
Last night Tom put out a small (8" in diameter) at 9:30 pm and I removed a circle of rubber from the top of the balloon and looked inside this morning at 6:30 am. If I had taken the balloon completely off, it would have been nice, but I left the rest of the balloon on so it could "cook" a few more hours. The temp for the day will be a high of 18°F, so given the size, it will probably be ready at noon.
REMEMBER, you should only cut a hole in the top of the balloon if you first have determined by pushing on it that a complete crust of ice has formed! If you can lift the balloon, the bottom of the balloon should be soft and unfrozen, allowing you the ability to feel how thick the ice crust has become. (Do not attempt this step with dime store balloons!)
IDEA TO TRY
A recent inductee into the Ice Lantern Lovers came up with a very interesting idea. She suggested that if the timing schedule you are on determines that you will need to get up at 2 am to check a globe before it freezes solid, bring it inside for a few hours before you go to bed to slow the freezing process. Put it back out just before you go to bed so you can wake up at a reasonable hour. Great idea and worthy of an experiement!
I know she is testing it and I will, too! Report to follow.
If you try it, I'd love to know how it worked for you!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Snow Insulates!
In Minneapolis we just received a nice big dump of snow! Yeah! It is definitely more fun to live in a cold weather climate if you have snow to play in.
For those of you new to ice lantern making, snow on top of or around your ice lanterns can slow or stop the freezing process. Unless that is your goal, my suggestion is to remove any snow from the tops of the balloons and at least a few inches around the bottom to allow cold air access to the balloon surface.
If you have buckets of water out to freeze, clear the snow away from the bottom of the bucket, but consider leaving the snow that has accumulated on top. Why? I find that the top of a bucket, because it is exposed directly to the air, is thicker than the sides. So if you leave the snow on top, that part will slow or stop freezing and make it more uniform. Just an idea.
Enjoy the weather and the glow!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
For those of you new to ice lantern making, snow on top of or around your ice lanterns can slow or stop the freezing process. Unless that is your goal, my suggestion is to remove any snow from the tops of the balloons and at least a few inches around the bottom to allow cold air access to the balloon surface.
If you have buckets of water out to freeze, clear the snow away from the bottom of the bucket, but consider leaving the snow that has accumulated on top. Why? I find that the top of a bucket, because it is exposed directly to the air, is thicker than the sides. So if you leave the snow on top, that part will slow or stop freezing and make it more uniform. Just an idea.
Enjoy the weather and the glow!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
High Quality Balloons = Less Stress
When making ice lanterns, I always stress that one can make them in any container. This is very true. I will reiterate though, that one should only use a container that one does not treasure as it COULD crack when the ice begins to expand while freezing.
I think that is one of the many reasons I have always loved making ice lanterns in balloons. By their very nature, they are a one-time use commodity that peels right off when the ice lantern is made. But contrary to common thought, all balloons are NOT created equal. When I am walking outside with my hands filled with 50 lbs of water in a balloon in 10° temps or lower, I DON'T want that balloon to break! A lesser quality balloon has the tendency to bulge (who likes bulges of any nature?), become a blob when placing it on the ground and they BREAK!
So our Extra Balloon Packs and Kits contain premium, heavyweight balloons to make your Globe Ice Lantern experience more successful!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
I think that is one of the many reasons I have always loved making ice lanterns in balloons. By their very nature, they are a one-time use commodity that peels right off when the ice lantern is made. But contrary to common thought, all balloons are NOT created equal. When I am walking outside with my hands filled with 50 lbs of water in a balloon in 10° temps or lower, I DON'T want that balloon to break! A lesser quality balloon has the tendency to bulge (who likes bulges of any nature?), become a blob when placing it on the ground and they BREAK!
So our Extra Balloon Packs and Kits contain premium, heavyweight balloons to make your Globe Ice Lantern experience more successful!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Monday, December 7, 2009
"Seconds" Grace Our Front Porch
Unlike the cobbler's children who always went barefoot, we make enough ice lanterns to have rejects to grace our front porch on a regular basis. This one was so big that when I tried to carry it by myself into the basement to fix a slight irregularity on the bottom, I dropped it and it landed hard in the stone sink. Now lanterns this big don't tend to break, but they do get a big ding on impact. (A ding on a big ice lantern looks like a ding on a windshield.)
Because it has a ding on one side, I really can't sell it or give it away, so it becomes a "second" and I can put it on MY front steps!
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tying a Balloon can be Challenging
For years my husband has helped me make my Globe Ice Lanterns. For the first 19 years, he was the kind soul who who carried the larger filled and tied balloons outside to freeze. But the benevolence ended when asked to complete the whole process. He never admitted it until later, but he did not like tying the balloons. I understood--it can be tiring and somewhat painful after the 10th or 20th balloon. So when he discovered that he could securely clip a balloon closed with a little clip, the tide turned. Now, I will admit, that he makes more lanterns than I do. The forecast reads a dip in temperature and he rubs his hands together with glee. Downstairs he goes and balloon after balloon is brought outside ready for freezing.
So you see, the "Easy-Close Clips" that we sell with out kits (and separately) should really be called the "Magic Clips", as they are truly the secret behind my husband's new found passion for Globe Ice Lantern creation.
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
So you see, the "Easy-Close Clips" that we sell with out kits (and separately) should really be called the "Magic Clips", as they are truly the secret behind my husband's new found passion for Globe Ice Lantern creation.
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Why do we sell freezing bases with our kits?
Earlier this year, a woman from Australia just recently sent me this question via my website, and this morning I was given a graphic reminder. When I went out to check to see if any balloons were ready to be opened, I noticed that one of our Ultra-large balloons that I had put out to freeze on our larger ring base, did not get the under liner of plastic.* It developed a slow leak during the night.** What I found was a completely empty large globe with a reasonable crust but it was filled with dirt. Why? The dirt, or anything found under the balloon, can get sucked up inside the lantern and become frozen into the lantern. This is one area where I don't like to think laterally-- I DON'T like dirt in my lanterns.
So the answer is to have a protective layer between the balloon and the ground - we use our freezing bases that protect, shape and keep the balloons from rolling around.
* We don't currently sell the Ultra-Large Freezing Bases with plastic under liners as they are still under development.
** When the balloons are stretched to make larger lanterns, the rubber is weakened and can rupture during the freezing process. This is especially true during warmer temperatures and/or when placed in the sun to freeze. The freeze/thaw that ensues can prove too much for the balloon's integrity.
Contact me with questions, suggestions or to send me photos of your ice lantern creations!
Solar Power
Given that the sun has the ability to stop time--in ice lantern freezing time, that is--consider when to put out your filled balloons. If it is going to be around 10° overnight and my goal is to make medium-sized ice lanterns (about the size of a basketball), I will put them out during the day so the water in the balloons gets a "cold boost". The water inside will not get cold enough to freeze, but the water is cooled down significantly so when the sun goes down and the temperature drops, night time freezing speeds up, so in the morning, they MIGHT be ready to open.
Smaller lanterns freeze faster, so if I am making small lanterns (approx. soccer ball) during 10° or less, I put out when I go to bed with the idea that I will check when I wake up. If the temperature is warmer, I will put out earlier in the day (maybe right after work) and check when I wake up the next day.
The ways that I check to see if the balloons are ready to open?
#1: I push on the balloon*--can it support me pushing with most of my weight? Don't attempt this with low quality balloons (I sell top quality, heavyweight balloons) as their rubber is less likely to be able to handle the rough treatment.
*In a future post, will talk about what you can do when the ice crust cracks - it's a good thing!
If yes, then #2: I carefully cut the top off one of the balloons to have a look inside.
Then #3: If the balloon retains its shape when popped and you want to leave it longer, go for it. But, once the balloon is cut or popped, a slow leak can develop. Again, if you think laterally, a slow leak can make the lantern freeze in interesting ways. It could develop a layered look. It could develop an interesting Jack Frosty look. It all depends on how cold it is and where it placed--sun or shade.
It is like opening a present--you don't know what you will find!
Enjoy the mystery and the glow . . .
Contact me with questions, suggestions or photos!
Turn Lemons into Lemonade
"Relax." I say this over and over to people who are deciding whether to try to make ice lanterns of any nature--globe, bucket or whatever. Even a total "failure" can be beautiful. If you put out 10 buckets or balloons and they all froze solid - maybe arrange them in a circle or a pile, put a candle in a glass container to protect it from the wind (if needed) and watch the ice light up. It is like the icicle lanterns we used to make as kids when insulation was not as advanced as it is today:
#1 break off as many intact icicles as you can,
#2 arrange them pointed end up in a circle in the snow (tightly or overlapping),
#3 put a candle in a glass jar to protect from snow and wind,
#4 light the candle and watch the light play in those beautiful natural forms!
The same is true of chunks of what you think might be unusable ice. Think laterally. Don't throw away your "rejects". Try and use them another way.
Then, the next time you put out your balloons (or buckets) don't let it freeze for as long, and then you will have what you were aiming for -- an ice lantern where a natural cavity in a form of ice can hold a candle!
So RELAX, a flame captured in ice in any form is beautiful in a dark night.
Contact me with questions or suggestions!
#1 break off as many intact icicles as you can,
#2 arrange them pointed end up in a circle in the snow (tightly or overlapping),
#3 put a candle in a glass jar to protect from snow and wind,
#4 light the candle and watch the light play in those beautiful natural forms!
The same is true of chunks of what you think might be unusable ice. Think laterally. Don't throw away your "rejects". Try and use them another way.
Then, the next time you put out your balloons (or buckets) don't let it freeze for as long, and then you will have what you were aiming for -- an ice lantern where a natural cavity in a form of ice can hold a candle!
So RELAX, a flame captured in ice in any form is beautiful in a dark night.
Contact me with questions or suggestions!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Globe Ice Lanterns For Sale!
I will be at the FAIR School Art Fair & Pancake Breakfast in Crystal, MN tomorrow from 8:30 am - 3 pm. Here is a link with directions: http://www.wmep.k12.mn.us/fair/general.html#direct
I will be selling both Globe Ice Lantern Kits and Finished Globes. It sounds like they have a great group of artists coming. I am really looking forward to talking about one of my greatest passions - Globe Ice Lanterns!
UPDATE on my current balloon crop:
I checked the balloons I put out on Wednesday night and while they would be usable at this thickness, I am going to wait . . . for how long, you ask? Daytime slows down the freezing process significantly. It could go all day and not freeze much and then boom an hour or two after the sun goes down and they could be frozen solid. I will open one smaller one around 5pm and make my decision based on what it looks like.
I had one balloon rupture in the middle of the night last night and the water drained away. While disappointed that it did not last to be very thick, it develop these amazing Jack Frost-like freezing patterns in the ice - I will be using this for something - maybe nightlight in my daughter's room tonight . . . gorgeous!
Wait as long as you dare!
Contact me with questions.
I will be selling both Globe Ice Lantern Kits and Finished Globes. It sounds like they have a great group of artists coming. I am really looking forward to talking about one of my greatest passions - Globe Ice Lanterns!
UPDATE on my current balloon crop:
I checked the balloons I put out on Wednesday night and while they would be usable at this thickness, I am going to wait . . . for how long, you ask? Daytime slows down the freezing process significantly. It could go all day and not freeze much and then boom an hour or two after the sun goes down and they could be frozen solid. I will open one smaller one around 5pm and make my decision based on what it looks like.
I had one balloon rupture in the middle of the night last night and the water drained away. While disappointed that it did not last to be very thick, it develop these amazing Jack Frost-like freezing patterns in the ice - I will be using this for something - maybe nightlight in my daughter's room tonight . . . gorgeous!
Wait as long as you dare!
Contact me with questions.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Real Ice Lantern Season Begins in Minneapolis
I know I am not normal. If I were like most of the people in Minneapolis, I would be thrilled at the mild temperatures. But come November, I have ice lanterns on the brain. These warm days are like torture. When will it get cold?!
Well, my apologies to everyone else, but Mother Nature has heard of my pain and has decided to help out. The temperatures in the Minneapolis area will be dipping below freezing for the next few days! We will even have the bonus of the sun hiding behind the clouds--how sweet of him to stay away for just a few days so we can put out a crop of ice lanterns in the backyard to "cook".
I say, "cook" because there is a certain similarity to putting a roast in the oven. Given a certain temp and the size of the roast, it needs to be "cooked" for a certain amount of time. The same is true for ice lanterns.
In the kits that we sell, the recipe I offer begins with a standard of 20 degrees and 12-16 hours as the initial freezing time. (This is based on the small bases that make Globe Ice Lanterns that are about the size of a soccer ball.) If it is colder or smaller than the standard, freeze it for less time. If it is warmer or bigger, freeze it longer.
It is a good idea to remember that learning to create globe ice lanterns is like learning a new craft. As a beginning knitter will often need to rip out a few stitches, if an ice lantern is not thick enough the first time you try it, let it freeze a little longer next time. Likewise, if it froze solid, check it a little earlier next time. Because this is not a set mold with a set size, each ice lantern will be different. And with most things that require a little bit of effort, the pay off is usually worth it!
So, now that the weather is somewhat colder, I find my walks through hardware and grocery stores take a little longer. The shape of a plastic container will stop me in my tracks as I ponder how it might look given a second life as an ice lantern. Sometimes I buy a product, just to see how it freezes. Of course, I use or consume the contents, and then based on the success of the test, determine how much of that product I could really use. I mean, how many jumbo packs of Twizzlers from Costco is really a good idea to have around the house.
Last night we put out about 50 ice globes ranging in sizes from 9 lbs of water (soccer ball-sized) to 50 lbs (beachball-sized). Another 20 at the 22 lbs (Basketball-sized) went out this morning. Given that we are due for several days of non-sunny, below freezing temps, we should be able to harvest a nice crop of Globe Ice Lanterns in the next few days.
Cheers!
Contact me with questions.
Well, my apologies to everyone else, but Mother Nature has heard of my pain and has decided to help out. The temperatures in the Minneapolis area will be dipping below freezing for the next few days! We will even have the bonus of the sun hiding behind the clouds--how sweet of him to stay away for just a few days so we can put out a crop of ice lanterns in the backyard to "cook".
I say, "cook" because there is a certain similarity to putting a roast in the oven. Given a certain temp and the size of the roast, it needs to be "cooked" for a certain amount of time. The same is true for ice lanterns.
In the kits that we sell, the recipe I offer begins with a standard of 20 degrees and 12-16 hours as the initial freezing time. (This is based on the small bases that make Globe Ice Lanterns that are about the size of a soccer ball.) If it is colder or smaller than the standard, freeze it for less time. If it is warmer or bigger, freeze it longer.
It is a good idea to remember that learning to create globe ice lanterns is like learning a new craft. As a beginning knitter will often need to rip out a few stitches, if an ice lantern is not thick enough the first time you try it, let it freeze a little longer next time. Likewise, if it froze solid, check it a little earlier next time. Because this is not a set mold with a set size, each ice lantern will be different. And with most things that require a little bit of effort, the pay off is usually worth it!
So, now that the weather is somewhat colder, I find my walks through hardware and grocery stores take a little longer. The shape of a plastic container will stop me in my tracks as I ponder how it might look given a second life as an ice lantern. Sometimes I buy a product, just to see how it freezes. Of course, I use or consume the contents, and then based on the success of the test, determine how much of that product I could really use. I mean, how many jumbo packs of Twizzlers from Costco is really a good idea to have around the house.
Last night we put out about 50 ice globes ranging in sizes from 9 lbs of water (soccer ball-sized) to 50 lbs (beachball-sized). Another 20 at the 22 lbs (Basketball-sized) went out this morning. Given that we are due for several days of non-sunny, below freezing temps, we should be able to harvest a nice crop of Globe Ice Lanterns in the next few days.
Cheers!
Contact me with questions.
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