Ice lanterns

When the frost settles like a silent blanket over Denmark, it's obvious to take advantage of it for a cozy creative moment. Ice lanterns made with balloons are both simple to make and really atmospheric – small luminous sculptures that transform the garden, stairs or terrace into a luminous winter landscape. See here how easy it is. These fine ice lanterns are in the first picture and are made of Tine Gertsen.

How to make ice lanterns with balloons

You will need balloons, water and a little patience – and freezing temperatures, of course. Fill the balloons with water to the size you want your lanterns to be. Tie a knot on the balloon and place them outside in the freezing weather. Leave them until the water is almost completely frozen, but still has a liquid core in the middle. This typically takes about a day, depending on the cold.

Once the ice has set, carefully cut open the balloon and peel it off. Pour the liquid water out of the center, leaving a beautiful, hollow ice mold. Place a block candle or tealight in the center and let the light spread softly through the clear and matte surfaces of the ice.

Ice lanterns made with two buckets/containers.

If you want more straight and graphic ice lanterns, you can make them with two buckets or two other containers of different sizes, instead of balloons. The method is just as simple and gives a beautiful, Nordic look. Fill a bucket or other container with water. Then place a smaller bucket/container in the middle of the large one. The small bucket/container must be pressed into the water so that a cavity is formed all the way around. Place a stone, a brick or something else heavy in the small bucket/container so that it stays in place and does not float up. Place the buckets/containers outside in frosty weather and let the water freeze slowly. When the ice is frozen all the way through, pour a little warm water on the outside of the large bucket/container and the inside of the small one to loosen the ice. Carefully remove the buckets/containers. Now you have a hollow ice lantern, ready for a block candle or a large tea light. Or maybe a vase for the garden? The ice lanterns are beautiful alone, but even more atmospheric in groups, where the light plays in the layers of ice and small air bubbles.

A simple winter idea where the cold does the work and creates a very special winter atmosphere – simple, Nordic and adventurous.

Enjoy.