How to Make Ice Lanterns

- Buckets (plastic or metal)

- Water

- Freezing temperatures (below 32°F)

- Tealights or LED candles

Step 2: Preparing the Buckets

1. Choose buckets with different shapes and sizes for varied lantern designs.

2. Wash the buckets thoroughly to remove dirt or residue.

3. Make sure the buckets have a flat base so that they stand穩固.

Step 3: Filling the Buckets

1. Fill the buckets about ⅓ to ½ full with water. For larger buckets, you can fill them up to ⅔ full.

2. If desired, add small decorative items such as leaves, twigs, flowers, or marbles to the water. These will freeze inside the ice and create a unique look.

Step 4: Adding Tealight Candles (optional)

1. If using tealights, place them in small cups or holders that are slightly heavier than the candles.

2. Gently place the cups with tealights into the buckets, ensuring they are in the center and won’t tip over.

Alternatively, you can use LED candles instead of tealights to avoid any fire hazard.

Step 5: Freezing

1. Place the filled buckets in a freezer or outdoors if the temperatures are below freezing.

2. Make sure the buckets are placed on a level surface to prevent them from tipping over.

3. Let the water freeze completely, which may take several hours or overnight.

Step 6: Unmolding

1. Once the water is completely frozen, remove the buckets from the freezer or outdoor area.

2. To unmold the ice, dip the bottom of the bucket briefly in warm water to loosen the ice.

3. Gently tap the sides of the bucket to release the ice lantern.

Tip: If the ice lantern is stuck, run warm water over it carefully until it releases from the bucket.

Step 7: Lighting

1. When you’re ready to use the ice lanterns, place a lit tealight or LED candle in the center of each lantern.

2. The ice will reflect and emit a beautiful, soft glow, creating a magical ambiance.

Note: Keep an eye on the ice lanterns and replace the candles if they burn out or melt the ice too much.

Tips:

- Use distilled water for clearer ice lanterns.

- Experiment with different-sized buckets and decorative elements to create unique designs.

- To achieve a colored ice effect, add a few drops of food coloring to the water before freezing.

- Place the ice lanterns in a sheltered outdoor location to protect them from wind and direct sunlight.

- Enjoy the beautiful and enchanting ice lanterns as they illuminate your winter evenings!