How to Make Ice Lanterns With Ice Cream Tubs

You can make an ice lantern any time of the year.

Ice lanterns are ice molds made from round containers that have a hole in the center to house a candle. People in cold regions of China and Siberia use them to provide illumination outdoors, since the ice is sturdy enough to hold the candle and the vessel blocks the wind from blowing it out. Making an ice lantern with ice cream tubs entails sitting a small, empty vessel (in this case, a pint container) inside a larger empty one (a half-gallon tub), filling the remaining space in the large vessel with water and freezing it sold. The hole that the pint-size tub makes in the ice mold is where you will set your candle.

Things You'll Need

• 1 half-gallon ice cream tub
• 1 pint-sized ice cream tub
• dish soap
• warm water
• 6 cups cold water
• Duct tape
• Warm water
• Butter knife

Instructions

1. Wash one half-gallon ice cream tub and one pint-sized ice cream tub with dish soap and warm water. Set the pint tub in the gallon container.

2. Pour 3 cups of cold water into the gallon container. This will make the pint container float.

3. Stretch a piece of duct tape across the top of the gallon tub and fasten the ends on either side of it. Lift up the pint container and press its rim firmly beneath the tape strip. This will keep the pint container even with the rim of the gallon container as the mold forms. If necessary, apply a second strip of duct tape across the top of the gallon tub to secure the pint container.

4. Pour another 3 cups of cold water into the gallon container.

5. Set the gallon tub in the freezer. Turn the freezer setting to be as cold as it can be. Leave the tub in the freezer overnight or until it's completely frozen.

6. Fill the kitchen sink about 3/4 full with warm water. Set the gallon tub in the sink.
   Remove the duct tape from the top of the container.

7. Check the container after five minutes to see if the ice has loosened from the side of the container. Slide a butter knife between the container and the ice mold to dislodge it. If the ice hasn't pulled from the container's side, soak the tub for a few more minutes in the water before removing the ice mold from it.

8. Pour 1 cup of warm water into the pint container and let it sit for five minutes. Slide a butter knife between the pint container and the ice mold to remove the pint container. Leave the water in the pint tub for a few minutes longer if it's not ready to be dislodged.

References

• Ancient Worlds: A Brief History of Ice Lanterns And How To Make Them Using the Duct Tape Method

Resources

• Cooks: Weights and Measures
• Artic Ice Lantern: Three Easy Steps