DIY Winter Ice Ornaments – Fun and Easy to Make

Decorate your yard with these beautiful ice ornaments this Winter! They are fun to make – for kids and adults – and they add beauty to a wintery landscape.

When my kids were younger, we used to make ice ornaments a lot. I always enjoyed seeing the things they would put into their ornaments, and we’d count down the days until they would melt – enjoying them in the sunshine as suncatchers while they lasted.

This is definitely something you should try if you live in an area where it’s freezing cold outside – it’s fun!

What You Will Need:

• 4 to 6-inch Container to freeze ice in
  I recommend using a small plastic bowl, aluminum pie tin, or metal cake pans (use a variety of shapes and sizes for several ornaments).
• Twine (string or yarn will also work)
• Items to freeze into the ornaments – this is the most fun part!
  I recommend using pine needles, bark, small evergreen boughs, nuts, dried flowers, berries, or even handmade snowflakes (things found in nature are best since the ice ornament will melt eventually in warm weather)
• Water
  TIP: If you boil your tap water and allow it to cool before using it, your ornaments will be much more clear. You could also use distilled water for more clear ice. 
• Freezer, or flat surface outside to freeze your ornaments

What You Do:

1. Fill your chosen container with water
   I recommend filling to at least 1-inch deep for longer-lasting ornaments. 
2. Place twine, string, or yarn around the outside edge of your container to form a frame for your ornament – leaving enough twine outside the container to form a hanging loop
3. Carefully place your selected items into the water to be frozen, arranging items to create an interesting display
   
4. Freeze your filled container
   You can use your freezer or place the container(s) outside to freeze if you live in an icy climate.
5. When your creation is frozen, carefully remove it from the container and hang the ornament on the trees around your house – a sunny location is best so you can see the most reflection
   NOTE: You may need to place your container in warm water to help release the ornament. 

Variations:

• Vary the Sizes – Make a batch of different size and shape ornaments and hang them in a nearby park for others to enjoy.
• Large Ornaments – Large ornaments, such as those made with a pie tine, are easier to see from the comfort of your warm, cozy home.
• Add Twine After Freezing – If you prefer, you can also add the twine to hang the ornament after it freezes. Simply heat a nail and melt it through the ice to form a hole for the twine. I recommend holding the nail with a needlenose pliers while heating it.

Let me know if you tried this idea – I’d love to see your completed ornaments!