How to Make Colorful Ice Lanterns

I will be the first to say that I am looking forward to spring and warmer weather, but with all the snow we just got here it’s definitely looking like we’ll be experiencing winter weather for quite a bit longer! Enter these DIY ice lanterns to add a pop of color to your doorstep, backyard picnic table, or any old snowbank. If you’ve ever made ice chalk before, then you’ll be familiar with this technique. I just mixed water with food coloring and cornstarch in a silicone mold, and then put those blocks into an empty milk carton to form these colorful lanterns!

I used an empty juice box to create the hollow interior thinking that I would put a tealight inside, but when I brought them outside in the daylight, the tealights didn’t change the look much. After dark though, I’m sure they would add a warm glow! You could probably skip the interior cavity if you’re in a but of a rush, but I think it allows a bit more sunlight in to really show off all the fun colors.

what you need:

Silicone mold
Baking sheet
Food coloring
Cornstarch
Empty juice or milk carton
Empty juice box
Scissors
Mug or jar

how-to:

Step 1 – making the colored ice blocks
Pick out the silicone mold you’d like to use – I already had this one so I decided to go for a stripey look. You could use circles for polka dots, a regular ice cube tray, or whatever you have on hand. In a bowl, whisk together approximately 1 part cornstarch to 1 part water until combined. Add a drop of food coloring and stir, adding more to get the color you have in mind. You can also experiment with how much cornstarch you use and see how the cubes change. I found that after freezing, the color and cornstarch settled to the bottom of the shape so using more cornstarch allowed more of the ice to remain colored. Set your silicone mold onto a baking sheet and pour the cornstarch mixture into each shape. Set in the freezer for a few hours until completely frozen through.

Step 2 – creating the patterns
Cut the top off of an empty juice/milk carton and make sure the inside is clean. Do the same for a juice box and set it inside the larger carton. Arrange your colored ice cubes in the carton however you like! I stood them up to go for a stripey pattern.

When you’re happy with the layout of the ice cubes, place a mug or empty jar on top to hold the juice box down and prevent it from floating. Pour cold water into the large carton, avoiding filling the inner juice box. I poured water to about the tops of the colored ice cubes. Place in the freezer for a few hours until completely frozen through.

Step 3 – removing ice from the carton

Once frozen through, remove from the freezer and set the empty mug aside. Pour hot tap water over the exterior of the large carton, rotating it to get all sides. Try pushing on the bottom of the carton to pop out the ice if you would like to reuse the carton. Sometimes the ice comes out nice and easy, but other times I had to cut and tear the carton away to free the ice inside. Once free, pour more hot water into the inner juice box and let sit for a few seconds. Pour out the water and tug on the juice box to remove it. Your lanterns are ready to display!

As you can see from my finished ice lanterns, some of the “stripes” didn’t quite stay in place and floated around in the water before freezing in place. I think the result is still pretty neat, so don’t get too concerned about creating intricate designs – the finished ice lantern will be cool either way!