Giant ICE Marbles- the Best Winter Yard Decor!

Balloons- I had both small and large sized ones. I'd say as long as they fasten onto your faucet most medium or large sized ones will work.

The small water balloons were difficult to fill at the kitchen sink so we only filled one of those. While it froze easiest it was too small to really show in the snow so probably wouldn't bother with that size again.

The other balloons were much easier. We blew them up a bit to pre stretch them.....

Food coloring- I wasn't sure how many drops were needed since my balloons were not see through so just gave a good squeeze or two before attaching them to the water faucet.

When removing the balloons from the faucet remember there is food coloring inside. I ended up with pink/purple fingertips. Also later when they're "frozen" they will probably still be messy on the fingers...

Tie them like any balloon and set aside. We ended up carrying them outside in a bucket. If one had popped we would've had a colorful kitchen lol.

I took them out to the fence along our small wooded area. It doesn't get direct sun all day and I figured it would help them freeze better. I believe the temp was a high of 12 degrees during the day and low of -6 overnight.

24 hours later we went out with scissors (to pop the balloons) and a small bag (to dispose of the messy balloon peels). As you can see they weren't completely frozen and the colored water leaked onto the snow.

Is it just me or do you want a snowcone too now?!

In fact when I turned them over some were like bowls full of water!

I think if I did this again I would go out in the evening and turn them all over so they might freeze more evenly as the snow seemed to insulate them. Also I think rather then risk the color leaking on the snow it would have been best to let them freeze somewhere other then where I wanted to place them on display. That way the snow would stay pristine around them.... at least until a warmer day melts them lol.

So for my final photo I moved the ice marbles to another section of fencing and they really are a fun winter addition!

During the coldest days of winter it really can add a nice bit of color to your yard.... or Fairy Forest!