DIY Ice Lantern for a Magical Winter Glow!

Doodle T and Me!
by Doodle T and Me!
3 Materials
$10
1 Day
Easy

Enjoy the GLOW of Outdoor Winter Candlelight with these super easy to create ICE LANTERNS. Simply Magical!

All you need is a Milk Carton, Paper Cup, Pipe Cleaner, and Candle. One carton/cup/pipe cleaner/candle for each lantern.

First cut the top off the milk carton. Rinse the carton.

Throw out the top. At the top of the carton, punch 2 holes opposite each other.

Next punch 2 holes opposite each other under the top rim of the paper cup.

Now thread the pipe cleaner through the holes of the cup.

Continue threading the pipe cleaner into the holes of the carton.

Loop the pipe cleaner up and over the cup to secure the cup in place in the center of the carton. The cup will create an indentation for the candle to sit in.

Fill the carton with water up to the top of the carton. Do not fill the cup with water.

The water will freeze to create the sides and bottom of the lantern.

Set the water-filled carton outside in below freezing temperatures. Overnight is best.

Once frozen solid, lift out the cup from the center of the lantern.

With a scissor, cut away the carton from the ice lantern.

Place a tea light in the lantern. Light the candle.


Tea lights on Amazon... Here.

Enjoy the Magical Glow.

Ice Lanterns! Simple Winter Magic!

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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Donna Donna on Jan 03, 2021

    Since ice melts when temps get above freezing, what would you do different to make this a more permanent candle holder?

  • Eautery Eautery on Jan 03, 2021

    Could you do this a

    Same process using epoxy acrylic in stead of water? Then it wouldn't have to be used only in winter.

  • Xra24821162 Xra24821162 on Dec 22, 2023

    Can't you just put a heavy rock in the cup to weigh it down, instead of dealing with pipe cleaners and poking holes? Just wondering...

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2 of 29 comments
  • Aprile Aprile on Dec 22, 2023

    This is so pretty; unfortunately not cold enough here to freeze it; unusual warm temps in Philadelphia area this year; no snow for Christmas! Merry Christmas everyone!

  • Doodle T and Me! Doodle T and Me! on Dec 23, 2023

    Hi Aprile. Sorry for no snow. If you had a large freezer, this would work in the freezer too! Merry Christmas! Jeanne of Doodle T and Me!

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