How to Carve an Ice Sculpture
Ice sculpting is an art and a science all in one. Ice sculpting has been around for hundreds of years and will continue to be a dominate part of weddings and elaborate events. Ice sculptures last around six to seven hours before they melt away. Smaller sculpters last several hours less.
- Cut out a piece of tracing paper equivalent to the size of the ice sculpture you will be carving. Trace out the design you wish to carve onto a piece of tracing paper. Place the image you have traced onto your ice block. Fresh ice is an adhesive, so it will stick to the paper naturally.
- Wear thermal or rubber gloves while working with an ice sculpture because ice can burn your hands and skin if it comes in contact with your skin. Using a chain saw cut off the loose ice on the outside of the ice sculpture. Step back every few minutes and see how your silhouette looks.
- Using a wooden chisel lightly tap the outside of ice sculpture to break away the ice. When you feel more comfortable with the ice you can apply more pressure.
- Make straight persistent lines for your ice sculpture by using a wooden ruler that has been placed in boiling hot water. To make special shapes and silhouettes used heated metal tools on the ice sculpture for great unique and beautiful designs.
- Use an electric sander to smooth out the rough pieces and edges of your ice sculpture. Sanding the ice to hard will cause damage and breakage to your ice sculpture. Smooth out the ice sculpture, stand back and check out your final look.