Project: Light in the Cold

Winter Solstice greetings to all. We like to say that winter light is our compass. For us it means that in winter, the light we display, and the light we nourish inside us, guides us spiritually and emotionally. Here is a lovely winter activity to create an ice lantern. This lantern magnifies that idea by creating a vessel for this inner and outer light. We hope it guides you and brings warmth to your neighborhood. Once you make your lantern, please share them with us by posting photos on FB or IG and mentioning us or tagging us.

SUPPLIES: collection of containers found in your recycling bin - some small and some larger with one able to fit inside the other with a minimum of 1/2" on either side, (tapered containers may be easier) pebbles for weights, masking tape, fresh botanicals, tealights

Step 1: Clean the containers and remove labels. Place about an inch water in the larger container, then place the smaller container inside. The smaller one should float above the bottom.

Step 2: Place a few rocks into the smaller container weighing it down, but not all the way to the bottom of the larger container. Use masking tape to help hold the smaller container inside the larger one evenly.

Step 3: Cut stems of botanicals that are meaningful to you. Greens from your backyard or a slice of your favorite fruit. Press them between the two containers. Once you have them in place, add more water, covering the botanicals, until it is about 1” from the top, allowing room for expansion.

Step 4: Freeze overnight in your freezer (or outside if it’s cold enough)

Step 5: Once frozen, run warm water over the outside of the larger container to release it from the ice. Remove the rocks and run warm water inside the smaller container to release it from the center. If there are botanicals sticking out of the ice, trim. Place a tealight, votive or pillar inside your lantern and line a walkway outside or decorate inside. (Be sure to place a plate underneath if it’s inside)