Ice in the Desert
We decided to take advantage of cooler weather (lows around 30 and highs below 50) and make some of these ice suncatchers/birdfeeders.
I suppose if you grew up with cold weather you filled your winter days, not to mention your trees and eaves, with these beautiful creations. But being the native desert dweller that I am I was smitten with them when I first read about them a few months ago and was glad to try creating them. With a few Arizona-modifications I was able to give my kids this little bit of winter experience. Most notably, we used the freezer instead of the elements to freeze the ice.
Since I was a rookie I didn't know how to make the center hole for hanging. So now, with my Mommy Experience I can say that using a can of tomato paste is NOT the way to achieve a successful center hole. Calvin's wreath got broken! (Upon further investigation, a small tapered plastic cup filled with water would have been ideal, leaving a nice hanging-hole and sliding out easily.)
They are already dripping. I don't know how long our ice creations will last, but with more freezing temperatures predicted tonight we might end up with some icicles. I think the boys would like that! And I think they are beautiful, so the whole experience was a success in my book!
Do you have any favorite winter crafts? Ice crafts?
I suppose if you grew up with cold weather you filled your winter days, not to mention your trees and eaves, with these beautiful creations. But being the native desert dweller that I am I was smitten with them when I first read about them a few months ago and was glad to try creating them. With a few Arizona-modifications I was able to give my kids this little bit of winter experience. Most notably, we used the freezer instead of the elements to freeze the ice.
Since I was a rookie I didn't know how to make the center hole for hanging. So now, with my Mommy Experience I can say that using a can of tomato paste is NOT the way to achieve a successful center hole. Calvin's wreath got broken! (Upon further investigation, a small tapered plastic cup filled with water would have been ideal, leaving a nice hanging-hole and sliding out easily.)
They are already dripping. I don't know how long our ice creations will last, but with more freezing temperatures predicted tonight we might end up with some icicles. I think the boys would like that! And I think they are beautiful, so the whole experience was a success in my book!
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