Ice Sculptures
The Ice sculpture is the highlight of any buffet, and its focal point. Ice can be carved into any shapes, size or figure that fits the theme or occasion. For e.g. Christmas- Santa Clause, Anniversary- a heart.
The essentials of creating Ice Sculptures
1. Use 100-300 pound block of ice 40 inches high by 20 inches wide by 10 inches thick.
2. A pair of ice tongs for moving ends and handling the ice.
3. An ice shaver with 3 to 4 prongs used to carve out the details and do the small cuttings on the block of ice.
4. An ice pick is used to split block of ice.
5. A hand saw is used to remove large cuts of ice or to make rough outlines
6. Chisels ranging in size from 1⁄2 to 2 inches.
7. A good pair of gloves which have metal finger tips to prevent accidents.
8. A variety of templates
9. An electric chain saw-(optional)
10. Salt is used for mending broken pieces of ice.
Points to be kept in mind
The optimum temperature for ice carving is 28° F or less. An ice block will melt at the rate of half to an inch per hour at room temperature.
Such ice carvings must have a base that is at least 6 inches high, for stability.
If a piece of ice breaks off dip each broken edge into salt and press back together for a few minutes till it holds.
The table used for the carving must be sturdy to support the weight of the ice.
The carved ice block should be placed in specially constructed pans wider that the base of the wooden block, on which, the ice carving will rest securely on top of the wooden block.
Coloured rotating lights could produce dramatic effects.
The ice sculpture could be placed on a rotating turn table.
The pan under the ice sculpture on display should be decorated with a linen cloth, flowers, ferns or other decorative material.
