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How to Attach a Template to an Ice Sculpture

The beauty of an ice sculpture is meant to be a fleeting thing. It is carved, enjoyed and then it melts, sometimes all within hours. Usually the work of art is made outdoors for a winter festival in cold climates, so it may last a few days or even weeks. But the art of ice carving is also popular for culinary affairs, where an ice sculpture can take on the beauty of a swan as a table centerpiece, or as a working liquor dispenser at a bar. Most ice sculpture begins with a piece of drawn art, also called a template.

Things You'll Need

Paper template
Scissors
Ice carving tools
Gloves (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Take out your ice block so it will sit for about an hour before you are ready to attach the art template. Temper the ice to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, so the paper template will stick to the ice without any adhesive or tool. Working on ice at this temperature also creates a clear rather than a cloudy sculpture, and later on it̵7;s easier to cut.
- 2
  Draw or trace a design for your ice sculpture to your preferred theme. Ice sculpture templates are also available free on the Internet at such sites as Ice Carving Secrets or NICA.
- 3
  Enlarge or reduce your design to the size of your ice block. Cut around the template outline with a scissors and place the template onto the ice. It will stick naturally if the ice is tempered, but you can also add some water to the ice to ensure it sticks.
- 4
  Carve around the template on the ice using your preferred ice carving tool. Apply the designs drawn on the template into the ice with your tool.
- 5
  Remove the template by pulling it off the ice, so you can finish your carving deeper into the ice.

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