How to Make Ice Suncatchers (Great Winter Craft!)

Frozen Suncatchers?

My ice art obsession began after reading an article about ice gems and then trying my hand at making them. I found that not only were these gems a cinch to make, but they came out quite beautifully. That is when I became hooked. I went on to create ice ornaments, wreaths, and hearts, and I am still in the process of trying out other ideas.

With the combination of sunlight, ice, and a splash of color, you can obtain quite magnificent results. The effect reminds me of rich-colored jewels shimmering in the sunlight. Suncatchers can give a dull winter landscape a quick and easy makeover.

On an educational level, children can learn about the changing properties of water, dye, and the process of freezing and melting and, in a greater sense, a level of wonder at the sight of their own creations when they sparkle in the low winter sunlight.

To Make These You Will Need:

• Cake pan or other round container
• Food coloring
• Ribbon or yarn
• Water
• Small plastic cup with coins, rocks, rice or anything that can weigh it down

Step 1

Fill cake pan with water. Place cup filled with coins towards the edge of the pan and place in freezer. Freeze for 1 hour or until the ice is partially frozen.

Step 2

Keeping pan inside freezer, drop various shades of food coloring in the partially frozen water. Leave to thoroughly freeze (approximately 3 hours).

Step 3

Remove pan from freezer and keep at room temperature for about 15 minutes or until it begins to loosen up. Remove coin-filled cup and then remove ice suncatcher from pan, and loop ribbon through the hole. Hang and enjoy!

How It Should Look

This ice sun catcher was made using colored ice cubes.

To Make the Ice Cube Sun Catcher You Will Need:

• Ice cube tray
• Food coloring
• Cake pan
• Small plastic cup with coins, rocks or rice, anything that will weigh it down
• Ribbon to hang

Step 1

Fill ice cube tray with water and place drops of food coloring in different cubes. Place tray in freezer and leave overnight.

Step 2

Fill a cake pan with water and place a cup filled with coins (rice, rocks—something heavy) inside. Place pan in freezer and freeze for about an hour.

Step 3

Remove cake pan with partially frozen ice and ice cube tray. Begin placing colored ice cubes into the cake pan. You may need to break the ice in the cake pan a bit with a knife. When finished, place back in the freezer for a few hours or overnight until solid.

Step 4

Once completely frozen, remove pan from freezer and leave at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Remove cup and then remove ice suncatcher. Place ribbon through hole and hang.

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This ice sun catcher was made using marbles and hung with copper wire.

© 2012 Tracy Lynn Conway

Comments

Alexander James Guckenberger from Maryland, United States of America on January 17, 2018:

This is so cool! The results are super gorgeous! I can't wait to get started on my own. ^_^

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on October 20, 2015:

Hi Janae,

It would be fine if you gave your church members a link to this page. I hope you all enjoy creating sun catchers! Thank you!

Best,

Tracy

Janae on July 29, 2015:

I am creating curriculum for family nights at our church. I have already written a lesson and the craft to make with it is to make sun catchers. Would it be okay to refer families to this page to make these sun catchers? They are beautiful! You have great ideas!

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on January 31, 2015:

Thank you, Pollyanna! These ice sun catchers are simply fun and beautiful, I hope you get to make one for yourself.

Best,

Tracy

Pollyanna Jones from United Kingdom on January 31, 2015:

These are amazing! I've not seen such a craft before, they really are so beautiful. I will certainly be trying to make one of these before summer comes. Shared and voted up.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on February 20, 2014:

BethDW, I am glad that you like the idea, thank you!

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on February 20, 2014:

KDeus, I am with you 100%, you do not need to live in Siberia to try one of these out, like a flower that blooms and quickly looses its' petals, these Ice Sun Catchers are fun even if only for a few hours. I hope you have had a chance to make one or that you will soon.

Thank you for the praise and votes!

Best, Tracy

BethDW on December 30, 2013:

This is such a cool idea! Fantastic way to deal with winter boredom, and so pretty! Thanks for sharing :)

Keely Deuschle from Florida on December 30, 2013:

I'm a northern girl living in Florida and as much as I want to move back up north, it's not going to happen any time soon. That being said, your hub has inspired me to try something to bring a little of my favorite season - winter - to a place where the only two seasons are summer and "almost summer". I never thought of creating something like this to bring a little winter here, even if only for a few hours. Adding the colors just makes it stunning, and I know I will definitely be trying this very, very soon! Thank you for sharing this idea! Voted up, shared, and pinned.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on December 30, 2013:

Rebecca- I am so glad you stopped by and found a way to make winter more fun!

Best, Tracy

Heather - Thank you, these sun catchers are as fun to make as they are to look at.

Best, Tracy

Heather from Arizona on December 30, 2013:

So Pretty! I love the last one with marbles and copper wire.

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on December 30, 2013:

Awesome! I love anything that makes winter more fun. Shared and pinned,

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on March 06, 2013:

Thank you, Mike!

Mike Robbers from London on February 22, 2013:

Beautiful and creative! Thanks for the tips!

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on February 21, 2013:

Jordan - Thank you!

Jordanwalker39 from NC on February 20, 2013:

This was really neat! thanks for posting!

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on February 12, 2013:

kidsandcrafts - The heart shaped sun catcher is perfect for Valentine's Day but these ice creations can be made any time you have some cold temps. Thanks for the vote and I am thrilled that you found the hub so inspiring!

Best, Tracy

Deltachord from United States on January 29, 2013:

You're welcome.

Jennifer Bragg from New Hampshire on January 28, 2013:

What a fantastic idea! I can't wait to make these sun catchers with my son! I especially like the heart shaped one.

Voted up! Awesome, super beautiful and interesting.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on January 28, 2013:

Hi Deltachord- Thank you for pinning the sun catcher image and giving me a mention on your art blog. Ice art is amazing!

Best, Tracy

Deltachord from United States on January 23, 2013:

Hi Tracy,

I pinned your image at the top of your article ay Pinterest. Like the concept of ice suncatchers. I enjoy ice art. I'm going to mention you on my art blog.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on December 20, 2012:

Peggy W - I suppose it is lucky for you that you don't have toe stinging and nose biting cold. I am glad that you enjoyed these ice sun catchers from a distance. Thank you very much for the shares and votes!

Suzie HQ - I hope you do give these a whirl, and discover yourself smiling at the sight of these colorful ice catchers glistening in the winter sunlight. Thanks for the great praise, votes and for sharing and pinning!

Suzanne Ridgeway from Dublin, Ireland on December 14, 2012:

Hi Tray,

WOW, these are spectacular!! Love this creative ice work you do!!

Definitely giving this a go, looks so visual and difficult but is easy for all ages. All the votes, shared and pinned, great great work!!!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on December 14, 2012:

What a wonderful idea for people who live in parts of the country where the winters are long. Afraid these ice craft sun catchers would not last long in our Houston, Texas weather. But I loved learning about them, viewing your great photos and will share. This also gets some up votes.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on December 08, 2012:

Glimmer Twin Fan - I am thrilled that you enjoyed the hub! With the winter season approaching I can't wait to freeze some water myself! Thank you so much for the praise and for sharing!

Robie Benve - You must know that freezing water along with food coloring can become addictive, thank you so much for the compliments!

The Dirt Farmer - You are right, perhaps it is a metaphor for life; the simple things in life often bring the greatest pleasure. Also, a little imagination can take you a long way. Thank you so much for your great comment!

Paradise7 - You are so kind! It really is simple enough for anyone, with only a small effort you can easily create a wonderful ice sun catcher. Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment!

Best, Tracy

Paradise7 from Upstate New York on November 27, 2012:

Very cool hub. I love what you've made, and it seems simple enough that even I could do it! I think THIS one should have been "hub of the day". Maybe it will be tomorrow!

Jill Spencer from United States on November 27, 2012:

Wonderfully creative. It's really amazing how something so simple --frozen water--can become so beautiful with a little imagination.

Robie Benve from Ohio on November 27, 2012:

This is super cool, literally! ;) What a great idea, I wish I thought of that! I love the photos too, great job. :)

Claudia Porter on November 27, 2012:

I just love this hub. Beautiful pictures and great idea for the upcoming winter months. Shared and pinned.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on November 17, 2012:

Literatelibran - Thank you! This project is lots of fun.

literatelibran from Williamsburg, Virginia on November 16, 2012:

What beautiful ideas! I bet this amuses the kiddos to no end.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on October 11, 2012:

Eddie - I have not tried to make the candle holders yet, but with your easy directions I will have to. I love the light that candles give off and I imagine adding ice to the mix must create a beautiful glow. Between the candle holders and the ice sun catchers there will be little chance of catching the winter blues. Thank you!

Best, Tracy

Eddie Carrara from New Hampshire on October 02, 2012:

Great ideas here Tracy, we do something very similar here in NH, we make ice candle holders for our outside steps and walk way. Fill balloons with water, but only let them freeze halfway, poke a hole in the top and drain the excess water, place a candle inside and light :)

I like the idea of using colored ice cubes, going to try it when the temperature drops.

Eddie

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on September 03, 2012:

Ishwaryaa22 - These Ice Sun Catchers are simple, beautiful and get the creative juices flowing - there are no two alike. Thank you so much for your praise and for sharing, it is greatly appreciated!

Best, Tracy

Ishwaryaa Dhandapani from Chennai, India on August 24, 2012:

Wow! A creative winter craft! They sure pep up the appearance of silent winter landscapes! Your instructions are clearly explained with your handy photos. The photos of your creations are wonderful and amazing! Well-done!

Thanks for SHARING. Useful, Awesome & Interesting. Voted up, Socially Shared on HubPages & Facebook and pinned

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on August 14, 2012:

TToombs08 - I think it is safe to say that you can dislike winter and love these ice creations. Your Christmas tree idea sounds great! Thanks you so much for sharing the hub!

Patty - I agree with you about keeping these beauties year round, but they are really pretty simple and fun to make so it isn't so bad that they melt. Thank you so much for the votes!

Carter06- This is a great craft to do with kids, having kids is my excuse to make them too. The project is jam packed with fun, creativity, simplicity, anticipation and they are inexpensive too. Thank you so much for the votes!

Tammyswallow - Thank you for your great compliments, I think the beauty of ice is often overlooked, it glistens, resembles precious stones and glass and so much more. Thank you!

Kittythedreamer - You can still make them, it is so much fun and there is little time involved, it is exciting to see how they come out since each one is unique. Even with the warmer temps watching them melt isn't so bad.

Donnah75 - As beautiful as these are they will never make me wish for cold temps, but this project does take some of the chill out of the air. Thank you very much for sharing and voting.

Donna Hilbrandt from Upstate New York on August 14, 2012:

Awesome. It makes me wish it were freezing and snowy outside. Pinned and sharing. Voted up.

Kitty Fields from Summerland on August 14, 2012:

Wow, what a brilliant idea! How beautiful are these. Too bad I will never be able to make one here in Florida, even in the winter months it would melt! LOL.

Tammy from North Carolina on August 14, 2012:

These are stunning! Your photos are great. This is one of the most creative crafts I have seen.

Mary from Cronulla NSW on August 13, 2012:

Wow I love this idea and would be perfect to do with my granddaughters...thank you for sharing this...lots of votes...cheers

Patty Kenyon from Ledyard, Connecticut on August 13, 2012:

Voted Up, Awesome, Interesting, and Useful!! That is very cool!!! Too bad there wasn't a way to keep them all year round!! :)

Terrye Toombs from Somewhere between Heaven and Hell without a road map. on August 13, 2012:

Tracy, those suncatchers are COOL! I hate winter, but I would totally try those out (along with the ice votive I've seen). I can imagine decorating a tree with ice ornaments for Christmas...thanks for the great ideas!!! Voted up, shared and pinned.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on June 11, 2012:

Angela,

These sun catchers certainly add a fun and creative dimension to winter. Thank you.

Angela Brummer from Lincoln, Nebraska on June 07, 2012:

This is beautiful! Can't wait for winter.

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on May 17, 2012:

Unknown Spy,

Thank you! I hope you have fun creating your own ice art.

Best, Tracy

ChasingKhaos on May 17, 2012:

Very creative! It's very beautiful..Will try this one! love it so much!

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on February 23, 2012:

Rolly, thank you so much!

Tracy

Rolly A Chabot from Alberta Canada on February 22, 2012:

What an interesting idea this is... excellent work here... Thank you

Blessings

Claire from Lincolnshire, UK on February 18, 2012:

It came out good :) but she didn't realise she needed to make the colours in ice cubes and so all the colours mixed together and it made it all one colour. Was still good to do though

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on February 18, 2012:

Elderberry Arts, I am thrilled to hear that you are trying out this amazing craft. I am sure it turned out great. Maybe you can send me a photo.

SimeyC, I hope you and your Grandson enjoy this craft!

Stephanie, I would try these out even in a warmer climate since the process of creating them is so enjoyable. I am so glad you liked these ideas so much, thank you for your compliment and votes.

Tracy

Stephanie Henkel from USA on February 16, 2012:

This are so beautiful, that they make me wish I lived in a colder climate! I love your creative use of color, ice, ice cubes and found items to make these beautiful decorations! Voted up!

Simon Cook from NJ, USA on February 16, 2012:

What a great idea - my Grandson will be 2 and a half next winter - this looks like a fun project to keep him busy!

Claire from Lincolnshire, UK on February 13, 2012:

My daughter has made one of these, just waiting for it to be frozen :)

Claire from Lincolnshire, UK on February 12, 2012:

My daughter is making one of these today :)

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on February 03, 2012:

Gabbygilby, great comment! Thank you :)

A.CreativeThinker, thank you! I am so glad you like them!

A.CreativeThinker on January 26, 2012:

Very interesting and creative sun catchers. They are all so

pretty. Thanks for sharing. Take Care :)

Gabbygilby from Minnesota on January 25, 2012:

Wow- fun, cool, easy, creative, elegant, whimsical, I LOVE IT!

Tracy Lynn Conway (author) from Virginia, USA on January 25, 2012:

Hush4444, I am so happy that you liked this project enough to bookmark the hub. Thank you!

rLcasaLme, I am so glad that you like this project so much and will share the hub. Thank you!

Seeker7, I was surprised too, but they really are so easy and beautiful. They have worked to add an extra level of fun to the cold winter months. Thank you so much!

Elderly Arts, I enjoyed your story of discovering the frozen balloon. That is good example of how some ideas happen by accident. I am so glad you liked the hub, thank you for sharing and for your great comment!

Marcy, this has been quite a mild winter to date but I can relate with not wanting to deal with the winter weather. I think these would be fun to make even in a warmer climate even if they melted, there isn't much work involved and it is so fun to see the results.

Randomcreative, you are welcome, it is certainly my pleasure :)

Christy, don't be jealous, make one for yourself. I am thrilled that you liked this hub. Thank you for the vote up!

Movie Master, these sun catchers are so fun to make. The marble sun catcher was an experiment that turned out great. You really can't tell how these will turn out until they are removed from the form and held up to the light. It is a fun process. Thank you so much for you great comment and vote!

Movie Master from United Kingdom on January 24, 2012:

Hi Tracy, these sun catchers are beautiful, I love the one with the marbles, what fun things to make!

Thank you for sharing and voted up.

Christy Birmingham from British Columbia, Canada on January 23, 2012:

Tracy, I vote up, waaay up for this hub! You are creative and the sun catchers look beautiful. I am jealous :)

Christy

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 23, 2012:

Another beautiful ice art craft! Thanks.

Marcy Goodfleisch from Planet Earth on January 23, 2012:

Vary clever!!! And beautiful. Almost makes me wish I lived up north again. Almost!

Claire from Lincolnshire, UK on January 23, 2012:

Wow these are beautiful :) My children were playing once trying to fill a balloon with water and one was left outside full and froze. I popped and removed the balloon and the ice 'balloon' inside broke apart and on the inside where some amazing and beautiful ice crystal formations :)

Am going to share this on my Facebook page too

Helen Murphy Howell from Fife, Scotland on January 23, 2012:

What a lovely hub and the ice sun catchers are not only unique but very pretty as well. I was surprised that they seem so easy to make and the photographs are stunning - what a great way cheer up the dark winter months!

Rael Casalme from Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 22, 2012:

What a creative way to use ice as a decoration. This is purely awesome. I'll show this to my wife and friends.

hush4444 from Hawaii on January 22, 2012:

This hub is just beautiful and so very creative! What a fabulous and inexpensive idea for keeping kids occupied. I'm bookmarking this for sure!