snowfilled snowflakes are less delicate and easier to transport. This carving was delivered to a freezer the night before the event and the client set it up.
note: this post updates and combines 2 posts, from 2/2/08 and 12/12/08. (There doesn’t need to be 2 swirling snowflakes design posts!) Updated and expanded when restored to iss 6/20/23
2 swirling snowflakes ice sculpture designs?
Really? Two of them?
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking when I realized that I had 2 different swirling snowflakes ice sculpture designs listed on the old ice carving secrets site. I’m not sure what I was thinking; maybe that I’d totally lockup all the possible creativity for multiple snowflakes ice sculpture designs? Sadly, I probably had plans for several more versions.
Under new management (older and wiser me), however, this debacle has been pared down to one fairly dumb post, instead of 2 REALLY dumb posts.
However, I didn’t get rid of either design. When I first made these multi snowflakes ice sculptures, the clients were very happy, at least if I remember correctly. If you’ve read the intro to the designs page though, I mention some designs that suck. These two designs are in that category.
But clearly, these designs are still useful, since, big surprise, not everyone knows what a good ice sculpture looks like. Sometimes, ANY ice sculpture is good enough. That’s not a dis, btw. Even a terrible piece of art, if it’s made out of ice, is pretty cool to have at your party 😊
I am sincerely hoping that later, after I get a chance to take a fresh look at my multiple snowflakes ice sculpture design and come up with something of genuine quality, I can retitle this post “2 mediocre swirling snowflakes ice sculpture designs and one good one.” Google might not like that title, but screw those guys.
I kind of liked this design, at least initially. I didn’t like my execution, for sure, except for how easy it was to set up. I think what I really don’t like are the hexagons around the snowflakes, how it looks sculpted. And that goes for both designs.
the 1st swirling snowflakes ice sculpture design
from 2/2/08
This is a fairly simple snowflake design that is durable and composed of three separate pieces that are arranged for the final presentation. The smaller pieces are placed behind and on either side of the major component. Probably the most helpful suggestion for this piece is that for the smaller components, leave the support thicker and carve the snowflake portion thinner. That way, when you freeze them to their bases (the unlabeled rectangular pieces in the template), you’ll have an easier time because they won’t be so top-heavy.
not sure why this has reddish lighting. I’d think I’d want bluish lighting for sure!
the 2nd one
from 12/12/08
This is a little different from the earlier swirling snowflakes design, and in some ways, a little simpler. You need a 4-5” thick slab of ice from a standard 40”x20” block and an additional base piece (approx. 20”x10”x4”). After the “wind” part of the slab has been cut out, attach it to the base. Once stable, you can attach the snowflakes to the base structure.
Whether you engrave the snowflakes prior to attaching them to the base or before is a matter of preference. Either way works. You’ll notice in the template that the elements are set back a bit from the edge. This isn’t always necessary, but often block edges are rounded or damaged, and this allows space to cut a fresh edge for a superior weld. Finally, the center of the large snowflake can be cut out or left solid. As always, it’s up to you.
evidently, I thought it was ok to copy snowflakes from my earlier swirling snowflakes ice sculpture design.
to CNC or not to CNC
Most of the time, when there’s a section where I talk about a CNC version of the sculpture(s), I outline how I tried it, how I haven’t tried it yet but will, or how I MAY try it when I get a larger CNC machine. These two designs are different. I won’t be trying them, at least not the way they are now. I need to rework my ideas and come up with something that like better before I spend the time programming it. That will probably happen when someone asks for a winter themed ice sculpture for their non-religious holiday party
I’ll probably start my redesign my doing some more snowflake research. Here’s a page that I liked when I was looking at snowflakes, with a few pics of some of the earliest snowflakes ever photographed (by Wilson Bentley).
variations?
There are already 2 so-so variations here. I’m not going to add any more until I have a good one at least.
for more info and some guidelines
If you have any questions about my swirling snowflakes ice sculpture designs, email me or comment below. (It might not let you though if it’s been a while.) If you would like to use this ice sculpture design or any other design on this site, please check the design usage guidelines. The design collection page lists designs on the site.
You might also find photos and info from this entry on the ice sculpting secrets IG account and you can comment there as well as below. Thanks!
