an optional color version of the shamrock ice sculpture design
St. Patrick's Day is coming!
*updated 5/28/23 a bit (but the original post was right before St. Pat’s)
St. Patrick’s day is less than a month away! Everybody, even those without a drop of Irish blood, knows that it always falls on March 17th. This year, however, Irish bishops moved the official, religious St. Patrick’s Day from the traditional date of the 17th to the 15th because of a conflict with Holy Week. I’d imagine that most of the partying will still happen on the 17th, but since the 15th is a Saturday, it might turn into a two or three day affair.
my shamrock ice sculpture design
In the past, I’ve done a few versions of shamrock ice sculptures. I’ve done versions very similar to this design, but I went back and reworked this design some for this entry. I’ve also added some “optional” steps that I have not tried with this design, so be aware of that, although I don’t see any insurmountable problems.
The basic design of my shamrock ice sculpture is represented by the first two graphics below, the design and the template. This design requires one block split into two slabs and ends up about 35”x35”. It leaves some ice unused, however, so the extra ice can be used to elevate the shamrock. This needs to be done carefully and the optional piece needs to be substantial and not a piece accidentally cut thin. Solid, high quality welds are important for both the structure and appearance of this piece.
making your ice green
The other option for the shamrock ice sculpture is the addition of color. If color isn’t added to the ice, then you can still have green ice with lighting, but the green offers a nice background for the white snowfilled lettering. The green is added from the back with the ice lying flat, after the top piece is welded on, using sand, paint/gelatin, glitter, or green acetate.
Take care when adding glitter and/or sand. The glitter or sand is laid down first. Snow and slush are then packed over the color to keep it in the center of the ice. Sometimes the color, particularly glitter, is pushed out of the way while the snow is being added. Then you get white spots in the color. To avoid this, after the sand or glitter is added, you can add a little bit of water over the color with a spray bottle. Just mist it. Then let it freeze so that the sand or glitter is more solid when the snow is added.
Another way to keep all the color in front is to initially add the snow very gently. You can do this with an over the sink strainer or colander. (I’ll add a pic when I get a chance.) Put your snow in the strainer and shake it gently back and forth so that your snow “snows” gently down on top of your color. Once it’s thick enough, you can carefully pack it down and add cold water to help it freeze in place.
As for the snowfilled “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”, it’s best engraved on the front of the ice. It is possible to engrave it from the back by reverse engraving it, filling it with snow or white sand, letting it freeze, and then adding the green color over it. Having tried both ways with other sculptures, however, I’d snowfill engrave the lettering from the front. I think you’ll be happier with the result.
this is the simplest version of the shamrock ice sculpture for St. Patrick’s Day
alternate design approaches
I’ve already covered some optional versions for the shamrock ice sculpture. Check out the graphics below for more info.
There’s a lot to consider with the optional parts of this design, so be sure to ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of the procedure. Maybe later, I’ll offer suggestions on how to make this sculpture into a luge!
how about on a CNC machine?
Sculptures like this are ideal for creating on a CNC machine. I will definitely be offering CNC’d shamrock ice sculptures the next time St. Patrick’s Day rolls around.
for more info and some guidelines
If you have any questions about my shamrock ice sculpture design, email me or comment below. (It might not let you though.) 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 facebook page and you can comment there as well as below. Thanks!
