an ice version of the University of Alabama’s script A logo, crimson-colored with red lighting
updated 7/5/23 with some seo stuff and a little additional info
20 steps creating an Alabama A ice sculpture
I mentioned in an earlier entry, “mascots”, college themed ice sculptures seem to be getting more popular at weddings. So it was that I carved the University of Alabama script “A” logo for a recent wedding reception. The Crimson Tide have a very fervent following, so anything Alabama is definitely not out of place at Alabama alum or fan weddings and events. While I was carving the sculpture, I took pictures of the process so that I could post it here in the blog and also to add another sequence to the carving sequence galleries. Immediately below is the line art of the final design and for creating a template.
the basic Alabama A ice sculpture design, with an attached base
In addition to the pieces illustrated above, my Alabama A ice sculpture also requires a base piece measuring approximately 20x10x4 inches.
sculpting an Alabama A ice sculpture, step by step
The carving sequence begins below. The sculpture was cut from a ClearBLOCK ice block which is a standard sized block made in a machine from Buffet Enhancements in Fairhope, AL (conveniently very close to Mobile, where I was living when I sculpted this). Sadly, the ClearBLOCK ice block machine seems to be a thing of the past, although it seems to now have copycats at a minimum. (Possibly the design was licensed to others, not sure.)
a raw ClearBLOCK, scored before a 4.5 inch slab is removed
the slab that will be used for the sculpture
the slab with the design template applied
A Dremel fitted with an ice needle is used to transfer the design to the ice.
After the design has been transferred, part of the template is removed.
(This carving was done in a very cold freezer, so the template comes off rather easily.)
The tail of the A has been cut free and now the fit is checked.
(Note that extra ice has been left at the bottom of the tail.)
flattening the weld surfaces prior to welding
welding the tail on
cutting the bottom straight and flat and readying the base for attachment
(The base was cut from a separate piece of ice.)
the sculpture after the base has been attached
(Note the aluminum, water, and syringe that were used to attach the base.)
the outline of the sculpture, roughcut with a chainsaw
The edges of the sculpture have now been smoothed with a bullet burr, which explains the snow all over the place.
The outline of the A is engraved to a uniform depth of a little over an inch with the dremel and ice needle.
The A is rough chiseled out.
After the A is chiseled out to a uniform depth, the rough chiseled area is cleaned up.
the sculpture lying flat, ready to be snowfilled
The piece has been snowfilled with fine “snow” generated by power tools.
Cold water is poured into the snow, a little at a time, so that the snow freezes up and will last longer.
the snowfilled piece, after freezing.
It was overpacked some, so that the white portion will be slightly raised after the excess snow is removed from the clear ice border.
the finished Alabama A ice sculpture, after excess snow has been removed
a red-lit shot of the sculpture in the freezer
the sculpture in place at the reception, complete with mini versions of Alabama’s elephant mascot, Big Al
If you have any questions about my Alabama A ice sculpture design and execution, 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 Instagram account and you can comment there as well as below. Thanks!
