or, I'm about sick of sculpting effing rabbits!
this Happy Easter egg sculpture is one of my more recent Easter ice sculpture designs, shown here just delivered to a venue out in the Florida panhandle. For some reason, I prefer eggs over rabbits. Read on to maybe find out why.
updated some 5/1/24. I’ve added a couple of new designs that I sculpted for clients this past Easter. I have another one I’d like to add, and if I suddenly find myself with a ton of extra time, I’ll add it then 🤪
all the Easter ice sculpture designs, so far
Easter in 2025 will be on April 20. In 2025, it’ll be a little earlier, falling on April 5.
In the old days, meaning back when I was actively working on ice carving secrets, I used to try to write timely posts. Like if a holiday was coming up, I would put together a bunch of designs related to that holiday. I suppose I am reverting to old habits then. I’ve rounded up some rabbits, etc. for Easter. Here’s my latest collection of Easter ice sculpture designs.
If you’d prefer to skip my rambling extra details and unnecessary blah blah blah, then below is a list with anchor links so you can just jump to the good stuff. At the moment, there are mainly the old ice carving secrets Easter ice sculpture designs, plus a few new ones. But at least now you can get to them again. I plan to add more, but things happen, so we’ll see 😬
basket (yay, not a rabbit or an egg!)
bunny sniffing flower
calla lily (yay, also not a rabbit or an egg!)
colored Easter egg
Easter bunny with basket
egg bunny
Happy Easter egg
Happy Easter eggs
Happy Easter sign
hatching chick (finally have a chick design!)
rabbit holding egg
Rembrandt Rabbit
running rabbit
waving Easter bunny
Please let me know if you find any dead links in the posts. Since I haven’t gotten the comments working on old posts yet, you’d probably have to tell me through IG or fb though; sorry! I think I’ve fixed most of the dead links, but it’s a never ending process to get them all.
good enough for now I guess
Back in school, it was frequently better to turn in a project on time, even if it was incomplete. Then you’d hope for a chance to finish. This post is totally incomplete; however, it beats the blank out of nothing! And if I’m being honest, it will never be complete, since there’s an infinite number of useful Easter ice sculpture designs that one could come up with.
Relatively soon though, I’m going to give up worrying about Easter ice sculpture designs. I’ll fill up an ebook with them and then I’ll be done and off to something more fulfilling than sculpting frozen rabbits 👎
Do I seem burnt-out? Probably a bit. But rabbits fill me with a certain bit of dread. Turkeys too, but rabbits are worse, for some reason.
rabbits suck
I have a long history of rabbit enmity. I’m not any sort of hunter and I have a deep love and respect for almost every animal species. (Flying cockroaches and mosquitos can kiss my ass though!) But one of the only two animals I’ve ever intentionally killed (like with a gun) was a rabbit. This was way back when I was a kid running through the New Mexico high desert with a pellet gun and my friend Kevin McPherson. I’m even a bit uncomfortable admitting it now, since it seems a bit senseless in hindsight, but at the time we thought we might even eat said rabbit.
However, I didn’t hate rabbits then. I don’t really “hate” them now. I just dread them. I sympathize with Mr. Fudd and Bugs has never been one of my preferred Loony Tunes. (I do like the Roadrunner though! I never tried to shoot one of the ones we would often see in NM.) My rabbit issue doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, since The Velveteen Rabbit was a childhood favorite and I later enjoyed Watership Down, even though I had trouble getting through it initially. (I guess I was bored?) I suppose it’s just rabbits made of ice that I despise.
about the egg design in the headline pic
The egg design in the top pic is a newer one. It’s one of my Easter ice sculptures that never made it onto the old ice carving secrets. There are actually several of those here. In total, I think I have at least 15 or so Easter ice sculpture designs, plus a few more that have never made it out of my head.
My SEO plug-in tells me that I have to have an external link in all my posts so that I rank better with search engines 
So what better time to mention the cool bit that made all the snowy bubbles in the base? It’s a bubble bit and I’ve talked about these bits before. Only problem is, I haven’t restored the post where I talk about them yet 
But you can get your own bubble bit here.
Ok, enough screwing around. Onto my latest collection of Easter ice sculpture designs.
I like how the Easter lilies (with dirt and all, soon to be mud) look in this basket. The lighting is pretty good too!
basket
Starting off with a pretty simple, super flexible design: the basket. This one is an obvious choice for my collection of Easter ice sculpture designs. The full post hasn’t changed much since it showed up on ice carving secrets in 2008, but it doesn’t really need to.
Jim Ottens made a nice engraved version of this design, years ago. I recently found it, see below.
bunny sniffing flower
In the bunny sniffing flower design, the bunny ends up kinda small. So if you make a cut through version of this piece, maybe try to use it for short Easter events. Hopefully brunch is only a couple of hours, instead of one of the six hour ones 
Alternatively, the design could be the basis for an engraved scene that would last longer. Eventually, I’ll update the secrets post with a CNC engraving option.
Instead of the cut-through version that I’ve done before, Jim Ottens engraved the bunny and flower, and added backside detail to the sculpture. This version would be longer lasting than the standard version that I’ve tried. It’s also a good version for a CNC machine.
This is the last time that I sculpted my calla lily design and it happened to be for a movie set. I have no idea when this movie will be released AND I have no idea when I’ll be revealing what movie 😜 Shoot, I don’t event know if it will end up in the movie 🤷♂️
the calla lily
My calla lily is one of my oldest Easter ice sculpture designs, sort of. It wasn’t created for Easter and technically, it should be an Easter lily to qualify. However, it’s very springy (like the season, not the coil) and flowery, so I say it works. Check out the full post for a template that even includes a side view (kinda rare).
As a pretty awesome extra tidbit, I most recently made this sculpture for a movie, see above. I dare not say what movie until it’s released, but it was a great experience and I might even be in it too 
(I’ve learned not to depend on my ice making it into a production after 2018’s Green Book, the Best Picture winner. The scene that was to have my candy cane ice sculpture was never shot 
)
engraved with a CNC machine at Ice Pro. The fancy base isn’t part of the posted design though 🙁
colored Easter egg
I threw together a quick update of this old posted design. And here it is, the colored Easter egg design. Particularly since this has been a CNC design from the beginning, I’ll update the post asap with a CNC approach.
another old design. I can remember first sculpting this design in a freezer in Albuquerque, over and over. That’s where my rabbit issues really got going 🤬
Easter bunny with basket
The Easter bunny with basket design can be a little challenging, mostly because of the basket handle and getting the paws right. As always, EB’s face and expression have to be nice and friendly, even if you don’t have nice and friendly feelings for EB yourself :/ Check out the full post for more details.
in this sculpture, all the details are engraved INSIDE the sculpture, so it really lasts a long time.
egg bunny
The egg bunny is a brand new design. It covers ALL the main Easter bases: eggs, bunny, and basket. It fell out of my head a while back, I think as the result of a wood cutout that I saw somewhere, maybe at a Michael’s or a Hobby Lobby. (Those places are GREAT when you’re brainstorming tacky ice sculpture ideas.)
the posted design has a bit cleaner version than the one above. I think I was mostly winging that sculpture.
Happy Easter egg
The Happy Easter egg design is brand new to the site and the post is…shall we say, a little short on details? Probably the next design post will be too; just trying to get useful designs added in time. But the post does have a backside template that works great with a CNC machine.
use pastels for Easter, don’t forget! The last time I tried this Easter ice sculpture, my color choices were a little unpastelish. I did better this time.
Happy Easter eggs
I’ve done the Happy Easter eggs design before. (Duh, there’s a picture ) But it’s never been on the site before. So I threw together a quick barebones post for it, in case you wanted to use it. I did take pics while I was making this latest version, so you get kind of a step by step of the process.
this is one of my older Easter ice sculpture designs and while I don’t go into how to make it in color, you definitely COULD
Happy Easter sign
The Happy Easter sign design was on the old ice carving secrets site, but I’ll be damned if I can find a post for it. So that probably means, like the Rembrandt Rabbit design below, I just added it to the design without ever posting it. But now there’s a post, although I’d like to expand it later with CNC considerations.
I’ve always wanted to have a hatching chick design in my Easter arsenal. And now, finally, I’ve got it, and you can use it too.
hatching chick
This is my newest Easter ice sculpture design. I came up with this hatching chick design at almost the same time as the egg bunny. It uses a similar technique where I put all the details inside the ice sculpture, so it lasts a lot longer.
one of my more recent Easter ice sculpture designs. You have to make it cute, not creepy. I’m not sure if I’ve always succeeded 🤷♂️ It’s mostly in the eyes, but the nose and mouth play a part too. Here, you can decide. Maybe he’s just studying his little purple egg…or contemplating Santa’s murder 💀😱
rabbit holding egg
The tricky part of the rabbit holding egg design, aside from his face, is making the egg with color. The original post goes into detail in that respect.
this egg-painting Easter Bunny design is old, but it’s NOT in the old ice carving secrets posts, despite the old copyright. I guess I randomly posted it in the designs 🤷♂️ So it’s kind a new/old design in the secrets blog since it now has its own post, albeit a short one for the moment.
Rembrandt Rabbit
Probably just go with Rembrandt Rabbit if the Easter Brunch is a short one, since there are some thin spots. It’s a cute design that I haven’t had much of a chance to sculpt, unfortunately 🙁 This design is not really meant for a CNC machine, unless you have a larger one. I’ll try to discuss this at a later date in the full post.
like a number of my Easter ice sculpture designs, I don’t have a photo of this one. If you want to sculpt it and then send me a pic, I’ll probably add it here and give you credit.
running rabbit
Of all the bunnies in my Easter ice sculpture designs, this rabbit is the only one that actually seems in a hurry to do something. However, he looks to be running AWAY from something. Could the something be me?
this is a brand new Easter ice sculpture design. Here’s the second one from my CNC machine, set up at country club. His expression is a bit goofy, so that’s something I might work on later.
waving Easter bunny
My waving Easter bunny is a brand new design based partly on a less successful earlier attempt. I may still make some more adjustments to his expression, but it’s mostly there.
what AI thinks about other possible Easter ice sculpture designs
I know AI (artificial intelligence) is a little scary for many people, particularly artists and other creatives. I’d lie if I said that I wasn’t concerned, but given that ice sculptures are much more than something you can simply replace digitally, I’m not THAT concerned. For now.
Instead, I’m embracing AI (but I’ll always tell you when I’m using it). So I decided to ask ChatGPT what it thought would be some good Easter ice sculpture designs. Here’s what it said in reply to my prompt “list of possible Easter ice sculpture ideas”:
Easter ice sculptures can add a unique and festive touch to any celebration. Here are several ideas that range from traditional to creative, capturing the spirit of Easter in the cool beauty of ice:
- Easter Bunny: An ice sculpture of the Easter Bunny holding a basket of eggs can be a centerpiece.
- Easter Eggs: A collection of intricately carved ice Easter eggs, possibly in different sizes and patterns, would look stunning.
- Cross: For those celebrating the religious aspects of Easter, a beautifully detailed ice cross can be a respectful and solemn addition.
- Spring Flowers: Ice sculptures of daffodils, tulips, or lilies can symbolize new life and the arrival of spring.
- Easter Basket: An ice sculpture of a basket filled with ice-carved Easter eggs, flowers, or even a small ice bunny peeking out.
- Butterflies: Symbolizing transformation and new life, butterflies are perfect for Easter and can be made very colorful with lighting.
- Lamb: An ice sculpture of a lamb represents innocence and purity, tying into Easter’s themes of renewal and rebirth.
- Easter Egg Tree: Inspired by the German tradition of decorating trees or branches with eggs, an ice sculpture version would be a unique twist.
- Easter Bonnet: A large, ornate Easter bonnet made of ice, perhaps adorned with ice-carved flowers or ribbons, could be whimsical and elegant.
- Last Supper Scene: For a more elaborate display, a scene from the Last Supper could be carved in ice, capturing a key moment in Christian traditions around Easter.
- Chick Hatching from Egg: A cute and lively depiction of a chick hatching from an egg, symbolizing new beginnings.
- Easter Candle: A large, detailed ice sculpture of a candle can symbolize the Light of Christ, often associated with Easter celebrations.
- Easter Dove: Representing peace and the Holy Spirit, an ice dove could be a subtle yet powerful symbol of Easter’s spiritual message.
- Storybook Scenes: Scenes from popular Easter children’s books or nursery rhymes carved in ice, bringing stories to life.
- Easter Parade: A line of ice sculptures depicting characters or elements from an Easter parade, complete with bonnets, baskets, and bunnies.
When planning an Easter ice sculpture, consider the setting and theme of your event to choose the idea that best complements your celebration. Incorporating lighting can also enhance the visual impact of ice sculptures, especially for evening events.
That ends what ChatGPT came up with.
Now, not going to lie, I wouldn’t have thought of some of these, so it was worth punching the prompt into my app. However, some of them I’ve already come up with and some of them, like the chick emerging from the egg, were actually in progress when asked the AI. Also, some of them are stupid. Like the Easter Candle 🙄 (And ChatGPT doesn’t seem to realize that “several” does not mean 15.) So it’s hit and miss, but basic brainstorming is like that too and this is quicker.
I definitely like its potential. I’ll continue to see what it can do, and not just for Easter ice sculptures.
Plus, it’s a quick way to generate more relevant text for my posts 🤣
in the end, perhaps I just have Easter issues
Going back to my rabbit problem, possibly I just never liked the Easter Bunny. And why should I?! Have you ever seen the creepy af Easter bunnies at the mall for pics? Definitely not cute nightmare fuel!! Some of them look straight out of that creepy Jake Gyllenhaal movie: Donnie Darko!
Plus EB is a sneaky mf. Instead of just putting all the goods in the previously agreed upon location, like beneath the special tree or under your pillow, this guy has to hide everything! Some of his eggs are never found until you can SMELL them. And while finding a candy-filled plastic egg three months down the road is an unexpected treat, even jelly beans don’t last forever!
Btw, I don’t really get the whole rabbit producing eggs scenario anyway. Someone needs to work on EB’s backstory. Also, what if, in exchange for not hiding all the goodies, we leave milk and cookies? Even better, a bit of lettuce
and a glass of carrot
juice? Or how about some EGGNOG? How did Christmas get that?!
Finally, and this has nothing to do with EB, who actually likes Peeps? Omg, blech 
I suppose if there’s any ice sculpture I’d prefer to drop off a tall building, one of Mr. Easter Bunny would be my first choice. Perhaps I’ll come up with an Easter ice sculpture design that’s perfectly suited for destruction, you know, just for fun. Suck it EB!
links
Ok, it seems that after my original EB rant above, I totally forgot to add a links section in the original post. Adrenaline perhaps? Or maybe I was going for a mic drop 🎤 However, right now I’m lazy. I am going to add one important link though, since it’s on my mind as I write this: Mother’s Day ice sculptures.
I’ll add more links later, but you can probably figure out what most of them will be if you wander around the site.
