Frozen Ice Gems Outdoor Winter Art

Winter in Wisconsin can be brutal, with temperatures dropping as low as -29°F and wind chills reaching -50°F. While such frigid conditions make outdoor activities challenging, they provide the perfect opportunity for creative and scientific experiments. One of our favorites? Making frozen balloons ice gems! This fun winter activity transforms freezing temperatures into a colorful art display that kids and adults will love!

What Are Frozen Ice Gems?

Frozen Ice Gems are vibrant, colored ice spheres created by freezing water-filled balloons outdoors. They’re a simple yet mesmerizing way to embrace winter’s chill and add a splash of color to winter.

How to Make Frozen Ice Gems

Materials Needed

• Balloons (regular party balloons work best)
• Liquid watercolors or food coloring (liquid, gel, or paste)
• A faucet or hose for filling balloons
• Tray or cookie sheet for transportation

Step 1: Prepare Your Balloons

1. Choose Your Colors: Use Colorations Liquid Watercolors for vibrant hues, or opt for food coloring (liquid, gel, or paste) for a similar effect.
   • Tip: If using paste food coloring, mix it with water in a measuring cup before adding it to the balloon.
2. Fill the Balloon: Stretch the balloon opening over your faucet. Slowly fill it with water, holding it firmly to prevent it from popping off. If your faucet is too large, try using a smaller bathroom faucet.
   • Tip: Rest the balloon in the sink while filling to avoid unnecessary strain.
3. Transport with Care: When moving your filled balloons outdoors, place them on a tray or basket to prevent spills or breakage.

Step 2: Freeze the Balloons

Remove the Balloon Shell: Peel the balloon off the ice once fully frozen.

Choose a Freezing Spot: Place the balloons directly on a cold, flat surface like a sidewalk or patio. Avoid snowbanks, as snow acts as an insulator and slows freezing.

Let Them Freeze: Leave the balloons outdoors for at least 8 hours. Severe cold temperatures may still require patience – freezing takes time!
Note: Balloons may split, and some ice gems might crack, adding to their unique beauty.

I used Colorations Liquid Watercolors for a variety of vibrant colors. Liquid Watercolors are awesome and have many uses.

You can also use regular liquid, paste, or gel food coloring to color your water balloons. If you use the paste food coloring, mix it in a measuring cup and then pour it into the balloon before filling it with water.

Then, stretch the balloon over your faucet. I couldn’t believe this balloon fit around my large faucet, but it worked well. If yours doesn’t fit your kitchen faucet, try the bathroom faucet, which is usually not as large.

Make sure the balloon is tight and hold on to the top while you fill it to prevent it from popping off.

My faucet pulls out so I rested the balloon in the sink while it filled. Experiment with how full you want it. I made mine quite full but it depends on your balloon.

Before trying to carry your water filled balloons outdoors, I would put them on a tray or a cookie sheet. Believe me, you don’t want to drop one in the house!

Putting Your Water Balloons Outdoors to Freeze

Even if it’s super cold, like -30 degrees, the balloons will not freeze if you put them in a snow bank. Well, maybe eventually they will, but because snow insulates, it prevents the balloons from freezing.

Carefully place the balloons on the sidewalk. Don’t try to move them; they might pop.

Peel the balloons off the ice gem.

Displaying Your Frozen Ice Gems

The colorful Frozen Ice Gems look stunning against the snow. Arrange them along pathways, or in gardens. Their translucent colors beautifully capture sunlight and last as long as freezing temperatures persist.

The colors shown here were made with liquid watercolors.

The first two (from the bottom) were made with food coloring.

I moved the first three (from the bottom) too soon, so the blue one broke. All that was left was a shell, but it still looks neat! You can see in the picture below that the red one isn’t completely frozen.

Why Try Making Frozen Ice Gems?

This activity is more than just fun—it’s educational! Children learn about freezing temperatures, the properties of water, and color mixing. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy winter’s harshest days while creating something beautiful.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Uneven Freezing: If a gem is not fully frozen, leave it outside longer or move it to a colder spot.
• Leaking Gems: A partially frozen balloon may leak water, creating unique shapes and effects. Embrace these imperfections as part of the fun.
• Experiment with Colors: Mix your colors or create a color theme.

After I moved the red one from the sidewalk and came into the house, I looked outside a short time later to see this! It wasn’t completely frozen, so the water was slowly leaking out from the bottom. It was crazy-looking! It was interesting, not a disappointment.

The frozen ice gems may not last long but will be memorable!

Cracked Ice Gems

Don’t worry if your ice gems crack during or after freezing. They may crack after sitting for a while, but they still look amazing! Cracks add an intricate, crystalline effect that enhances their aesthetic appeal. Even partially frozen gems can produce fascinating patterns as water leaks and refreezes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Frozen Ice Gems last?

Frozen Ice Gems will last as long as temperatures remain below freezing. They’ll begin to melt in milder weather. Estimate how long they’ll take to melt completely!

Can I use other materials to color the water?

Yes! In addition to liquid watercolors and food coloring, you can experiment with natural dyes like beet juice or powdered drink mixes.

What if I don’t have outdoor space to freeze the balloons?

Use your freezer if you don’t have access to an outdoor freezing area. Place the balloons in a tray to contain any leaks.

If you try making Frozen Balloons Ice Gems, let me know how it went!

More Frozen Art Projects

• Frozen Fruit and Ice Wreath