While ice cubes have always had a rather conventional use to keep drinks cool, there are a number of other ways that they can be used – many of which are so practical that you may be surprised. On another side of the spectrum, large ice cubes in the form of ice blocks also have a number of uses, not least including the creation of fascinating ice sculptures that turn ordinary blocks of ice into incredible works of art.

For those wanting something more practical from their ice however, here are a few unusual yet certainly helpful uses for ice cubes.

• Remove chewing gum from hair or clothing – one of the most frustrating things is to have chewing gum stuck on an item or clothing, or even worse, in your hair. Before you panic, grab an ice cube, and rub it over the gum until it hardens. The gum will then break, allowing you to easily remove it from clothing or hair without having to resort to drastic measures.
• Remove a splinter – whether you are a parent removing your child’s splinter, or you have gotten one in your own finger, ice cubes make the process far easier and less painful. Place an ice cube over the affected area to numb the skin, before using a needle to remove the splinter without tears.
• Water hanging plants and other hard to reach plants – to reach those tricky hanging baskets or plants that are not easy to water, drop a few ice cubes into the pot and let the moisture absorb into the soil as the ice melts. This also prevents drips from over-watering.
• Create an eye-catching party decoration – ice cubes can also be used to make simple ice sculptures that are excellent as party décor. Make your own by adding salted water into a mould, along with glitter, flowers and other decoration. Once the ice has frozen, turn it out onto a tray to display as a centrepiece at your party.
• Remove dents in carpets – for those frustrating indents that are suddenly visible when furniture has been moved, ice can be placed into the dent and left to melt. Once it has melted, simply brush the carpet dent until the carpet fabric has been restored.
• Iron out wrinkles in clothing – if you don’t have time to wash a new, wrinkled top or skirt, try placing some ice into a cloth and gently rubbing over the wrinkle before ironing. Once you have ironed, the shirt or skirt will be perfectly smooth.
• Treat blisters and burns – while you should never use ice directly onto a blister or burn, when it is placed in a cloth and applied to the wound, ice helps to numb the pain and prevent further damage. Ice is also excellent for bruises and muscle pain as a simple DIY treatment trick.
• Make nasty medicine easier to swallow – for children who do not like the taste of medicine, a bit of ice sucked before swallowing does wonders for numbing the taste buds. This makes it far easier for parents to deal with those tricky medicine moments, creating a much-needed help from ice cubes.

The world of ice sculpting is one that has always drawn plenty of fascination and interest. Watching an ice artist at work is something you will never forget. From the initial stages that slowly turns a solid block of ice into a creation, to watching the creation develop into a realistic work of art, the process takes a great deal of skill and precision. Understanding how ice sculptures are made offers a bit of insight into this intricate process, allowing you to learn how ice artists manage to turn a simple block of ice into a magical creation.

How long do ice sculptures usually last?

An average sized sculpture kept in a cool room with no wind or direct sunlight may last up to eight hours. Certain designs can last for 12 hours or more depending on the robustness or fragility of the final piece. Eventually however, all ice sculptures will melt. While these creations are used as art, they are temporary art that wil hold their design for around eight hours, unless kept in a walk in freezer. The ice itself can take many days to melt away and actually dissappear completely however.

How long does it take to create an ice sculpture?

The process begins with plenty of designing and planning, followed by the carving process. The length of time it takes to create a sculpture depends on the final size, event logistics, location and general nature of the design. Creations might take a few hours or even a few days!

What is the average weight and size of an ice carving?

An ice sculpture can weigh anything from a few kilograms all the way through to 1-2 tons or more. Sizes range from small sculptures of 15 centimetres to huge life size sculptures many meters in length. It all depends on the design… and of course budget!

What are ice sculptures used for?

Ice sculptures can be used for a number of events and occasions. Weddings, corporate events, film shoots, brand activations and other functions can all use these sculptures for décor or corporate branding. Sculptures made of ice offer a fun and unique highlight for any event. They can even be functional, such as ice luges that are used at bars for events or ice serving stations where food is displayed on the ice… Suhi, Oysters, Champagne etc…

What items can be sculpted out of ice?

Just about anything and everything can be sculpted, from business logos all the way through to elaborate wedding décor, engraved replicas and even life-like animals. Clients can order sculptures to their specifications, or ice artists may choose to let their imaginations run wild with creations that have to be seen to be believed.

What special effects can be used?

There are many special effects that can be used for sculpting ice. Colour can be added to the ice itself, or lighting can be used to add colour in a more subtle way. Items can also be preserved within the ice, such as flowers or other elements. In some cases, glitter can even be used to add some sparkle to the design.

What equipment do ice artists use when sculpting?

While talented ice artists may make the process seem simple, it takes a good deal of skill to work with ice. A number of specialised tools are used, ranging from chisels and ice picks all the way through to special saws, blow torches and angle grinders. These are used at various stages of the process, to turn a block of ice into the completed ice sculpture.