Lets make some natural ice decorations!
Winter is a time for festivities and celebrations, and that means decorations are needed! Natural decorations are always popular at Christmas, particularly evergreen plants. They were first used because their green colour in winter months was a symbol of life. Sometimes people even thought they would keep evil spirits away! This activity combines those traditional evergreens with some winter sparkle and will make your garden the perfect backdrop for festive fun…
This activity involves collecting natural materials such as leaves and berries – try to collect items that have already fallen from plants and avoid picking from the same plant.
What you will need:
- Saucers or round plastic containers
- A kettle
- Water
- Natural materials (e.g leaves and berries)
- String or wool
- A freezer (as a back up plan!)
How to make your natural ice decorations:
- Boil some water – this will make sure the water freezes without air bubbles.
- Place a container, such as a saucer or a small round plastic tub, on a flat surface outside.
- Place a long piece of string in the container – leave plenty hanging over the edge.
- Add the natural items to your container.
- Once the water has boiled and cooled, carefully pour it into the container.
- Leave your container outside overnight.
- In the morning, put the container into cold water to separate the ice.
- Hang your decorations around the garden!
- Top tip: if the night wasn’t cold enough – pop your decorations in the freezer overnight instead.
Share photos of your ice decorations using #DiscoverLearnPlay
