How To Make Easy Ice Bowls Using Blu Tack

by Sarah - Craft Invaders

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

Disclosure: I am delighted to be working with Bostik as a Bostik Blogger. Each month the Bostik Bloggers create a craft that our readers can easily re-create at home. This month we are taking part in the #BluHacks campaign, which celebrates the many unusual and creative uses for Blu Tack.

 

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

 

What is Blu Tack?

Bostik Blu Tack is the original reusable adhesive. It is a permanently plastic and pliable putty which can be readily formed into any shape. It has excellent adhesive qualities and is non-toxic, making it safe for all the family to use.

What can Blu Tack be used for?

Blu tack is perhaps best known for its ability to attach lightweight objects such as posters and photos to surfaces, but that really is the tip of the iceberg for this useful product. Other uses for Blu Tack include…

  • Creating 3 Dimensional Models.
  • Sticking behind picture frames to keep them straight.
  • Cleaning dust of computer keyboards.
  • Holding components in place while soldering.
  • Holding items in place on shelves and windowsills.
  • Removing hair from clothes.
  • Sealing around windows.
  • Holding items in place to reduce vibration.
  • Holding tape measures in place.
  • Picking up pins and other small objects
  • Attaching screws to the screwdriver for hard to reach places.
  • Holding parts in place while glueing.
  • Making slime.

And now, to make gorgeous, elegant ice bowls!

 

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

 

What you need to make an ice bowl using Blu Tack

I packet of Blu Tack ((Amazon affiliate link).

2 nesting stainless steel bowls (Amazon affiliate link) one slightly smaller than the other.

Hint: I advise using metal bowls for making ice bowls as both ceramic and glass. When water freezes, it expands and can cause glass and ceramic bowls to crack.

Decorations to sit in the ice (I used edible flowers).

Previously boiled water.

Hint: Tap water contains lots of oxygen bubbles which give a cloudy effect when frozen. For a more transparent result, use water that has been boiled and allowed to cool.

Small can or similar to act as a weight.

 

How to make a pretty ice bowl decorated with edible flowers.

To begin, cut the Blu Tack into quarters, and roll each one up as shown in the photo.

 

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

 

Lay the flowers face out around the inside of the larger of the two bowls.

Position the 4 rolls of Blu Tack equally spaced around the rim of the bowl.

 

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

 

And centre the smaller bowl on top, pushing it down on to the Blu Tack.

Use a jug to pour water between the two bowls. Depending on the size of the gap, you may find that some of the flowers float up. If they do, you can use a chopstick or similar to push them back under the water line.

Place the small can in the centre of the top bowl. As the ice bowl freezes, it will expand, and the weight stops the top bowl popping off the Blu Tack under the force of the ice.

Pop in the freezer and freeze for a minimum of 8 hours.

 

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

 

How to remove ice bowls from their mould.

Do not be tempted to run the metal bowl under the tap. A quick release using even lukewarm water can cause fractures in ice bowls.

Take out of the freezer and leave to stand for 15 minutes. You should then be able to remove the top bowl easily. Place a plate over the outside bowl and turn over, your ice bowl will slide out on to the plate.

 

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

 

To return it to the freezer for storage, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil for protection.

How long an ice bowl lasts is dependent on a few factors. How thick the ice is. The ambient temperature and what you serve in it. I suggest you use it on a plate or tray to catch any water as it melts. Finally, a doily or napkin is also helpful to prevent an ice bowl from sliding about.

 

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

 

Ice bowls look gorgeous filled with delicious sorbet on a summer’s day. In winter they have the advantage that they last much longer. Why not use them to serve a batch of snow ice-cream for a unique, winter dessert.

 

Ice bowls make a fun and elegant centrepiece for a party and making them couldn’t be more straightforward with our Blu Tack Hack.

 

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2 comments

Kellie Simmons May 20, 2019 - 5:18 am

This is really very beautiful! It looks like a masterpiece. Well done!

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders May 20, 2019 - 7:50 am

Thank you Kellie. My hubby thinks they are the most pointless thing ever but they do look so pretty :)

Reply