Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you keep the ice from melting?
- How long have you been carving ice?
- How long does it take to carve a sculpture?
- How long does an ice sculpture last?
- Do ice sculptures really cost thousands of dollars?
- How did you learn to carve ice?
- Don't you get cold carving ice?
- Is that really ice?
- Can I stick my tongue to it?
A. No special chemicals are used in the water to keep the ice from melting. When ice reaches above 32°, it melts. The warmer the temperature the faster it melts. Drain trays are supplied with every sculpture, Ice Occasions offers a variety of trays from the lighted mirrored tray to the clear plastic tray. All of the trays are decorative as well as functional.
Q. How long have you been carving ice?
A. In late February of 1998 I carved my first vase and it took about two hours. Since then I have carved hundreds of different sculptures ranging from exotic dancers to medical signs.
Q. How long does it take to carve a sculpture?
A. That really depends on the individual piece. A basic vase takes thirty to forty minutes where as a six by five foot castle can take hours depending on the detail.
Q. How long does an ice sculpture last?
A. This is a difficult question because it depends on the thickness of the ice sculpture and where the sculpture is placed. Each sculpture is carved to be structural sound for the entire length of your function but the fine details will change during the course of the function. Details are the first to melt, yet as I carve each piece I enjoy adding fine details which enhance the sculpture and make lasting impressions. An example of detail work would be the veins in a swans feather which will usually last two hours but the overall feather itself will last eight hours.
Q. Do ice sculptures really cost thousands of dollars?
A. NO! Most of the single block carvings have an average price of $200 to $250. We have defiantly done some $1000 pieces but we have also done so $100 sculptures as well. The staff at Ice Occasions will help you choose an ice sculpture that will compliment your special day AND stay within your budget.
Q. How did you learn to carve ice?
A. Before I began sculpting ice I was a landscaper and have no previous background in the food industry. When Ice Occasions opened in September of 1997 we used latex molds to create the ice pieces but I quickly realized how limiting this process was. I studied the books and videos by Mac Winker, a well known ice sculptor, and by using his material and my own creativeness I was able to master my own style for sculpting. It may not have been the best way but it worked for me. I am still looking and always will be looking for new ways to enhance my skills and master the art of sculpting ice.
Q. Don't you get cold carving ice?
A. Absolutely but I also do a lot of carvings outside the freezer in a controlled environment of about 60°. I do a lot though inside the freezer such as multi block pieces, company logos and the fine details to many of the sculptures. The freezer is kept around 25° so I bundle up and work quickly and efficiently.
Q. Is that really ice?
A. Yes 100%. This question is always funny to me. We are an ice sculpting company so what else would you expect. But seriously, Ice Occasions produces the best and highest quality ice so yes it does look like crystal most of the time.
Q. Can I stick my tongue to it?
A. You would expect this question from children but actually it's mostly adults. Our response... go right ahead. Our recommendation... don't do it while the ice is still in the freezer or you'll be waiting a long time for that sculpture to melt.
Provided for your pleasure by Todd Dawson, sculptor.
Revised: July 05, 2001.