To combat the winter blues, one Indiana family transformed their backyard into a vibrant ice igloo oasis, sparking joy and creativity during the coldest months. The project not only brought the family closer together but also turned their outdoor space into a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
Unleash Your Creativity This Winter with an Unforgettable DIY Project
The Inspiration Behind the Ice Creation
Winter can be a challenging season for many, especially for those who thrive on outdoor activities. For Karen Golden, a stay-at-home mom in Greenfield, Indiana, the arrival of winter usually meant fewer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. However, her perspective changed when she stumbled upon an article about another mother who had built an ice igloo. Intrigued by the idea, Karen saw this as an opportunity to make winter more engaging for her children, Kourtney and Chase.The January forecast predicted a prolonged cold snap, creating the perfect conditions for such a project. Karen knew that if they acted quickly, they could turn their backyard into a magical winter retreat. She envisioned a colorful ice structure that would captivate her children’s imagination and provide them with a unique outdoor experience.The Building Blocks of Creativity
Karen began by purchasing 50 disposable cake pans, which would serve as molds for the ice bricks. To add a splash of color, she enlisted the help of her children, who filled each pan with water and added food coloring—orange, yellow, green, pink, blue, and turquoise. These vibrant hues were intended to bring life to the otherwise monochromatic winter landscape.While the kids were at school, Karen started assembling the foundation of the igloo. Each frozen block was carefully removed from its mold and placed strategically to form the base. As the structure took shape, the entire family joined forces, using a bucket of snow and water to create a slushy mortar. This mixture was applied between the bricks with a wooden spoon, ensuring that each piece adhered securely. The frigid temperatures ensured that the slush froze almost instantly, mimicking the process of laying bricks.The process required patience and precision. Over two full afternoons, the family worked tirelessly, refilling the pans and adding more colorful ice bricks. By the time they finished, the igloo stood approximately four feet high, encircling a six-foot diameter. The result was nothing short of spectacular—a dazzling display of colors that seemed to glow against the stark white backdrop of snow.A Magical Touch for the Backyard Oasis
To enhance the visual appeal of the igloo, the family decided to incorporate additional elements. They filled balloons with water and let them freeze overnight, creating crystal-clear spheres that hung like ornaments around the structure. These icy orbs added an ethereal quality to the scene, making the igloo feel like something out of a fairy tale.Karen and her family bundled up in layers, ensuring they stayed warm while working outside. Despite the cold, their enthusiasm never waned. Nathan, Karen’s husband, who has a background in construction, was particularly impressed by the ingenuity of the project. He joked that he might consider hiring his family for future building endeavors, recognizing the skill and effort that went into constructing the igloo.Embracing the Outdoors Through Creative Projects
For the Goldens, this project was more than just a way to pass the time during winter; it was a testament to the power of creativity and family bonding. Originally from Tennessee, Karen found the winters in Indiana to be much harsher, often limiting outdoor activities. Yet, with this ice igloo, she discovered a new way to embrace the season.The family’s love for outdoor adventures extends beyond this project. They are avid sledders and enjoy tubing behind Nathan’s four-wheeler. The ice igloo provided them with yet another reason to venture outside and appreciate the beauty of winter. Karen encourages other families to try similar projects, noting that while it may require some effort, the rewards are well worth it.Building an ice igloo is an excellent way to inject excitement into the winter months. Whether you choose to use clear or colored ice blocks, the process offers endless possibilities for customization and fun. With a little creativity and teamwork, anyone can transform their backyard into a winter haven.READ MORE