Project (the day other than) Monday: Ice...

Solar botics
December 3, 2014

Inspired by the Ice Bulb published on Instructables, we decided to create our own version. Ice bulb suggests that we use a balloon to shape the ice and before it freezes, add an LED so that it can glow. Since we decided to use a whole bunch of LEDs (on a string), we opted to use a silicon brownie mold for multiple "bulbs" in less conventional shapes instead.

If you decide to try this too, you will need wire cutters, wire, needle, silicone mold, and our 3 meter LED string of any colour (we chose a red-green-blue one). If you are wondering where to find the mold we used, you can find one at your local Michaels. If you can't find a silicone mold, you can try using a metal muffin tin instead but this could cause your ice cubes to crack when they freeze.

Step 1. Cut seven wire strips, about 2" long. They don't need to be good looking, this is just for holding the LED string down to prevent it from moving around and make sure it freezes in the right position. We found that none of the sticky materials like gaffers tape or packing tape actually stuck to silicone, not to mention holding something in place, so wire will work the best.

Step 2. Bend the wires into a U shape - better to do it beforehand than trying to hold the unruly LED string in place with one hand, wire cutters in other, needle in the third one, and the wire to cut in the fourth. You notice the tendency, right?

Step 3. Do some math to space your LEDs evenly on the string. We decided that we wanted a 5 LED space between our ornaments and on both ends. That means (90-(5 x 7 spaces=35))/6= 9 LEDs per cell.

   

Step 4. Count out your LEDs for the first cell and wrap them in a loose ball like shown. Hold them in place, make a lead hole in the silicone with a needle and pin the LED string down with your U-shaped wire. Twist it in the back to keep the wire locked in place.

Step 5. Continue until you fill all the cells with the LED string. Make sure to adjust the string so it sits nicely in each cell and does not touch the edges or stick out of the mold.

   

Step 6. Fill the mold with water: the string is water/weather resistant. If you want the light to be more uniform within the star, cloud some cells with milk or cream (add just a few drops).

Step 7. Now that all the stars are ready, stick them in the freezer for a few hours until they are solid ice. The battery pack should be fine in the freezer as well but just make sure that it isn't resting on anything wet.                                                                                 

Step 8. Take out your frozen goodies, power them on and enjoy!
You can also reuse the mold and make multiples - we made a red ornament as well.

MORE POSTS

January 25, 2001
We want Your Input!!!

We are working on fixing the bugs in the website, along with a number of other improvements. Some of you may already know that we are rewriting the ordering portion, making processing your BEAM needs that much easier. It is approaching it's release very quickly, we are just doing the final testing now! So give […]

September 2, 2015
Cool Links Wednesday: 3D Printed Things,...

3D Printed Violin It sounds beautiful, it looks gorgeous - this is what 3D printing should be! (By 3Dvarius, via Nerdist) 3D Printing Molten Glass Yet another 3d printing example of all things beautiful - the fusion of old (material) and new (technique). (Via Colossal) The Architecture of Radio Yay to the superpower of seeing […]

August 19, 2011
Tasty Treats and New Treats, Too

A couple of weeks back we held an open house for Calgary's Protospace group. Many BBQ'd items were consumed, many objects were lazored, and many people seemed to be walking around in a stupor of admiration for all the nifty bits and pieces of equipment we have on hand. We had a good time visiting […]

January 20, 2009
Organizing the Advanced Section

Every once in a while we like to re-arrange the furniture. Sure, it's nice to have things look new and different, but most of the time we're just trying to make things just work better. This week we've done a little bit of restructuring of our Advanced category - we hope it'll make it easier […]

1 21 22 23 24 25 253
Solarbotics Ltd Logo
Solarbotics has been operating for more than 25 years, bringing electronics know-how and supplies to both the electronics professional and hobbyist. We'll be happy to help you too!

Solarbotics, Ltd. is not responsible for misprints or errors on product prices or information. For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.

Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information. This item was manufactured prior to August 31, 2018.

cart