There are some projects that feel a little bit like winter itself tucked into your hands, and this is one of them. Starting with two simple dollar store ice cube trays and a good hot glue gun, you can make a sparkling garland that catches light in the prettiest, softest way once evening rolls in. It’s an easy little trick, but the finished piece looks far more special than the supply list would lead you to believe.
I’m always fond of decorations that can stretch from Christmas right through the coldest months of winter, and this one does exactly that. If you like a mantel, shelf, or tree that feels dressed up without being fussy, this is a lovely afternoon project. The “ice” pieces come out looking like crystal chunks, and once they’re strung on warm fairy lights, the whole thing turns into something gentle and magical after dark.
Materials
Instructions
1. Set the two ice cube trays on a parchment-lined counter and plug in a high-temp glue gun with plenty of glue sticks nearby, because you’ll want to work steadily before the glue begins to set.
2. Fill each ice cube compartment nearly to the top with hot glue, letting the surface dome slightly so the pieces look chunky and faceted instead of flat when they pop out.
3. While the glue is still warm, sprinkle a tiny pinch of silver iridescent glitter into each cube and swirl the tip of the glue gun through once or twice to suspend the sparkle inside instead of leaving it all on top.
4. Let the trays cool completely for 30 to 45 minutes, until the glue turns firm and no longer feels warm at the center when you touch the underside of the tray.
5. Flex the trays gently and pop out all the glue cubes, then trim away any thin glue strings or ragged edges with scissors so the pieces look more like clean crystal chunks.
6. Brush each cube with a thin coat of clear gloss Mod Podge or craft sealer and let them dry for 15 to 20 minutes; this gives them a clearer, glassier shine and helps the glitter look embedded.
7. Warm the embroidery needle, skewer, or awl for a few seconds with the glue gun nozzle or by pressing it into a scrap of fresh hot glue, then carefully make a channel through the center of each cube from one side to the other.
8. Test the fairy lights by turning them on, then thread one glue cube onto the strand by feeding the wire and a single bulb through the channel so the light sits inside or just behind the cube.
9. Continue adding cubes across the whole light strand, spacing them every 2 to 3 lights for a full, generous garland that glows richly instead of looking skimpy.
10. If any cube slides too freely, place a tiny dot of hot glue beside the wire opening and pinch it for a moment so the cube stays where you want it without crushing the wire.
11. Once all the cubes are attached, plug any gaps by sliding cubes a little closer together where needed, aiming for even sparkle and full coverage from one end of the strand to the other.
12. Tie the ribbon around the battery pack or at one end of the garland for a finished touch, then drape the garland across a mantel, tuck it through a winter tree, or weave it along a shelf and switch it on at night.
Variations & Tips
For a clearer “ice” look: Use fresh clear glue sticks and avoid over-stirring the glitter. Just a light swirl gives you sparkle without clouding the cubes.
For a more elegant finish: Stick with silver iridescent glitter rather than chunky craft glitter. The finer sparkle catches the light beautifully and keeps the garland looking polished instead of playful.
For tree decorating: Use a longer 16-foot strand with 60 to 80 lights and make a second batch of cubes if you want that lush, store-bought fullness. I’ve learned over the years that generous coverage is what makes handmade decor look truly special.
To make threading easier: Don’t force the bulb through a tight hole. Widen the channel slowly with the warm skewer so the wire slides through without stressing the light strand.
For a frosted winter version: Brush only parts of each cube with the clear sealer, then dust lightly with extra fine glitter before it dries. You’ll get a little of that frozen-window sparkle while still keeping the crystal effect.
Where to display it: This is especially pretty on a mantel, woven into an unlit winter wreath, or tucked through the branches of a flocked tree. The warm glow against all that clear “ice” reminds me of the way porch lights shine on old snowbanks out here in the country.