Anyone can stack a few hastily rolled snowballs, top them with a hat and call it Frosty. True icy art takes more effort, but not exceptional artistic gifts. Master snow carvers suggest avoiding fresh snow; it's just not hard enough. Instead, pack a few buckets and trash cans tightly with wet snow a day before carving. The weight of the snow will re-crystallize it, making it dense and hard.
When you're ready to build, stack the blocks of snow like a sand castle, using slush as a sort of icy mortar to connect them. Then grab whatever tools you're comfortable with -- chisels, drywall saw, sandpaper, kitchen knives -- and have at it.
If you want to see some master snow and ice carvers, check out the annual Saint Paul Winter Carnival. winter-carnival.com
Comments (0)