Loretta, Iceculture’s lead carver and teacher, showed the members how to carve a block of ice, explained its composition and the tools used; how to preserve and to transport finished centerpieces, bowls and other decorative items. How long will they last? A. 12-15 hours.

Speaking of bowls, this is one of their best-received creations. Party planners, caterers, club owners, florists and hotels want it. Bowl designs are not limited to wedding themes, Bar Mitzvahs, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate functions and fundraising events but these are just some of the events where an ice bowl adds an elegant touch. Nor are they restricted to floral motifs, toy tractors and industrial equipment, company logos, jewelry, coins, fish hooks, golf balls and tees, sea shells and even medical accessories - the list of items that can be worked into an ice bowl design is virtually endless. Or, left clear, ice bowls can be hand-carved to form a Waterford crystal effect. Ice bowls usually hold punch but they also make a unique serving vessel for seafood, salads and fresh fruit.

Colourful brochures let us see Iceculture’s versatility and also their capabilities. Many questions were answered by the friendly demonstrators and whoever felt like a sculpture artist had an opportunity to try their hand at it (great entertainment if you ask me, Fred). Iceculture also has a book called "Ideas that Work" for sale.

To learn more about this fascinating area, contact Iceculture inc. at P.O. Box 232, 81 Brock Street, Hensall, Ontario N0M 1X0; Tel. 519-262-3500 or 1-888-251-9967; Fax 519-262-2492; e-mail: info@iceculture.com ; web: www.iceculture.com