The ice sculpture business can trace its roots back to China, and became popular in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Ice sculpting remains popular today, and can be at catered events or in great, outdoor fairs around the world, such as in Gorky Park or even the great Ice Hotel in Sweden.

To start an ice sculpture business, you need to purchase some ice sculpture equipment. Below, you will find information about ice carving equipment basics. Armed with this information, you can take the next step to decide the scale of your ice sculpture: from tabletop displays to towering, freestanding sculptures.

1. Start with ice carving block machines.

2. Pick your ice sculpture mold or molds.

3. Choose ice sculpture tools.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make blocks of ice with ice carving block machines

One of the first items on the list of ice carving supplies is ice carving block machines. These massive machines can make up to 15-pound blocks of ice. The daily output of these machines is impressive: up to 56 blocks of ice a day. Of course, it is possible to harvest ice directly from rivers and lakes during the winter, as the creators of Sweden's famous IceHotel do every year.

I recommend: Two companies that sell ice carving block machines are Index West and Clinebell Equipment.

Make an ice sculpture from an ice sculpture mold

Should you decide to use molds to make ice sculptures, then ice sculpture molds would be next on the list of ice sculpture supplies. These ice sculpture molds can be simple or ornate: from simple candle holders to elegant swans with curved necks and detailed feathers. This is perhaps the simplest method to make ice sculptures. One tip: the makers of the ice sculpture molds recommend the use of distilled water for clear, unblemished ice.

I recommend: One Stop Candle and Central Restaurant have a selection of ice sculpture molds.

Create ice sculptures with ice carving tools

Ice carving tools include chisels, ice picks, sharpening stones, ice tongs to carry the blocks of ice and infrared laser thermometers. For larger sculptures, chainsaws carve out the details.

I recommend: Ice Crafters has a selection of tools for ice sculpting as well as a selection of chainsaws--a necessary ice carving tool for carving the large ice sculptures. Chef Depot has a selection of tools for ice sculpture.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For inspiration, any potential ice sculptor should see the work of ChicagoFun and Fear No Ice. Each ice carving business offers towering and inspiring ice sculptures that boggle the mind.

Ice carving supplies are great to have on hand when you own a business. This may sound surprising, but it's a little-known fact. Most businesses will have at least a few presentations, parties, or conferences to celebrate or present various pieces of news, and having decorations handy during such events allows you to focus on aspects related to your business rather than scrambling around trying to find classy, attractive decor.

Nothing makes an impact at a buffet table like a beautiful ice sculpture (although it may not be the best choice for an outdoor event in warmer climates). If you are a caterer, event planner or hotel food and beverage director, ice sculpture should be something you are prepared to offer customers at events. There are several ice carving equipment options, such as:

1. Ice sculpture mold

2. Tools for ice sculpting

3. Ice grinder

4. Ice carving machine

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase ice sculpture tools to create your own sculptures

Invest in some sculpting tools if you are a caterer or other event planner that frequently hires ice sculptors, or you carve ice for a living. Essential ice sculpture supplies include a very sharp chisel, a chainsaw, and possibly a die grinder, which grinds the ice down quickly. The colder the environment in which you work on the ice, the more time you will have to sculpt. If you are in a warmer climate, plan on using the chainsaw or die grinder more than the chisel, as these tools will sculpt faster.

I recommend: Due Buoi offers a good selection of ice carving tools, such as different chisels and knives. Norwalk Power Equipment Company carries several chainsaws and accessories.

Use an ice sculpture mold for a faster process and easy cleanup

If you are not feeling creative or have a limited amount of time, you can create your own ice sculpture without having to chisel away most of your day. One helpful piece of ice sculpture equipment is a mold, which you simply purchase, fill with water, and freeze.

I recommend: Kitchen Supply Direct sells a swan mold for a low price, while Sugarcraft carries a large selection of ice molds for special occasions.

Buy an ice carving machine to perfectly carve your company logo into ice

There are ice machines available today that use CNC technology, which is the same way that many sign makers recreate logos. Such an ice sculpture machine uses a computer program to perfectly copy a design or company logo onto ice. This is the most accurate way to transfer a design onto your ice sculpture.

I recommend: Icerouter.com sells The Ice Bulldog Pro, which uses CNC to create professional-quality ice sculptures. Ice Gallery offers several machines to create outstanding sculptures, and you can buy them by the package or a la carte depending on your needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to really impress clients, don't forget one of the most important, unique tools for ice sculpting: food coloring. Create a sculpture with your company logo, complete with the correct colors, simply by adding a few drops of food coloring to the water before freezing it. Prefer crystal clear ice? Use distilled water instead of tap water.

Whether you wish to learn the art of ice carving so you can start a business, or your intention is to polish your current skills, ice carving equipment education and training is for you. There are many levels of instruction for ice carving tools available to you.

Training for ice sculpting tools can take many forms, from actual on-site classes, to tutorials and videos. Additionally, and sometimes more importantly, on-going training for ice sculpture tools is necessary.

1. If you are not skilled in using certain ice sculpture supplies, you could really limit yourself and the services you are able to offer your client.

2. Ice sculpting equipment is continually improved, so you would do well to consider ongoing training for yourself if you wish to offer unique sculptures.

3. Your company will have a great reputation for staying current with up-to-date equipment tips and techniques.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of all training opportunities available for ice sculpting and ice carving supplies

Whether you attend an accredited school or research to find out what your peers are saying about certain ice sculpting tools, taking advantage of any and all modes of training is always smart. You don't always have to take professional advice, but it's valuable to be familiar with what your peers in the industry are up to. You can also find out how they are using certain ice carving tools to their advantage.

I recommend: Lake Michigan College offers a beginner course for ice carving that covers use of carving tools, safety and use of a template. Icecraft International offers tips for using its ice sculpture molds.

Include equipment manufacturers for information on tools for ice sculpting

Some manufacturers include training information on their websites through video demonstrations or tutorials. Even if you are not purchasing certain tools, it is helpful to make a point of visiting these sites regularly so you can learn various tool uses and safety tips.

I recommend: IceSculptingTools.com features a tool knowledge section that offers step-by-step instruction on preparing certain ice carving tools. You'll also find tutorials that show you how to fuse ice with a Japanese hand saw. Clinebelle Equipment features a “How to and Why?” section that includes both instructions and video clips on various models of ice block makers.

Find of accredited online resources for training on tools for ice sculpture

There are a number of valuable online resources available for professional ice sculptors. Many provide tips and techniques on using specific tools. Just make sure that the site comes from an accredited source. This is your business.

I recommend: Advice In Ice is an extensive online resource that offers ice industry news, including product, machinery and accessory articles like "Three Different Ways to Square Blocks," and "Ice Ball Mold Produces Custom Designs." Ice carving secrets features an extensive technique section. This includes an “execution” list with techniques – some in video format – such as tool action, ice pick uses and tubing tips.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As your business grows, consider allocating the responsibility of researching ice sculpture equipment training resources to one person or department.

Having an ice sculpture at your next company event can enthrall both clients and employees. Make your company more memorable than ever with the special addition of an ice sculpture, but learn the basics before you start carving. There are several tools involved in making ice sculptures, varying in size and specialty. Before you decide to take on an ice sculpting project, you should find out the tools to buy or borrow. This way, you can determine if it is worth it to you to make your own ice sculpture, or if you should simply buy one.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ice pick

Just as it sounds, an ice pick is a sharp tool meant for chipping at ice. An ice pick is best for getting the desired general shape in a sculpture.

I recommend: Galasource Ventures provides a definition of an ice pick, along with some available picks.

Chisel

A chisel is often used to shape and smooth ice. It helps ice sculptors create refined details in a block of ice.

I recommend: Hand Tools Manufacturers offers details about chisels, such as definitions and the many types available.

Handsaw

Ice sculptors use handsaws to cut away large chunks of ice at one time to create a rough shape. Saws require effort to use, but allow sculptors to obtain the desired general shape in a shorter amount of time.

I recommend: Check out using-tools.com to get an idea of what a handsaw is, and what each specific type of saw can do.

Chainsaw

This is another tool used to cut away large amounts of ice to help achieve a general shape. A chainsaw gets its immense power from either gas or electricity, and thus takes less time to cut ice than a handsaw does.

I recommend: Aubuchon Hardware explains chainsaws and offers safety pointers when dealing with this tool.

CNC machine

A Computer Numerical Control machine is a carving machine powered by computer technology. It is a fast, accurate way to cut away large chunks of ice, but it also can be used to create intricate designs. Unless you plan to make plenty of ice sculptures, you are better off renting a professional company's machine, rather than buying one of your own.

I recommend: Advice In Ice features an article about CNC machines in the business of ice sculpting.

Die grinder

This tool can be either handheld or electronic, and is used to smooth and polish anything from ice to cement. It is useful in forming the details in an ice sculpture.

I recommend: Get a description of a die grinder at wiseGEEK.