Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the ice carving last? A single block ice carving will last approximately 6 hours at room temperature, 72F, if not in direct sunlight. The average ice carving weighs approximately 200-225 lbs. Therefore, the ice is much larger than most people think and does not melt very quickly.
What if my event is outside, how long will my ice carving last? There are many factors that effect the longevity of the ice when displayed outdoors. A few of these factors are rain, wind and temperature. Direct sunlight has a magnifying effect on the ice. Direct sunlight will not only drastically increase the melting process, but it will cause the ice to have a shattered glass appearance. With all of these factors, we are not willing to guarantee how long an ice carving will last outside. However, we will work with you so you can get the most of your outdoor ice carving.
What are the types of sculptures? Basically there are two different types. There are hand sculpted 3d ice carvings and snow filled sculptures. Snow filled are normally used for creating logos or signs. A router bit is utilized to trace the logo into the ice. Then, the ice is back filled with snow or colored gelatin to create the logo.
Do you use molds? No. All of our ice sculptures are hand carved. We do utilize a CNC machine for engraving corporate logos when required.
Can you color ice? Yes, you can. However, we do not recommend that you color the ice because it makes the ice very soft and hard to carve. We recommend freezing a colored acetate into the ice or colored gelatin to add color for corporate logos. Colored sand can also be used in the ice.
Can you freeze objects into the ice? We manufacture our own ice in our studio. Therefore, we have the capability to freeze almost anything into a block of ice. We have frozen seashells, flowers, ferns, liqueur bottles, wine bottles, golf balls, coins, portraits, logos, signs and merchandise into our crystal clear block of ice.
What is an Ice Luge? An ice luge is a ice carving that was designed to chill alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks as the liquid slides down the ice or through the ice. Ice Luges have become very popular and exciting in the bar and club scene. Recently one local bar sold $1200 worth of Yeager Meister on their very first ice luge.
What is an ice bar? It is a full size bar made out of ice. It is designed to serve drinks and replaces the standard wooden bar.
How big is a block of ice? A standard ice carving is approximately 10” x 20” x 40” and weighs approximately 300 lbs.
Where do you deliver to? Our primary service area is Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond. We do deliver to other areas, however there is an additional delivery charge. Please give us a call for the deliver fee to your area if outside our primary service area.
How far in advance do I need to place my order? Typically we prefer a 10 day lead time. However, we sometimes can accommodate shorter lead times. Give us a call and we will let you know if we can work your carving in.
What is the cost of an ice carving? The price of the ice sculptures are based on size, design, time required to carve the sculpture, delivery location and time of delivery. We would be more than happy to provide you with an estimate.
What is included in the cost of the ice carving? The delivery, set up, reusable drain pan, and drain bucket are included in the cost of each ice carving. There is a 5% sales tax on all ice sculptures.
How will my ice carving be delivered? One of our delivery personnel will deliver your ice carving between 30-60 minutes prior to your event.
How can I place an order? Choose one of our ice carving designs or ask us to help design your own special ice carving. Fill out the Request for Quote Information Sheet and e-mail to info@sparkysicesculptures.com. We will work with you until you have the ice carving design that you truly want. Once we have your information , we will work the quote to you as quickly as possible. Once you have verified the quote is exactly what you were looking for, we will send you a sales contract. Then, all you have to do is sign the contract and send the contract to us with a $100 deposit. The remainder must be paid to us at least 21 days prior to the event.
What responsibilities do I have as the purchaser? The following check list will help answer this question:
Customer Check List:
1. Please ensure that a table, with locking legs, is set up in the location where you want the ice carving set up. Ensure that the table has been covered with a table cloth and skirted prior to the arrival of the ice carving.
2. Please place note titled "ICE SCULPTURE," on the table and in exact the location where you want the ice carving set up. Ice carvings are difficukt to move once they are in place. We want to ensure that we place your sculpture exactly where you want it. Provide us with an onsite point of contact and phone number of the person who will be at the location when we deliver the ice sculpture.
3. If you have rented a display tray from us that requires power, please make sure an electrical outlet is available for the light in the ice sculpture tray. Rental trays must be returned by Wednesday of the following week.
4. The drain bucket needs to be emptied every hour and a half to avoid overflowing.
5. Remove the ice carving after the event is over.