I made this very pretty, very cheap but incredibly effective ice bucket last year at Christmas. You could use any seasonal foliage, flowers, leaves etc and make it for any season. It will take a day to freeze but can be kept in the freezer until needed.
All you will need is –
Freezer proof large container – I used my preserving pan
Freezer proof smaller container – I used a small cast iron casserole
Water
Decorative foliage, flowers or berries – I have used fur tree and artificial berries
Chest or deep draw freezer.
Lay the foliage on the base and up the sides of the larger container, I chose to have the foliage protruding at the top as I thought this was effective. Place a tiny container ( I used a ramekin) in the centre of the base, this is to sit the smaller container on so the water can run underneath.
Sit your smaller container on the ramekin and ensure it is central. If your smaller container is not heavy like cast iron you will need to weigh it down so it doesn’t float up in the water.
Next add water. As water expands when it freezes, fill to about an inch from the top.
Now very carefully place into a freezer ensuring it is completely level. Leave for 24 hours, or longer.
Once it is frozen you can remove the containers. First remove the larger container by sitting the whole thing in a sink of hot water, that comes about half way up the sides, for a couple of minutes, then take hold of the smaller container and it should lift out. Next pour hot water into the smaller container, again about half way up, gently pull the container and it should come away leaving you with an ice container. At this point it can be returned to the freezer until needed, or used straight away.
When initially removed from the freezer it will have an opaque finish, but as the surface starts to defrost it will clear.
Place the ice container in the coolest place you can, definitely not next to a fire or radiator. It will defrost slowly, you will need to place it on a deep plate to catch the water and empty regularly. I used mine outside so it lasted many hours but this will depend on its surrounding temperature.