Eighteen years into ice carving, Amazing Ice Designs owner Doug Christy’s relationship with the frozen substance is a special one—one that he said requires manipulation, precision and an eye for detail.

“Water is funny,” he said. “It is always a shrinking canvas.”

Using various tools, including different-sized drill bits, hand chisels and a chainsaw, Christy shapes and molds the ice into different forms to create custom designs.

Out of his workshop in Kyle where he moved from Austin about a year and a half ago, Christy has designed castles, swans, Halloween-themed skulls, guitars, Christmas trees and more for weddings, festivals, business openings and parties. Lately, Christy has been experimenting with making artisan monogrammed cocktail cubes and whiskey balls.

In his typical work uniform of black rubber rain boots and a checkered apron, Christy works with 300-pound blocks of clear ice that he freezes and sculpts in-house and delivers to various locations within a two-hour radius of his workshop.

Christy said he learned the craft while working next door to an ice carver in Houston. At the time, he was working in the pool business and knew a lot about the science behind water.

“I was fascinated by [ice carving],” he said, adding he helped his mentor chemically treat the water to produce clear ice.

From his first sculpted ice vase, Christy said he wanted to tackle every project like it was the first time he touched ice.

“I realize what I’m doing is enhancing [clients’] big day,” he said.

Amazing Ice Designs
181 Weldon Johnson Way, Ste. 1, Kyle
512-797-7702
www.amazingicedesign.com
Hours vary

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Did you know?
The World Ice Art Championships have been held annually in Fairbanks, Alaska, since 1988. The championships feature up to 100 ice-sculpting teams from around the world and bring in more than 45,000 visitors.