Polar Bear Club

I still find it utterly fascinating that every winter thousands of seemingly well adjusted individuals, strip down to swimwear in frigid temperatures and plunge themselves into icy waters: the most famous of these events being Coney Island's Polar Bears New Years Day Dip!

Of course it's all for a charitable cause, but since just seeing photos of these brave souls gives me hypothermia, I thought I'd borrow their namesake for my own climate controlled icy themed celebration. Admittedly mine involves staying toasty warm in my living room and eating cupcakes, but I've borrowed some frosty bear and arctic adventure motifs to honor their adventurous spirit.

Up, up and Away.....

I've heard one of the best ways to explore the arctic is by hot air balloon (add to bucket list) so I thought I'd set these pint sized bears (49 cents from IKEA) aloft in their own airborne flying machine fashioned from leftover Christmas balls.

The Inspiration

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/07/national-geographic-traveler-photo-contest-2012/100339/

My balloons are a fairly simple DIY but there are many wonderful Hot Air balloon crafts online, from the exquisitely crafted here:

http://www.epbot.com/2011/12/mini-hot-air-balloon-tutorial.html
 to adorable recycled light bulbs here:
http://www.rookno17.com/2012/03/repurposed-light-bulb-hot-air-balloon.html

Bear Balloons

You'll Need:

Christmas Balls

decorative craft wire (craft or Dollar store)

Assorted ribbons and scraps

small craft baskets

bears, penguins or other "passengers"

No baskets? You can also simply trim a paper cup and cover with cute paper

Snip the handle off the basket

Cut wire equal lengths and attach to basket making lengths as even as possible

* You could also use string or ribbon but I find the lightweight wire easier to work with (no tangles) and it keeps the basket more stable when hanging

Remove topper from ball and arrange wires inside cap making sure they are evenly spaced and replace

 

Hot glue string hanger on top of "balloon

Tie ribbons around balloon knotting on top (over string hanger for extra hold) and securing with dots of hot glue along way. Make sure ribbon is threaded through loop hanger on bottom (really top) of balloon for extra hold. This looks messy but we'll camouflage it with a flag later

Once glue is dry add any decorations to suit your fancy!

I added ribbon streamers to center and a wired ribbon flag on top. I cut some leftover wired ribbon to a fun flag shape and formed it to look like it was blowing in the breeze, gluing it on to conceal knots.

I also cut some of that cheap commercial Christmas ribbon (which I removed from an otherwise adorable Christmas lantern) into bunting and glued around the basket for flair.

I felt the bear's ears seemed a bit pointy and more piglet than Polar bear so he had some quick minor surgery to make them more rounded and bear -like.

before

after: he seems pleased

Once they're ready, get the bears on board and take flight!

Having a party just for cubs? 

Why not incorporate the more kid friendly ideas into a fun fete based on this adorable book

Iceberg cupcakes and easy Igloo Cake

Years ago I made an edible igloo with frolicking polar bears for a local gingerbread contest, and while I was happy with the results it was a nerve-racking and painstaking process. Not to mention my kitchen looked like it was hit by the blizzard of 92.

So for fun, but much simpler sweets, here's alternative arctic eats which won't cause a meltdown.

You'll need:

white or vanilla cupcakes
White or vanilla cake baked in a batter bowl

marshmallow or vanilla fluffy frosting

clear sugar candies

 For the igloo cake

 From one batch of batter I baked a small dome shaped cake in a batter bowl and some cupcakes

I lined the bowl with some strips of parchment to ensure easy removal 

I improvised an entryway from a styrofoam cup and covered it all with white icing

cover with marshmallows- I cut the large ones into smaller "bricks" and lined the door with minis

Sprinkle with coconut, pop in a resident bear.

Simply remove bear and cup when ready to serve

For the iceberg cupcakes

  

I used clear peppermints but any clear candy will do

Crush slightly in pastic bag with mallet or heavy spoon

 Melt in preheated 350 degree oven on foil lined cookie sheet (about 5 minutes)

 Once cooled break into "icebergs"
Icebergs should be used as a garnish

Be Careful these can be surprisingly sharp and are not suitable for children

I broke off any extra sharp ends and tossed the icebergs in a bowl of powdered sugar to give them a frosty finish.

Insert icebergs into cupcakes and enjoy or
 for kid's version pop on a mini marshmallow or shredded coconut instead!

Northern Lights in a Jar

What could be a more amazing sight, than watching the Aurora Borealis flash through an arctic sky and illuminating the snowy terrain with vibrant color. Although my experience with this natural phenomenon is limited to documentaries on the National Geographic channel, I thought I'd give a nod to this feat of nature in miniature.

You'll Need:

clear glass vase or container

plastic wrap

water

glow sticks

glitter or faux snow 

To create this or any icy landscape in indoor temperatures, I found this ever so simple but absolutely ingenious idea for simulated ice here:

http://www.bigredkitchen.com/2008/12/creativity-with-plastic-wrap-a-snowy-christmas-centerpiece/

 crumpled plastic wrap simulates an ice floe

 add glow sticks

These are difficult to photograph but look fun when the lights go down!
You can set up several jars as decor around the room

vintage Russian photo:feeding polar bears

Throwback Thursday