By: Hollie Hojek
hhojek@kcautv.com
Jeff Mueller isn't working on his car in the garage, It's actually quite the opposite.
"This is Oscar, we'll call him,"said Mueller.
Mueller is creating one of a kind ice sculptures for the Make a Wish Foundation's Annual "Wish Upon a Star" fundraiser. The event coincides with Oscar night in Sioux City.
Mueller makes the 300 pound blocks of ice in his own garage, and stores them in the freezer. And before he starts carving, he usually puts down a type of template or stencil.
"So it'll actually stick to the block of the ice," said Mueller.
Mueller uses different types of chainsaws, dremel tools, and bits to carve out even the tiniest of details.
"I want to go in far enough so I can get the color injected into it."
Mueller recently started using a technique where he injects color into the ice, to illuminate the lettering.
"I make a jell-o mold out of the ice. Then I mix together tempura art paint, water and gelatin mix ix. And then I use a large syringe to inject it into the sculpture," said Mueller.
This sculpting is only a side job for Mueller, who says the best part of crafting such unique pieces of work, it the looks on people's face's when they see the finished product.
"Hopefully it's going to look awesome."
If you want to check out other ice sculptures Mueller's done, here's a link to his facebook page.
Awesome Ice
