Too Cool to Melt: DIY Ceramic Ice Cream Shadow Box Art

Happy Happy Joy Joy
Feb 28
3 min read

Who says ice cream is just for eating? If you love sweet treats and unique décor, this DIY ceramic ice cream art in a shadow box is the perfect way to add a playful, artsy touch to your walls—without the risk of melting! Get ready to scoop up some creativity and craft a one-of-a-kind piece that looks good enough to eat.

My mom and I are huge Joann’s fans, so we’re absolutely heartbroken that they’re going out of business. When she spotted these ice cream-shaped silicone molds, she immediately thought of me—she knows I love a good DIY craft project and could turn them into something creative. And in true mom fashion, she didn’t stop at just one—she practically bought out Joann’s entire silicone mold collection and shipped them all to me from Texas. Now, I have a whole stash of silicone molds for crafting, and the creative possibilities are endless!

Let’s dive in and turn your walls into a treat!

Watch me speed through the process of crafting this one-of-a-kind ceramic ice cream wall art!

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix and Pour the Casting Material

In a mixing bowl, combine Perfect Cast with water following the package instructions, stirring until smooth. I’ve found that adding an extra tablespoon of water helps thin the mixture just enough to flow into tiny crevices, reducing air bubbles without affecting the setting process—it still hardens perfectly!
Carefully pour the mixture into the ice cream-shaped silicone molds, then gently tap them to release any air bubbles. Since silicone molds can be flimsy, I like to place mine on a cutting board first—it adds stability and makes tapping much easier.
Let the casts cure fully in the mold for at least an hour before removing them. Once they've hardened and lightened in color, I like to take it out and place the pieces on a drying rack to continue drying completely, or et them in front of a fan to speed up the process.

Step 2: Paint and Detail Your Ice Cream Pieces

Once the casts are fully set and dry, paint the ice cream shapes with acrylic paint for your base colors and let them dry. I personally love Apple Barrel acrylic paint—it’s super affordable, great quality, and highly opaque. With just two coats, I get full coverage!
Use ARTIQO oil-based paint pens to add fun details like sprinkles, drips, or shading to bring your design to life. I love this budget-friendly brand—I've used the same set for over 10 projects, and they’re still going strong!

Step 3: Seal for a Glossy Finish

I used resin for this project but won’t be using again due to its toxicity—apply Minwax Polycrylic gloss clear coat for a safe and durable finish. I kept seeing resin recommended online and gave it a shot, but after researching its risks, I’ll definitely be staying far away from it, no matter how beautiful it looks. Minwax is my go-to from now on!

Step 4: Assemble the Shadow Box

Arrange your painted ice cream pieces inside the 1-inch deep shadow box frame to create a visually appealing layout. This is hands down my favorite shadow box—I’ve bought it multiple times and will keep repurchasing as long as it’s available on Amazon. It’s made of solid wood, incredibly high quality, and looks super expensive—even though it’s under $20!
I use my go-to adhesive, Loctite Power Grab, to securely attach the pieces in place. It dries quickly and has a solid hold, making it perfect for this and every one of my crafting projects!

Step 5: Display and Enjoy!

Once everything is dry and secure, close up your shadow box and find the perfect spot to display your sweet new wall art!

This DIY ceramic ice cream shadow box was such a fun project, and I love how it turned out! It’s the perfect mix of creativity, nostalgia, and a little bit of trial and error. Crafting is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking for a fun weekend project, I hope this tutorial inspires you to create your own unique wall art. If you give it a try, I’d love to see your creations—drop a comment or tag me on social media! Happy crafting! 🍦

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