Abstract: An apparatus for forming ice scupltures or the like, comprising a housing, a sleeve member of predetermined shape, having an outer, ice-forming surface fully exposed to the ambient atmosphere, disposed on said housing; and, means for refrigerating the sleeve member, having a portion thereof disposed in the housing, evaporator means disposed in the sleeve member and a circulating refrigerating fluid which flows upwardly through the evaporator means, whereby a substantial layer of ice, formed only from moisture available in the ambient atmosphere is formed on the outer surface of the sleeve member in the predetermined shape. In place of a sleeve member, a helix of stacked coils may provide an ice-forming surface. The apparatus may be further provided with timing means for automatically controlling the refrigerating means, means for controlling the temperature and light means disposed atop the sleeve member. The sleeve member may also be coated with a color, providing a background hue for the layer of ice.