1:07 PM
In theory, you could directionally crystallize filtered deionized or
distilled water under its vapor pressure after vacuum degassing. In
practice, refrigerated vanes are dipped into flowing purifed water and
the ice progressively forms, excluding defects as it proceeds

My sister called earlier today and wanted to know how to make some clear ice at home so she could try replicating photos she saw of flowers frozen in ice. There you go, Shala.

It's probably outside her price range, but I also poked into what the pro ice carvers use. Iceworks says they use "Clinebell" iceblocks--so a quick Google search leads us to Clinebell's own website, which even has a page of tips and tricks (though I wonder how long it would take to "hold item in place until it's secured In the Ice".) It's interesting that they suggest their carving block maker be run at an ambient temperature of 72dF, as "cold temperatures can cause cracking in the blocks and much warmer temperatures may slow the freezing cycle.") I have to admit, though, that the equipment does turn out some huge blocks of clear ice.

Best side-discovery of this search:: The MIDI-riffic Smitty's Snowballs site, Here Only To "Help" Any One That Is "Interested In" The SnowBall, Snow Cone And Or Shaved Ice Business.