and im needing some ideas on how to make some realistic ice cubes, any thoughts??? im making the cake for next weekend. thanks in advance.

I'm thinking clear geletin set in in ice cube trays?

i'm also interested to know how to make those

If the ice cubes don't have to be cubes you could try rock candy.

When I did my cooler cake for my son's 21st b-day I ued the clear gelatin and made them in ice cube trays. Spray the trays first with Pam and they pop right out! A fun cake to make.
Peggy

How do you make/buy these gelatin sheets?

You jsut buy a box of Knox unflavored gelatine. It is near the Jello in the stores. 1 box has 4 envelopes in it. I used 1 envelope and 4 cups of boiling water. If you need alot of "ice" you can make more. I think the 1 made 2 or slightly more cubes. I waited until I got to the dorm to put the ice on the top of the cake along with the empty cans. The cake itself was 4 half-sheets stacked and I had plenty of cubes.

Hope that helps.
Peggy