Thursday, May 6, 2010

Ahhh - A Gentle Glowing Fire

So I looked at many interesting options, and decided to try to use what I had on hand...no more trips to Micheal's - can't afford it. ;-) Using the same idea as the flashing fire kit I had installed before this one, I found a clear plastic bubble pack from some small jewellery bits. I cut it in half and glued a strange mixture of freshly ground pepper, coffee grounds, and salt (got some strange looks from my husband in the kitchen) onto the outside of each half.



Then I placed it over the 3 little bulbs.


And put the logs over that. The fire flickers through the grains to look like ash and embers. I also used some pastels and water made into a paste to blacken the underside of the fire.


Now it's a nice soft flicker that doesn't look like the house is on fire - much better!




19 comments:

Norma Bennett said...

Looks like mission accomplished! I have a feeling I saw a similar technigue described somewhere using little bits of cork (a good excuse to open a bottle of wine!) in the same way you've used the coffee, etc.

The Dangerous Mezzo said...

What a FABULOUS solution, and so creative :) I can just imagine the look on your husband's face ...

Margaret said...

There should be an interesting scent coming from your fire if the bulbs warm up, although LED lights probably don't heat up do they?
Very inventive.

Merry Jingle said...

It looks great, but not going to try it as it would be a fire feast for the dogs - they eat everything that remotely resembles something eatable... :D

Ira

Annie Fryd said...

Indeed a creative solution. I love the fact that you used what you had in hand, or in the kitchen ;0) Now it´s a gentle warm fire to sit by without having you feet fried...

Annie Fryd said...

Ohh, I forgot to ask. The floortiles are they made by yourself or did you buy them? I love the colour and think I´ll go for something like that for my Gypsy Boudoir Shop...

The Old Maid said...

Great idea! The fireplace and surroundings look so good!

Cynthia's Minilife said...

Annie, the floor tiles are made from 1" squares cut from regular size peel and stick vinyl tiles I got from Home Depot. Much cheaper than anything you can buy dollhouse size, although Greenleaf has some nice ones that aren't too expensive.
Cynthia

Mini Beginnings said...

What a great idea. It's created a fab glowing effect, you must be really pleased :)

Unknown said...

That is the way Cynthia, I always and only use materials what is on hand....and look, you did a fantastic job! I already liked it but I agree, it is better and more realistic!

sabihax

Kathi said...

Fantastic! I will try to make one for my fireplace one of these days!
Thank you so much for sharing your idea!

Meli Abellán said...

My congratultions!!! It's amazing!!! The effect is perfect!!
Meli

Ascension said...

Una brillante idea!!!!!
Parece realmente fuego.
besitos ascension

Irene said...

Excellent idea and very effective - I love the shot taken in the dark.

brae said...

That's a great solution. I attempted to use those same lights in the Newport, but it just looked too harsh. I ended up going with a different type of fire altogether, but yours turned out quite nicely! Bravo!

Cynthia's Minilife said...

I recommend to anyone wanting LED lights to get the smaller size. I got 5mm bulbs thinking that a 1:12 dollhouse would be a larger scene as compared to the tiny railroad scenes these are meant for. There is a 3mm and I think a size even smaller - these would probably make for a softer light.
Brae, I will check out your house to see what lights you used.
Cynthia

Tallulah Belle said...

Wow what a difference it looks fab. So much better with the alterations.

Tallulah Belle said...

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I am so touched by the generosity of people donating and helping me get the word out.

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Johanna said...

So cosy! First time here in your blog. You have such an amazing house!! Love it!