There is nothing more comforting than the soft, warm crackle of a real fire. Unfortunately, there are many places where open flames are inappropriate and dangerous - for example at an indoor play or party. For these situations, fake - but realistic - decorative flames can create the atmosphere of a real fire without the risk. Read starting with step one to learn how to create your own set of fake flames.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Fabric and Fan
Step 1. Cut your "flames"
In this method, the air generated by a fan will be used to make the fabric "flame" crackle and sway. The size of the flame will depend on how big you want your faux fire to be or the space limitations of the fireplace. Taking these measurements into account, cut the fabric appropriately.
When it comes to cutting out the flames, you have several options. You may want to cut many thin strips to give your fire a fine, "fairy" look, or, alternatively, you may want to cut a single flat piece in the shape of a fire for a more consistent look. You can also create a three dimensional flame using a piece of fabric that may look like an open curtain at the bottom, but if you choose to do this, be sure to cut several holes on the top for air to pass through, or you will have a "greasy" flame. "and static
Step 2. Attach your flames to the logs
The base of each flame should be attached to a wooden cylinder to hold it steady while allowing it to sway freely. Take each flame you cut and attach its "base" to a cylinder with a pin, duct tape, or any other method that allows the rest of the flame to move. You can attach all the flames to the same log, but for a more distributed and impressive effect use many different cylinders.
- If you are using the "curtain" flame method, attach each side of the two cylinder open base so that the bottom is slightly open. This will allow the air to rise and swell the flame.
- Note: To be clear, the flames should be attached to the long, rounded side of the cylinders, not the ends.
Step 3. Distribute the cylinders where you want the fire
Place the ends of the flames over the chimney cage or over a basket, coffee jar, etc. Arrange the cylinders so that they surround the space directly above where your fan will go. The cylinders should be parallel to each other, so that the wide part of each flame is facing the audience.
Step 4. Place the fan under the flames
Place the fan under the flames so that it blows up through them. If you are using the fireplace grate, you need to put the fan immediately below it. If you are using a basket, the fan should be placed facing up on the bottom of the basket. If you are using a coffee jar or similar container, you may need to carefully cut the bottom of the jar and attach it to the fan so that it blows through the opening.
You may find that it is best to place the fake fire directly in front of a power outlet so that the fan wire cannot be seen on the floor
Step 5. Place your light sources under the flame cylinders
Distribute red, orange, or yellow lights under the flames so that the light shines directly on them, but it may be easier to aim normal lights through colored glass or cellophane.
Step 6. Test your flames
Before completing the set of flames, lights and fan, it is a good idea to try them out. If you can, dim the lights in the room, and turn on the colored lights and the fan. If everything works as it should, your flames should sway realistically. If not, make the necessary changes and try again.
Step 7. Hide the fan and lights
Once you know your fire is working properly, it's time to give it a realistic look rather than a fan machine. For example, you could arrange other logs on and around the flames. You may also want to try sprinkling fake ash and burnt dust on and around.
- If you don't have real logs on hand, don't worry - you can make lightweight faux logs by cutting tube floats into small sections and covering them with wrapping paper.
- Another good idea is to mimic the look of "charcoal" by piling a string of LED or Christmas lights under the fire. The best effect is achieved if you find red or orange lights, or by putting a layer of red or orange cellophane over the lights.
Method 2 of 2: Tissue Paper and Flashlight
Step 1. Make flames of tissue paper
You can distribute your colored paper in any way that seems appropriate to make the flames. Once done, use some hot glue to join your individual flames into a single multicolored bonfire. A quick and easy way to create tissue paper flames that gives great results is as follows:
Spread a fresh sheet of tissue paper in front of you. Gently crumple it in the center. While holding the paper, quickly rub your hand upward and gently grab the paper. The force used by pulling the paper should give the sheet a flame or bouquet shape. Handle it with care: it is easy to deform
Step 2. Make the logs from paper rolls
Use a marker to create the typical lines of wood on several rolls of kitchen paper or toilet paper. You could cut the larger rolls in two, so that they are similar in size.
If you have the time, as an extra touch try just wet the paper rolls with water, crumple them in your hands and let them dry, before drawing the lines of the wood. This will give them a rough and realistic look, like that of real logs
Step 3. Glue your logs and flames together
Now that you have flames and logs, it's time to set up a bonfire. Arrange the logs so that they look like a real fire - for example, you can choose to arrange them in a large pile, or lay them against each other in a pyramid shape. Firmly glue your logs together with hot glue. Then, glue your flames in place. For a realistic look, have some flames stand on top of the stack and others rise from the sides, like in a real fire.
Step 4. Add fake rocks (optional)
As an additional decoration, you could add charcoal or gray stones in and around your bonfire. It's easy - all you need to do is paint some Styrofoam balls gray (spray paint is easy to use, cheap, and has a good effect). For larger rocks, cut or break pieces of Styrofoam from a larger piece.
Step 5. Light a torch behind the flames
Placing a small, well-hidden torch behind your bonfire is a great way to give it a flaming glow. Place a small, medium-intensity flashlight so that it illuminates the base of the flames. If done correctly, it will cause the flames at the base to be brighter, giving the impression that the fire is glowing brightly.
You may find that regular bulbs give a better effect than LED lights. LED lights usually emit a "white" light and can be very bright, while ordinary light bulbs have a warmer, softer and more natural "yellow" glow
Step 6. Place a fan behind the fire (optional)
If you have the space, a small, discreet fan can give your flames a constant crackling motion, mimicking the effect of real flames. If you can, place the fan directly behind the fire, otherwise set it to the lowest power and place it close to the fire. The flames shouldn't bend and sway too hard - your goal is to achieve a subtle, subtle effect that doesn't distract too much.
Warnings
- Never use paper rolls for a real fire.
- Be careful when cutting.
