While masonry fireplaces in which natural wood is burnt might be a common sight in old, large houses, gas fireplaces are the most common these days because they are easy to install and use. Although masonry fire places may have an old world charm of their own, they are not the most effective means of heating the house as a large amount of heat escapes through the chimney.
A wide range of gas fireplaces are available and out those the top vent gas fireplace is the one that can be installed to replace an existing wood burning fireplace. These fireplaces design ideas do not require wood or matches and can be turned on at the flip of a switch!
An electric fireplace is also convenient for warming smaller sitting areas and there is no facility to install a chimney. An added advantage of these types of fireplaces is that they reduce heating cost significantly.
A prefabricated fireplace is also known as a zero-clearance fireplace design ideas as they are highly insulated and can be installed in the proximity of combustible materials. They are often a good choice in new construction as they are lighter in weight and faster and easier to install than standard masonry fireplaces.
A wood stove is made from cast iron or brick line welded plate steel and is essentially a metal container for fire. Since most modern woodstoves are airtight and allow the amount of air feeding the flame to be controlled in some manner, they tend to be highly efficient.
Here's a pop quiz: What materials can you bond, glue, or drip onto metal to add colour?
I can think of a few intriguing but common materials that you can experiment with. Can you guess what they are?
The first is...
If you can mix glue with a stick, you can use this low-tech material in your work. This relatively inexpensive medium can produce maximum results.
Epoxy is a 2 part mixture: a resin, and a hardener. Once they're mixed, it's only a matter of time it becomes a hard, durable, super glossy clear plastic substance that can be drilled, glued and sanded. It's the equivalent of 50 coats of varnish and dries to a mirror finish.
Where does the colour come in? Here's the really fantastic part - colour it with acrylic paint, gouache, jello powder, makeup powder, spices from your kitchen, or anything else you can think of.
Try layering it, drip it into etched or stamped depressions on sterling or copper sheet, and pour it into bezels. You can even try dipping things into it. Just keep in mind that epoxy is a glue, so somehow suspend any dipped work while waiting for it to cure. You don't want to bond it to anything!
You can buy two-part epoxy from the hardware store in little 2-sided syringes, and from craft and hobby suppliers in larger 2 bottle kits. You might find the larger quantity kits in some hardware stores too.
Things to know about epoxy: - It cures up fast. Hardware store epoxy usually comes in the 5 and 11 minute varieties, and other epoxies are quick too. Make sure you factor in working time, and only mix up as much as you can use in the 5 or 10 minutes.
- Don't mix it with, or on, anything you ever want to use again. I like to mix up mine on a scrap piece of paper with a popsicle stick.
- Don't inhale it or touch it with your bare skin before it cures. It's nasty for your health. Always take proper precautions when working with chemicals.
The second material is...
What common craft material comes in every colour of the rainbow, translucent and opaque, liquid and solid, is moldable, and can be hardened in a regular oven? Polymer clay of course! Polymer clay is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and goes under various brandnames, including FIMO, Sculpey, and Friendly Clay. In case you were wondering, polymer clay usually has no actual "clay" in it.
Polymer clay can be used for more than sculting beads and pendants. Try gluing tiny pieces onto cut metal sheet components to make mosaics. Fill slices of sterling tubing with clay. Experiment with the liquid clays and coloured powders on the market.
Things to know about polymer clay:
- Each manufacturer makes its clay differently and each brand has slightly different qualities and baking temperatures so always read the instructions.
- Polymer clay needs to be "conditioned" before you can work with it. You can condition clay by kneading it with your hands, or running it through a dedicated food processor. Some people like to sit on it for awhile (in a baggie of course! )to warm it before kneading.
- Use dedicated tools with your polymer clay. You don't want to use your polymer clay rolling pin to make cookies with later.
Important notes: Do not attempt to use any of these materials without understanding what you need to do to protect your health and your surroundings. Don't inhale fumes, contaminate your household utensils, or accidentally melt, burn, glue, or set yourself or anything else on fire.
Above all else, always have a sense of fun and be open to lucky accidents! If an experiment flops, it's a learning experience. The best lessons are taught by our "failures".
Both Robert Mandolin & Christine Gierer are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Robert Mandolin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Appliances, web development and Women. Robert Mandolin loves to read his magazines by his fireplace. Check out how to get the best out of your and. Robert Mandolin's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.
Christine Gierer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Appliances, Jewelry and Online Business. To read the full version of this article learn about other materials, visit . Christine Gier. Christine Gierer's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.