Fireplace Lowdown

Virtual Fireplace for Your Xbox

We've talked about Fireplace DVDs you can buy to display simulated fireplaces on your television--well, here's an alternative to buying a DVD.  If you have an Xbox, you can use your gaming system to display those cheery flames:

"Enjoy the awesome ambiance of a crackling fireplace in your living room. With realistic smoldering embers and flickering flames it sets the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening."

It's supposed to include both the sights and sounds of a true fireplace.  At $5--or 400 "points"--it's cheaper than the Fireplace DVDs on sale at Amazon.  Of course, you do need to be an Xbox owner to take advantage of it!

If you want to see a demo of the screensaver in action, check out the video.

Pipe Sham Pretties up Your Wood Stove Pipe

I usually prefer the look of fireplace inserts to stand-alone stoves, because after all who wants a big pipe going up into the wall?  Hanging a picture on it isn't exactly going to hide it, and that would probably be a fire hazard anyway.  But I finally stumbled across something that could improve the looks of that large piece of metal: a pipe sham.

The "botanical pipe shame" is made from wrought iron and features swirling leaves and vines.  Sure, you can still see the stove pipe underneath the sham, but I do believe the overall look is an improvement.

The pipe shams are available in 6", 9", 12", 24", or 90° elbow sections, so you can piece together sections to fit your pipe just right.

Prices for sections start at $46 at Iron Accents (you'll doubtlessly need a few pieces to cover your entire pipe).

Lavender Firestarters Make Your Home Smell Good for the Holidays

If you'd like to add an aromatic touch to your home for the holiday season, then you could do so with your fireplace.  Just use these dried lavender bundles to start your next fire, and their cozy scent will fill the room.

"Though useful as fire starters, these bundles are pretty enough to display as on-the-stem potpourri. Fragrant lavender and applewood are wrapped with cedar and laurel leaves in handmade paper with raffia ties."

They are harvested and assembled by a small family business in Oregon.  The fire starter bundles could make a fun gift, or use them yourself!

A set of three costs $25 at Plow & Hearth.

Deer Antler Fireplace Tools for the Rustic Home

If you've got a rustic home or cabin in the woods with a lodge-style fireplace, plain old fireplace tools just won't do.  You need something that fits in with that rustic theme.  Something made with antlers perhaps...

These deer antler fireplace tools obviously aren't entirely made from antlers, but the handles are.  (And, yes, the creator says those are real antlers.)

Beneath the handles are solid wrought iron tools, and an iron stand is also included. 

$109 from Etsy artist RusticStyle.

Tiki Table Top Fire Urn Makes for Backyard

You could argue that nobody needs a tabletop tiki-style fire urn, but doesn't it look fun?

"This great looking Tiki is actually a fire urn. It can sit on a table or just about anywhere in the yard. What a great way to add decoration with our with out the flame."

The tiki fire urn is made from CastLite Stone, which makes it heavy enough to stay on its table or post, even on a windy day. The flames are powered by gas (a 1 lb propane tank hidden inside the tiki body), so you don't have to mess with lamp oil. Also, you can even stick a marshmallow on a stick and roast over this puppy.

$110 from Yardiac:

Tiki Table Top Fire Urn

Conical Patio Burner, a Classy Alternative to the Tiki Torch

If you're looking for a way to extend the outdoor entertaining season (just because summer is almost over doesn't mean the backyard parties have to end!), then you may want a way to heat up the patio, deck, or pool area. Patio heaters are an option but they aren't nearly as cool looking as torches with flames.

For a classy way to light up your yard--and add a few warm spots for guests to stand around--check out these "conical patio burners" from the folks at Sun Jel.

The burners use jel fuel, so there's no need for venting, and they're easy to refuel. The funky torches measure 31 1/2" high by 7" in diameter, and they come with the wrought iron stands, so they can stand anywhere flat in your yard.

Indoor/Outdoor "Personal Fireplace" (yup, it's small)

If you find yourself admiring indoor and outdoor fireplaces but thinking, those are just way too big, then you may be a candidate for the Ledgerock Personal Fireplace.

"Personal" is code for small.  Itty bitty in fact. 

I'm not entirely sure as the product description over at Yardiac doesn't say, but it may in fact be a glorified candle holder.  Still, it's kind of cool.

"This charming votive can be taken anywhere. Use it outdoors underneath the umbrella on the patio table. Use it indoors as a decorative table display. Or display them around the patio for a unique way of lighting."

A mere $90 for the 11" x 6" x 15" candle holder, er, personal fireplace:

Ledgerock Personal Fireplace

A Fire Bowl That Tells a Story

If you just want to warm yourself by some flames in the backyard, any old outdoor fireplace or fire pit will do, but if you like the idea of a fire bowl that is as much a piece of art as a place to kindle some wood, then you may dig this piece.

It's called, "How Raven Gave People the Gift of Fire Story FirePit," and you can see the figures cut into the steel sides.

The story these figures tell come from a Lenape People legend on how Raven brings the gift of fire.

"In the first section, you see people huddled together for warmth, cold and unhappy under a freezing sky. If you look closely, Raven is observing this from the top of a tree just below the moon. He decides to take action.

Raven flies up to the sun and grabs fire in his beak, then flies down to give the people the gift of fire. It was the smoke and hot coal that he carried which turned hi feathers black. Upon receiving Ravens gift, the people build a roaring blaze and dance around in celebration. Civilization ensues."

It's a one-of-a-kind piece, so shop soon if you're interested.  Available for $949 at the artist's Etsy shop.

Build a Mini Firepit to Roast S'mores at Home

If you've always wanted to make S'mores at home (or just roast a marshmallow for that yummy fresh-from-the-campfire taste), then here's a "fire pit" you're sure to dig.

This homemade mini firepit isn't much bigger than a marshmallow itself, but it should do a bit of a better job than attempting to use a candle.

The mini firepit isn't a product that you can buy but something you'll have to build yourself, so get your tools ready.  Fortunately, all you'll need is some wood, bolts, nuts, and a drill and a saw.  Even I could handle a project like that!

Step-by-step directions are available from Curbly.

Outdoor Table Converts to a Fire Pit

With spring here, you may be shopping for new outdoor living products, such as furniture and fire pits.  If you're space crunched, or just like to be efficient with dual purpose pieces, then you may dig a fire pit that turns into a table and vice versa.

The Fina LP Florence Firepit has a sliding granite top cover that lets you use the unit as a table when you're not in the mood for flickering flames.  There's no messy wood or ashes involved with the fire itself, since the fire pit runs on a 20-pound liquid propane tank.

The fire pit comes with lava rock, which you can artistically arrange on top to give the fire a realistic look.  A steel frame with faux rock surface hides all the internal plumbing and wiring from view.

Available for $550 from Amazon:

Fina LP Florence Firepit