FIreplace Gingerbread House

Everything is edible on this fireplace!

Every year we go to my mom’s house and enjoy the family tradition of making gingerbread houses. This year my husband was able to join us (yeah!) so we wanted to make something fun and unique. Looking for some inspiration, we decided to go to our Christmas tree filled with ornaments. We were looking for something that wouldn’t be too complicated to make out of gingerbread, but still be fun and relevant to our lives at this time.

My husband spotted a fireplace with a snoopy hanging in the stalking…. and since we have a fireplace website (TheMasterFirePlace.com), that became our inspiration. Next, we had to figure out what kind of candy to bring to mom’s to make our fireplace come to life. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars and Hershey’s Cookies n’ Creme Bars seemed the logical place to go for the brick on the front. The cookies for Santa just had to be Choco Chippers Cereal. But the rest we kind of just made up as we went.

As mom was preparing the gingerbread dough, my hubby and I were getting the candy ready to apply. I cut out a few templates and husband started breaking apart the Hershey’s bars. Once all the gingerbread was made, we glued it together with mom’s special gingerbread icing recipe that gets hard in seconds. (Very helpful when making a big “house”.)

We decided a Crunch Bar would work great for the fireback. Candy canes held together with gummy wreaths was my husband’s ingenious idea for the fireplace grate. It wasn’t a great stretch to figure out that the logs could be made by simply stacking three Three Musketeer Bars! But the fire on the logs took a little thinking, as well as a little luck. We had some leftover candy from Halloween, so we decided to bring it along, just in case. Turns out, it was the perfect color for the fire! Several Sour Patch Gummy Pumpkins were squished and stretched to achieve the realistic looking fire flames.

As for the stalkings, we squished and pressed together Swedish Fish and cut them to the correct shape. Mom’s magic icing made a perfect white fluff for the tops of the stalkings. The coal (if you can see it) is made out of chopped up bits of chocolate dusted with cocoa. The hearth is broken up pieces of Nilla Wafers interspersed with Jelly Bellies. The plate for the cookies is a Oatmeal Pie and the glass of milk is several white gummy wreaths stuck together with icing. And of course the sign “For Santa” is made of to Crunch Bars and icing.

My husband and I had a blast making this together, from coming up with the idea, to figuring out what to use for the different parts. Spending time with family and being creative at the same time…. that’s the best of both worlds!

Maybe this will serve as inspiration for your next Gingerbread House project. Happy Holidays!

Complete Your Wood-Burning Fireplace with a Fireplace Tool Set « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

Complete Your Wood-Burning Fireplace with a Fireplace Tool Set

A beautiful addition to your fireplace.

If you are one of the lucky people to own a real wood burning fireplace, you know that you also have to keep it clean to keep it functioning great. You could use a regular household broom and pan to clean out those ashes, but wouldn’t it be so much nicer to use something made for the job?

Fireplace tool sets have special features that make cleaning out your fireplace easier, such as sturdy iron construction and heat-resistant brushes. The brush is sized to fit easily into the firebox and the pan is the correct size for the brush, making sweeping the ashes and disposing of them a simple project rather than a messy one.

Another bonus feature of a fireplace tool set is that it can add to the style and beauty of your fireplace and home decor. There are so many designs to choose from, you are sure to find one that fits your needs perfectly. You can even find some that have matching fireplace screens and log holders to complete the look.

Come see our expansive selection of fireplace tool sets and enjoy using your own practical and stylish tools.

Add an Outdoor Fireplace for that Special Touch

Gather around and visit with loved ones!

Summers are great for outdoor parties and family get-togethers. You can make these special times even more memorable with an eye-catching outdoor fireplace. They add a little something extra to your gathering. Make some yummy ‘smores with roasted marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers and keep the party going even after sun-down as you sit around the inviting fire.

Come see our great selection of outdoor fireplaces and start a family tradition this summer!

Use a Fireback to Accent Your Fireplace in the Summer « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

Use a Fireback to Accent Your Fireplace in the Summer

Add this beauty to your fireplace today!

We all know that fireplaces don’t get much use in the summer. But that doesn’t mean they need to be completely neglected. This is valuable real estate in your home, so you should get the most use out of it as you can. If you are neglecting your fireplace in the summer simply because it is too hot to burn a fire, think again. Tap into the beauty of decorating your fireplace during the hotter months of the year.

One great idea for decorating your fireplace is to add a fireback. These fireplace accessories are not only decorative, but also practical. During the summer, they can add a special interest to your fireplace. Then, in the winter, when you are actually burning fire for heat, they will add to the efficiency of your fire by absorbing and deflecting the heat back into your room, even after the fire is burnt out.

Consider adding a fireback to your fireplace, and enjoy its beauty year round!

Fireplace Candelabra – A Great Summer Solution for Your Fireplace « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

Fireplace Candelabra – A Great Summer Solution for Your Fireplace

Add the beauty of a fire without the heat!

Don’t know what to do with your fireplace during the hot summer months? How about cleaning it out and replacing the fireplace grate with a beautiful and decorative fireplace candelabra? These candelabra are designed specifically for placing in your fireplace to add a special touch to your hearth while it is too hot to burn wood. You can light a few candles and still get that romantic glow without the heat of a fire.

Try one out today, and let the beauty of your fireplace shine throughout the year!

Your Fireplace Tool Set Can Do Double Duty « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

Your Fireplace Tool Set Can Do Double Duty

Store your tools and your firewood in one place.

If you are one of the lucky homeowners to have a fireplace, but you don’t have the luxury of tons of space, here’s a great solution for you.

UniFlame makes a combination fireplace tool set/firewood rack/newspaper rack called the 5 Piece Antique Copper Wrought Iron Square Fireplace Tool Set w/Shelves. The space-saving design has plenty of room for small pieces of kindling, rolled up newspapers and even larger pieces of firewood. With sturdy wrought iron construction and a beautiful antique copper finish, the set includes a poker, a natural fiber brush, a shovel, a log grabber and of course the rack with three shelves. So if you are short on space, and need something that will serve two or more functions at once, this fireplace tool set is the way to go. Find your favorite fireplace tools at TheMasterFirePlace.com.

Who Says You Have to Measure for a Fireplace Candelabra? « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

Who Says You Have to Measure for a Fireplace Candelabra?

This Fireplace Candelabra does the measuring for you!

Fireplace candelabra create a great summer look for your fireplace. They are easy to display and easy to customize to match your home decor.

Normally you need to be sure to measure your firebox before you purchase a fireplace candelabra to ensure that it will fit. But Adams Company has a model that is worry free when in comes to measurements. The Chain Link Fireplace Candelabra has a unique design that allows you to collapse and expand it to fit your fireplace like a glove.

It can be expanded to as wide as 50″ or back down to as little as 19″. You can arrange the 11″ tall candle holders to sit exactly where you want them. Each candle holder is a generous 4″ in diameter to securely hold your choice of candles, whether they are votive, ball or pillar. You will h

ave no worries about durability either, because this beautiful matte black, powder-coated fireplace candelabra is constructed of solid steel.

Don’t forget to add your own personal touch. Find some fun and easy hints here: Five Fun and Easy Ways to Make Your Fireplace Candelabra Patriotic or 10 Decorating Tricks For Your Fireplace Candelabra.

How to Make Your Fireplace Patriotic with a Fireback « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

How to Make Your Fireplace Patriotic with a Fireback

Display your Patriotism with this American Flag Fireback

The Fourth of July is coming soon! I can’t wait for all those awesome fireworks as we remember what it took to obtain our sacred freedom. If you want to display some patriotism indoors fireworks may be a little bit messy. How about a fireback instead? The American Flag Fireback from Adams Company is a perfect addition to your fireplace that will add a little patriotic flare. Order one today and proudly display it in your fireplace this July.

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Enjoy the Evening Outdoors with a Fire Pit

Another gorgeous day spent in the sun playing with your kids or doing yard work, and you are ready to relax. So why not start up your fire pit as the heat of the day begins to cool off. Then sit back with a nice cold beverage and watch the sun set. Break out the graham crackers, Hershey's and roast some marshmallows over the fire pit to make some yummy s'mores! What a great way to end a beautiful summer day!

Fire Sense Cast Iron Rim Stone Finish Fire Pit

Make Your Backyard a Paradise with the Fire Sense Cast Iron Rim Stone Finish Fire Pit

Gather around this inviting fire pit.

Want to create a special getaway in your backyard? Try the Fire Sense Cast Iron Rim Stone Finish Fire Pit, a round fire pit table that has a beautiful stone "paver" finish on the rim.
This contemporary fire pit with cover comes complete with a dome fire screen with high heat paint and a wood grate. Also included is a handy screen lift tool.
Round fire pits like this one are great for gathering and visiting with your friends and family beside an inviting pit fire.

Ash Vacuums - August West TurboSweeper

Ash Vacuums - August West TurboSweeper

August West TurboSweeper

Vacuum up all your soot and ashes with this professional ash vacuum. It won't leave any dust behind because of its double filtration system, which can capture microscopically fine dust and particles as fine as 5 microns!
This ash vacuum is build to last with a dent and rust proof body and an internal system engineered to take constant daily abuse.
This vacuum will save you the time it takes to clean out your fireplace with a traditional tool set, as well as the time it takes to dust your entire house afterward!

Ash Bucket - Large Black Pellet Scuttle

Ash Bucket - Large Black Pellet Scuttle

Pellet Scuttle a.k.a. Flower Vase

This black coal hod may seem like an everyday ordinary bucket, but think again. It can be used as a coal bucket, or pellet scuttle, as its name suggests, but can’t you just picture a bouquet of bright and happy sunflowers sitting in it on your front porch? I love the idea of using this and other fireplace accessories as home decor and not just as practical tools for your fireplace. If you aren’t particularly found of black, check out some other coal buckets with different finishes, such as brass, copper or pewter.

Ash Buckets – 10 Creative Uses for this Practical Fireplace Tool « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

Ash Buckets – 10 Creative Uses for this Practical Fireplace Tool « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

Coal buckets, ash containers, coal hods, call them what you will, but they are very useful fireplace tools. They can be used for many things other than their namesake, though. Here is a list of ten creative ideas about how to use your ash bucket.

Read more....>>

Ash Bucket - Container & Shovel Set

Ash Bucket - Container & Shovel Set

Imperial Manufacturing makes an Ash Container and Shovel Set which features a double bottom to keep warm ashes and coals from damaging floors and carpeting. It's great for storing kindling, firewood, or for storing warm ashes until they cool down enough to dispose of. The set comes in 4 designer finishes, so pick the one that matches your home decor.

Ash Shovel - 24" Koal Keeper

Ash Shovel - 24" Koal Keeper

Simplify your fire maintenance with the Koal Keeper. The Koal Keeper will save you time and money by reducing the need for expensive fire starting products. Using the Koal Keeper will enable you to quickly, cleanly and effectively sift the remains of a fire and recover the live embers from the ash. The live embers are then used to rekindle the fire without having to start over from scratch. You can keep your fire going indefinitely without relighting and improve your fire safety by keeping the hot embers out of the ash bucket.

Fireplace Candelabra - Chain Link Fireplace Candelabra

Fireplace Candelabra - Chain Link Fireplace Candelabra

The Chain Link candelabra offers a nifty design that actually pivots, allowing you to choose the candle positioning and width that suits your needs. Adjusts to your opening expanding from 19" widths to 50" widths and 11" high.

Gel Fireplaces - Milan Plasma Gel Fuel Wall Fireplace

Gel Fireplaces - Milan Plasma Gel Fuel Wall Fireplace

The Milan Wall Mount Gel Fireplace will add a delightful fireplace experience to any space. This beautiful wall art doubles as a fireplace and is perfect for small spaces such as apartments, condos, bedrooms, patios, etc. because it saves precious floor space for other uses. Make a bold statement for your clients by hanging one in your office!

UniFlame Antique Copper Large Conical Gel Fire Bowl « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

UniFlame Antique Copper Large Conical Gel Fire Bowl

The UniFlame Antique Copper Large Conical Gel Fireplace Bowl can be placed anywhere, either indoors or outdoors for some style and artistic flare. The beautiful antique copper finish on this gel fire bowl has an attractive appeal during the day or night.

10 Decorating Tricks for Your Fireplace Candelabra « TheMasterFirePlace's Blog

Enjoying the fresh spring air and the lovely aromas of new green grass and budding blossoms, your fireplace is probably the last thing on your mind. You’ve finished spring cleaning your fireplace and are ready to put aside all your unused firewood for the year. But remember that your fireplace doesn’t have to be forgotten during this warm time of the year. It can still be the focal point of your home and home décor.

How can you use your fireplace without the heat of a fire? A fireplace candelabrum is a quick and easy way to bring some warmth and style to your fireplace without that heat. You could simply purchase one and place it in your fireplace as is. But did you know that there are ways to make fireplace candelabra even more unique and styled specifically for your home? Here are ten great tricks for decorating your fireplace candelabra.

1. Use Fabric to Decorate Your Fireplace Candelabra – Having fireplace candelabra lit in your fireplace can create a warm glow and an inviting flicker, but you will not always have your candles lit. So during the times when you do not, you can add a little color using fabric. Find a color and design that matches the rest of your home décor, and purchase a small amount; about a yard should be plenty. Simply wrap the fabric around and in and out of the spindles of the candelabrum. Let some of the fabric bunch and billow out at random intervals. Tuck in the ends and edges and you quickly have a beautiful centerpiece. Replace the candles, but remember to remove the fabric before lighting them.
2. Use Different Candle Colors for Different Occasions – Decorating for a specific occasion or holiday? Don’t forget to change the color of your candles in your fireplace candelabra! This is such an easy trick, but it is very effective. Think about the colors normally associated for the season, such as light greens and pinks for the spring, or red, white and blue for the Fourth of July.
   
3. Use Different Sizes of Candles for a Designer Look – You can give your fireplace candelabra a professional designer look by simply changing the size and shape of your candles. Think about using several sizes of column candles at the same time. Or you can use a few globe candles in the front and some column candles in the back. Tea light candles work well with fireplace candelabra that do not have center pins. Experiment with them and see what looks good to you.
4. Take Your Fireplace Candelabra Outside – Candelabra made for your fireplace are usually pretty sturdy. They are generally made out of wrought-iron or some other very durable material. This makes them ideal for use outside. Try using your fireplace candelabra as a centerpiece on your patio table. If you have a long picnic table, you can use a candelabrum that is designed for a smaller fireplace. How about using a couple candelabra to decorate either side of your front door, or back door? If you are worried about your candles blowing out from gusts of wind, you can use votive candles surrounded by glass, but your candelabra cannot have center pins for this to work.
5. Put Your Fireplace Candelabra on Your Mantel – For those of us who have gas or electric fireplaces, and do not wish to remove the fake logs during the warm season, consider placing a candelabrum or two on your mantel. This is actually a very classic way of decorating your fireplace. Use fireplace candelabra that are made for smaller fireplaces or zero clearance fireplaces.
6. Put Your Fireplace Candelabra on Your Hearth – If you do not have a mantel, you can place your fireplace candelabra on your hearth just as easily. Be sure to add a little greenery in the spring, maybe a sting of fall leaves in the autumn and some pine needles and cones in the winter for an added special touch.
7. Use Your Fireplace Candelabra as a Dining Room Table Centerpiece – What if you do not own a fireplace? You can still find great uses for these versatile home décor items. They work great as a centerpiece on your dining room table. Just place some elegant tapered candles on them and add a few sprigs of greenery and you have a beautiful centerpiece in minutes that looks like it took hours to create. This is also a great way to use your fireplace candelabra during the winter months when you are actually using your fireplace for a warm fire.
8. Create Ambiance With Scented Candles – To create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your home, you can add lavender or vanilla scented candles to your fireplace candelabra. If you want a romantic mood, try a little sandalwood or jasmine scent. For a warm, homey feel, you could use apple and cinnamon. Virtually any mood can be enhanced by a little aromatherapy. Be creative and have fun.
9. Place a Mirror in Your Firebox to Reflect Light – This trick is one of my favorites and it is super easy. Find a mirror about the same size as the back of your firebox. This can be framed or unframed, your choice. Simply lean the mirror up against the back of your firebox and light your fireplace candelabra candles. The mirror will reflect the light from the candles and give the illusion of twice as many candles. It is a really beautiful effect.
10. Place Glass Beads Under Your Fireplace Candelabra – This trick is also simple, but has a dramatic effect. Find some glass beads at your local craft store that are the same color as your home décor. You can also use clear glass beads for a versatile option. Fill a tray with the beads and place under your fireplace candelabra. Scatter a few beads around the tray to hide the edges of the tray. The beads will reflect the light from your candles into millions of flickering points of interest. Be creative with this. Use colored beads for a special holiday, or use red beads for a romantic evening. The possibilities are limitless.

These ideas are meant to give you a taste of the creativeness you can use to decorate your fireplace. Have some fun brain-storming and thinking up new ways to use your fireplace candelabra. Remember to be safe and remove your flammable decorations before lighting your candles.

Go for it today! Let your creative juices flow. Find your favorite fireplace candelabra and a few decorative additions and you are ready to make your fireplace uniquely yours!

Ash Bucket - 14" Coal Hod Copper Powdercoat

Ash Bucket - 14" Coal Hod Copper Powdercoat

Using the proper tools for cleaning your fireplace or for adding fuel to your fireplace make this necessary work much easier. The Adams 14 inch Coal Hod with Copper Powdercoat is a beautiful addition to your fireplace tools and hearth products. Use this coal hod with ease by utilizing its double handles - one on top and one on the side. Then when you are done using it, return it to the hearth to proudly display it as one of your fireplace accessories.

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Fireplace Candelabra – Home Decor for Your Fireplace

The 9 Candle Fireplace Candelabra in Black Wrought Iron has an attractive design that features beautiful scrollwork at its base and cups to hold 9 three-inch candles. Candelabras are a great decorative accent to add to any hearth and home decor. They are great for adding a special romantic glow without the extra heat of a fire. Using aromatherapy candles is a great idea to add to the relaxation you enjoy in front of your fireplace. Candle holders measure 3-1/2″ Diameter. Use a candle color that matches perfectly with your home decor and style. Remember to use several different heights of candles to create a designer look. Candles shown are not included.

TheMasterFirePlace.com sells this and other fireplace candelabra. Keep your fireplace the focal point of your home throughout the year. Choose your favorite and decorate your fireplace today!

The MasterFirePlace.com Newsletter Coming Soon!

TheMasterFirePlace.com is pleased to announce that we will be starting a monthly newsletter. We plan to send this newsletter out to all of our current customers as well as some other contacts we have received. If anyone is not interested in receiving these monthly newsletters, they can easily unsubscribe by clicking the “Unsubscribe” button at the bottom of the newsletter.
Each newsletter will include interesting tips and information about fireplaces. We will also be providing coupon codes for featured products each month. Articles about specific products or about fireplaces in general will be included in each newsletter. We hope our customers have fun reading and are able to take advantage of the money-saving coupons!
Anyone interested in subscribing to these newsletters may do so here. Happy reading!