thinkinlikegavroche Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I am super excited! My fireplace, which I based off of a tutorial on this forum, turned out AWESOME!!! Thank you, Tracy (Minis On The Edge)! The only things I changed on the fireplace were: Instead of paper clay, I used "Toothpaste Putty" made from toothpaste, white glue, water, and cornstarch. I hand colored my stones with markers and then wiped over them with black, brown, and reddish oil paint on Q-tips and paper towels. Also, I used foam and cardboard layers glued together for the frame. My flickering "fire" is made from part of a battery operated candle tea light, 2 for a dollar at the local dollar store. You just pry off the outside of the candle, and use a dremel to cut off the excess plastic around the lighting unit. Then, mix coffee grinds in with the toothpaste putty and apply it all around the light. (For ashes.) After it dries, glue on the logs and dot the whole thing with black paint. If desired, color the bulb red with a marker. DO NOT glue the candle/log/ashes piece into the fireplace. You want it to be a removable unit so that you can replace the battery. Here's a video: http://www.facebook.com/v/10150137425666736 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chellebelle Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 Thanks for sharing, you did a great job! I've never heard of toothpaste putty, what's the recipe? Clever idea to use the candle tea light, I'll have to remember that tip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris P. Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 Way cool, Toni! I had seen Tracy's tutorial on building a fireplace before, but hadn't tried it yet as my house came with a great fireplace and I didn't need to build one from scratch. Yours looks fabulous! Tracy has some other great tutorials, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinkinlikegavroche Posted March 31, 2011 Author Share Posted March 31, 2011 I don't have the recipe on hand, but the following recipe is another I've used and is pretty much the same, except the other calls for much larger amounts. Just multiply it for the fireplace: Toothpaste Putty Ingredients: •1 tablespoon glue •2 tablespoons cornstarch •1/2 tablespoon water •1/2 tablespoon toothpaste (NOT GEL) •1-2 drops of food coloring (optional) Directions: Mix glue, cornstarch, food coloring and toothpaste together in a small bowl. Add water and stir until the mixture turns into a clump of putty. Toothpaste putty must be used quickly. If you are working on a project, put the putty you aren't using in a damp tupperware container or plastic bag. It will begin to harden in 25 minutes and will be completely dried in 24 hours. If you are covering a surface, use a rolling pin to roll out sheets like pie crust. The finished product can be drawn on, painted, sanded, drilled, or carved. Items can be glazed with nail polish to give them a pottery/porcelain look. (If you have issues with the consistancy, just add water or cornstarch as needed. Also, dusting your hands/surfaces with cornstarch helps with stickiness. I kept a glass of water and paintbrush nearby, especially when drawing in the mortar lines. I used a thin piece of wire for drawing the lines in and painted over with water as needed. Just don't use too much water: your putty with literally melt!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chellebelle Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 thanks for recipe! Looks like I'll be raiding the pantry and bathroom cabinet tonight, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minis On The Edge Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 You did a Fantastic Job on this Toni and Thank You so much for sharing the pictures and letting me know that my tutorial inspired you to create this! I have heard of Cold Porcelain but never the toothpaste Putty so Thanks for sharing that also!! Your Fireplace turned out Wonderfully!! :idea: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennywren Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 This looks great :idea: I really like the dark colors you used. Thanks for sharing, I've never heard of toothpaste putty either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreativitea75 Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 How awesome is that?! What a great job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerriMagic Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Wow, nice job on the fireplace! I like it's rustic character. Toothpaste putty? That's a new one on me too, but it looks like you've had fabulous results with it! I'm going to have to try that out for myself! GREAT JOB! WOOT! :idea: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alamom Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Your fireplace looks wonderful! Great Job!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angieaug Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Very realistic looking fireplace. I'll have to remember the battery-operated light next time I make a glowing fireplace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyD Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 wow!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinkinlikegavroche Posted April 1, 2011 Author Share Posted April 1, 2011 Thanks everybody! Let me know if any of you make anything cool with toothpaste putty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskerfan Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Wow, that is awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefanib123 Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 WOW, nice! Thank you so much for posting the recipe. I'm going to try it tonight, and I'll post my results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tercon Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 This is so cool. thanks for the recipe. I can't wait to get to my fireplace stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaC Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 I used toothpase for grout on a little table but it didn't work with not putting those other ingredients in. I needed grout for a RL porch floor so I just bought it. You did a great job... LindaC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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