Simulating Candle/Lantern Flames

Ok Let me try this thread again. I have a box. It has AC power going into it. It has frosted glass. Inside this box I want to put a nice light, something like an old-time candle or lantern. Does any one have any circuit examples or suggestions on how I should and what kind of lights I should put in this box to make it a nice mood piece?

I don’t know if this is the sort of thing that you’re looking for, but the hands-down best way to safely mimic real flames is with a light souce, a blower (a fan usually) and a few strips of light, whispy fabric. The light and/or the fabric should be colored red and/or amber. The blower and light source (both hidden for best effect) are positioned under the fabric, which flickers upward. The effect is utterly stunning and unbelievably convincing if done right.

Maybe you could rig up the above arrangement in your box. I suspect that the only real problem would be that the fabric “flame” would be too flickery to represent a real enclosed candle/lantern.

We want to do something similar with a fireplace that needs repair. I do stained glass, so we were thinking of using a combination of colored glass thick enough that the light behind wouldn’t be obvious. We’re going to start out with twinkling Christmas lights.
I’m not quite seeing your light, do you have a picture? How big is it?
I have a light box that I use when cutting glass. It has a small fluorescent lamp and angled mirrors to diffuse the light. Would something like that be an option? The light box is only 2 or 3 inches deep thelighted area is 8.5"X11"
I’d like to know what you finally come up with. The Christmas light thing is my husband’s idea… I think we may need more options. :slight_smile:

I would use something like this with a standard socket.

Meh that’s not the link I meant to post, here’s another.

Anyway if you search froogle.com for “flicker bulb” you’ll get lot’s of results.

For the Fireplace I suggest this link:
http://wolfstone.halloweenhost.com/TechBase/flktch_FlickerTechniques.html

I have some of the flicker bulbs mentioned, they are too neon-orangey for me.