# Sovereignty Module: Guard the Flame

## Complete Fireplace Screen and Spark Guard: From Bar to Fire Safety

Fireplace screens prevent sparks from entering the room while allowing heat to radiate. This campaign covers frame construction, mesh attachment, decorative elements, and sizing.

### Chapter 1: Fireplace Screen Types

| Type | Construction | Coverage | Portability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single panel | One flat panel | Full opening | Freestanding |
| Tri-fold | Three hinged panels | Full opening + sides | Freestanding, folds |
| Curtain mesh | Hanging mesh on rod | Full opening | Fixed mount |
| Spark guard | Low, angled panel | Hearth area | Freestanding |
| Fan screen | Decorative fan shape | Partial | Freestanding |

### Chapter 2: Frame Construction

Single panel frame: 1) Frame material: 1/2 x 1 inch flat bar or 1/2 inch square bar. 2) Measure fireplace opening: width and height. 3) Frame size: 2-4 inches larger than opening on each side. 4) Cut four frame pieces (top, bottom, two sides). 5) Forge decorative elements on frame (scrolls, twists). 6) Join corners: forge weld, rivet, or mortise and tenon. 7) Corners must be square and rigid. 8) Forge feet at bottom (stability, 4-6 inches deep).

| Dimension | Small Fireplace | Medium Fireplace | Large Fireplace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening width | 28-32 inches | 34-40 inches | 42-50 inches |
| Opening height | 24-28 inches | 28-32 inches | 32-38 inches |
| Frame width | 32-36 inches | 38-44 inches | 46-54 inches |
| Frame height | 28-32 inches | 32-36 inches | 36-42 inches |
| Foot depth | 4-5 inches | 5-6 inches | 6-8 inches |

### Chapter 3: Mesh Attachment

| Mesh Type | Material | Opening Size | Spark Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woven wire mesh | Steel wire | 1/4 inch | Excellent |
| Expanded metal | Sheet steel | 1/4-1/2 inch | Good |
| Chain mail | Steel rings | 1/4 inch | Excellent |
| Perforated sheet | Sheet steel | 1/4 inch holes | Excellent |

Wire mesh attachment: 1) Cut mesh to frame interior dimensions. 2) Overlap mesh onto frame by 1/2 inch. 3) Secure with small clips or rivets every 2-3 inches. 4) Or forge a channel in the frame to receive mesh edge. 5) Mesh must be taut (no sagging). 6) Mesh must withstand heat without warping.

### Chapter 4: Tri-Fold Screen

Tri-fold construction: 1) Three separate frames (center panel + two side panels). 2) Center panel: sized to cover fireplace opening. 3) Side panels: 8-12 inches wide each. 4) Connect panels with hinges (forged pin hinges). 5) Hinges allow panels to fold flat for storage. 6) Side panels angle forward (stability without feet). 7) Or add feet to center panel for extra stability.

| Panel | Width | Height | Mesh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center | Full opening width | Full opening height | Yes |
| Left side | 8-12 inches | Same as center | Yes |
| Right side | 8-12 inches | Same as center | Yes |

### Chapter 5: Decorative Elements

| Element | Location | Method | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrollwork | Frame top, corners | Forge and weld | Elegant, traditional |
| Twisted bars | Frame sides | Twist square bar | Textured, dynamic |
| Leaf motifs | Frame top | Forge from flat stock | Natural, organic |
| Finials | Frame top corners | Forge ball, acorn, or flame | Finished, polished |
| Monogram | Center top | Cut and weld letters | Personal, custom |

### Reference Card

1. The screen must cover the entire fireplace opening (a screen that is too small allows sparks to escape around the edges; size the frame 2-4 inches larger than the opening on each side). 2. Mesh opening must be small enough to stop sparks (1/4 inch mesh opening stops all but the smallest sparks; larger openings allow dangerous embers to pass through). 3. The screen must be stable (a screen that falls into the fire is worse than no screen at all; feet must be deep enough and heavy enough to prevent tipping). 4. Heat-resistant materials only (the screen sits inches from an open fire; all materials must withstand sustained heat without warping, melting, or releasing toxic fumes). 5. The tri-fold design is the most versatile (three hinged panels fold flat for storage, adjust to different fireplace widths, and stand without feet; it is the most practical design for most homes). 6. Forge scale is the best finish (the screen is exposed to heat that burns off paint and wax; the natural forge scale is heat-resistant and develops a beautiful patina over time). 7. The fireplace screen is a safety essential (an unscreened fire throws sparks onto carpets, furniture, and people; the screen is not optional, it is a critical safety device). 8. A decorative screen is the room's focal point (the fireplace is often the visual center of a room; a beautifully forged screen with scrollwork and decorative elements becomes a work of art that enhances the entire space).