And so the summer of pyromania commenced. The first step in making something is often that of building its prototype. Here Nate is testing the flame effect head we planned to use for the torch project.

Size does matter, apparently.

But pretty much any flame is a good flame.

Nate pulled various materials together from the shop to build the prototype. Sort of like that scene in Cinderella when the fairy godmother starts gathering goodies.

And sure enough...an adorable little vortex of fire popped right up!

Nate exhibits the Vanna hand.

Not satisfied with that, we moved onto the next iteration using an off-the-shelf fan from Home Depot.

Nate patiently coaches the fire.

WOW.