How to Make Pinecone Firestarters

It is easy to overlook the functional use of these inconspicuous and decorative pine cone firestarters when they pop up at camp stores or craft fairs, especially if they are not labeled. But these pine cones are pretty easy to make and they work wonderfully. All you need are some old utensils, a handful of pine cones and some wax. You can add oil and fragrance to the melted wax and use them as decorative pieces. Set the pine cone firestarters in a glass vase and place them on the mantel or throw them in a basket as a centerpiece. You can also dip large quantities of pine cones and set them aside as gifts. Secure a bunch with ribbon and pass them to your friends during the holidays for a gift they will truly love.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Coffee can
• Pliers
• Stove
• Thermometer
• Wax
• Large pine cones
• Salad tongs
• Waxed paper

Instructions

1. Select large pine cones to use as the base. Working with large pine cones is much easier than trying to dip small pine cones into wax.

2. Set up a double broiler by placing a coffee can in a large pot. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate and heat the sides of the coffee can.

3. Pour 1 to 2 inches of water into the pot. Bring the water to a boil, let it simmer then try to maintain the water level as to avoid too much evaporation.

4. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water before you add the wax. Place the wax in the coffee can at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. Continue to monitor the temperature of the wax regularly with the thermometer.

5. Remove the melted wax from the heat when it is completely melted. Use pliers to move the tin can because the can will be extremely hot and can cause burns.

6. Use tongs to dip the pine cone into the wax. Be sure to lower the pine cone into the wax twice for the best coverage.

7. Remove the pine cone from the wax. Set the pine cone on the wax paper and allow it to cool. Then remove the pine cones gently from the wax paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Add dyes or fragrance oils to the wax to improve the appearance and scent of the pine cone firestarters.

• Do not use high temperatures when melting wax as this will cause the wax to scorch. Remove the wax from the burner if it begins to smoke because hot wax will ignite.

• Do not let any water get in the wax.

• Never leave any of your melting wax unattended.

• Never use pine cones that are very dry as they will likely cause sparks.