Making Bamboo Tiki Torches

Tiki torches keep your tiki bar and hut lit up at night, adding to a very relaxing atmosphere. If you are having a party in the backyard or near the pool, these torches can be just as useful on their own. They can give off light and keep away bugs, and the fuel will last for hours.

Things You'll Need

• Bamboo poles Knife Sunjel gel fuel Rawhide strips Round reed

Instructions

1. Buy bamboo poles that are 5 feet long and at least 3 inches in diameter. Having more than one will add to the lighting potential and give the effect of a resort.

2. Make 1-foot vertical cuts at one end of each pole with a knife. Cut six sections about 1/4 inch apart. This is where the fuel will be placed.

3. Close the end with a 4-inch diameter of No. 1 gauge round reed. Tie the reed on the inside of each separation. This will make a stronger base to hold the fuel.

4. Take two more 4-inch diameter round reeds and cross them through the bamboo sections. Place the reed around the base and tie the ends inside the openings of the tiki torch. These reeds will help prevent slippage of the fuel. Place another reed around the top of the tiki torch and tie it.

5. Weave rawhide strips. Begin weaving an inch above the reed that is tied on the bottom of the base of the tiki torch. Weave rawhide strips through the bamboo sections. Use about 11 strips of rawhide.

6. Place the tiki torch in the ground. The hole should be about 1 foot into the ground. Set Sunjel gel fuel in the openings of the torch, then light it.

Tips & Warnings

• The Sunjel gel fuel will help keep away bugs.

Resources

• Tiki torches