How to Make Pine Cone Fire Starters

You can make your own fire starters with a simple method to make starting your fire easier. These fire starters can also be boxed or placed in a gift basket to be given as gifts. Using items you have around the house, you can melt the wax and hand dip the pine cones. This project is not recommended for children.

Things You'll Need

• Pine cones Paraffin, old candles or leftover burnt candles Old kettle Large metal can Candle wicking or cotton string Stove Water Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Gather the pine cones to be used for the project. If the bracts are still curled tight, they can be placed in an oven turned to low heat so they will dry and furl open to make wrapping the string easier. The cones will need to be watched so they don't singe in the oven. Place them on a disposable or aluminum foil surface for oven drying.

2. Place the kettle or pot on the stove with about two inches of water in the bottom. Add broken pieces of the old candles and/or paraffin into the can and set the can into the water. Set the heat to low and allow the wax to melt completely.

3. Place a large piece of aluminum foil onto the counter to protect it from the wax and for use in the hardening process once the pine cones have been dipped. Lace the string into the open scales of the pine cones leaving an inch at the top of the cone as a wick for burning.

4. Hold the string securely and dip it slowly into the liquid wax. Pull the dipped cone out of the melted wax and hold it over the container until it stops dripping. Set each finished pine cone on the aluminum foil to completely harden.

5. Store the finished cones in a cool place away from heat and surfaces that may become stained by the wax. Give them as a gift assembled in a gift basket or fancy container.

Tips & Warnings

• Essential oils can be used for fragrance purposes and can be found in craft stores. Make sure the metal container is taller than the largest pine cone.

• Never leave melting wax unattended. If smoke starts to arise from the wax, the heat is set too high and the wax may reach a flash point. Remove the entire set up from the flame immediately and allow it to cool.