How to Make Fireplace Newspaper Logs

Making a newspaper log is an inexpensive way to reuse old newspapers and save on your firewood costs. While it can be time consuming to roll, it's not difficult to do. You can even wrap the outside in colored paper to make a more attractive log.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• water
• paper ties
• utility knife

1. Start by laying the newspapers open and flat, folds together and downward.

2. Using a utility knife, cut down the fold to create two piles of newspaper.

3. Stack the two piles on top of each other.

4. Take the broom handle and roll across the first sheet to wrap it up.

5. Tuck the end of the next sheet behind the end on the roll. Roll up in the opposite direction.

6. Repeat until your newspaper log reaches the desired thickness.

7. Now, you'll need to secure it. Tie tightly with something nonmetal that will burn in the fire. Paper ties work well. You can also try glue.

8. Remove the broom handle. Your fireplace log is now ready for burning!

Tips & Warnings

• It's okay if the newspaper roll is not completely tight.
• In order to make longer burning logs, soak the log in water and dry completely. For a salt solution to make multi-colored flames, see the resource link below.
• Some recommend spraying a little butane on the log between layers and letting it dry to encourage flammability.

Resources

• Recipe for Making colored flames

[juliemcmurchie]

on 4/18/2009 Good tips on making newspaper fire logs.