How to Make Cool Firestarters

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By stephrenay
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Make firestarters from pinecones

These instructions will teach you to make really cool firestarters for your fireplace.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pinecones
Candle Wax
Sawdust
Double boiler
Table Salt
No-Salt Substitute
Borax
Wax Paper or Plastic Wrap
Tongs (optional)
Glitter (optional)

Step 1

First, collect as many pinecones as you would like to make your firestarters with. It doesn't really matter what type of pinecones you use for this, but I personally like the more open type of cone. Finding the cones would be a fun family project to do with your kids.

As for the candle wax, you can find this at most craft stores. You could also use your old leftover candles. Grate the candle wax with a grater you don't plan to use for food ever again. A coarse texture is good.

Next, fill a pot with water, and bring to a boil. After it comes to a boil, lower heat to keep it simmering. If you don't have a double boiler, then you can use a glass or metal bowl to put over the simmering pot. Make sure you don't run out of water, or you could permanently damage your pot.

Add your grated wax. When the wax is completely melted, you can get ready to start dipping your pinecones.
Step 2

To get the cones ready to be dipped, you need a baking pan lined with wax-paper or plastic wrap, to set them on after you dip.

For this next step you will need 3 bowls. Add your sawdust to each bowl, then add your additives to each separate bowl (salt, salt-substitute, and borax), mix thoroughly.

Each additive makes a different color when it burns. The borax makes a greenish color. The salt-substitute a purple/violet color. And the table salt a yellow color.
Step 3

To dip: First, carefully holding the stem of the cone, dip into the melted wax, then into sawdust mixture. Set onto the lined baking pan. If the pinecone does not have a stem that you can hold onto, then use tongs. Continue on until there's no more cones.

After your dipped pinecones are completely cool, you can start using them. They are really fun and cool to watch, and they make great housewarming gifts. Be safe and enjoy the colors!!