DIY: Fire Logs

Do-it-yourself fire logs are a greener alternative to wood.

Curling up to a warm fireplace during the cold winter months remains a favored pastime, even with the advent of new heating technologies. The hard labor associated with chopping firewood to use in the fireplace deters many from the practice, however. Purchasing firewood or manufactured fire logs offers an alternative to chopping firewood. Do-it-yourself fire logs are a better alternative for those who prefer to save money, avoid commercially used chemicals and lessen their ecological impact. These homemade fire logs offer you a cheap, green and effective method of heating your home.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Water
• Flour
• Paintbrush
• Stacks of newspapers
• Scissors
• String or yarn
• 2 bread pans
• Coffee grounds
• Molasses
• Taper candles
• Tablespoon
• Wax paper
• Knife

Instructions

Newspaper Fire Logs

1. Mix 1 part flour and 2 parts water together in a large bowl. This creates a light, watery paste. Use enough water and flour to create a sufficient amount of the mixture to properly saturate each log.

2. Grab several pages of newspaper. Use more or less paper, depending on your desired log thickness.

3. Saturate every third or fourth page with the water mixture, using your paintbrush, so the pages stick together well.

4. Roll the newspapers tightly into a log shape. Cut three pieces of yarn or string long enough to secure around the newspapers. Tie one piece of yarn or string tightly in the center of the rolled newspapers. Tie the other two pieces of yarn or string on each opposing end of the rolled newspapers.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the remaining logs. Squeeze the excess water from the rolled and tied logs. Allow them to dry in the sun for one week before using.

Coffee Fire Logs

1. Preheat the oven to 260 degrees. Fill one bread pan with used coffee grounds. Bake for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the coffee grounds are thoroughly dry.

2. Fill the bottom of the second bread pan with molasses. Place the taper candles side-by-side lengthwise in the bread pan until the molasses is covered. Break a candle or two to cover the bottom end of the pan if your candles aren't long enough to extend the pan's length.

3. Bake the candles and molasses 25 to 30 minutes, or until the candles are thoroughly melted. Take the bread pan out of the oven. Stir the ingredients until smooth.

4. Add 5 heaping tbsps. of the dried coffee grounds to the melted candles and molasses. Stir the coffee grounds into the mixture. Allow it to cool. Tear off a piece of wax paper slightly larger than the bread pan. Press the wax paper into the bread pan to make the surface of the log smooth. Remove the wax paper.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for additional logs. Allow the logs to harden overnight or place them in the freezer for one hour. Remove each log from its bread pan with a knife or spatula.

Tips & Warnings

• Many restaurants and coffee shops give away used coffee grounds. Ask around to find them in your area.

• Use hot pads when removing bread pans from the oven.

• Practice caution when burning logs in your fireplace.

References

• I Love India: How to Make Fireplace Logs