How to Make Colored Miniature Pine Cone Firestarters
Rather than relying on kindling to keep a fire burning long and hot enough for the logs to ignite, a fire starter -- a wax-coated object made from man-made or natural materials -- helps to start a fire in the grill, fireplace or campfire. Although you can purchase ready-made fire starters at the store, you also can make your own with miniature pinecones. Aside from plain pinecone fire starters, you can make colored miniature pinecone fire starters, as well. The wax coating causes the fire starter to burn more slowly, providing more time for the firewood to ignite.
Things You'll Need
- Double boiler
- Leftover colored candle pieces
- 12 miniature pinecones
- Tongs
- Wax paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
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1
Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with two inches of water. Place the pot on a burner and bring the water to a boil.
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When candles burn down, save leftover pieces for pinecone fire starters. Position the top portion of the double boiler on top of the bottom part. Drop pieces of leftover candles into the top of the double boiler, using only one color at a time, and allow the candle wax to melt. Turn the heat down to medium-low to melt the wax without bringing it to a boil.
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Miniature pinecones make convenient fire starters. Turn the heat off under the double boiler. Grasp a pinecone with tongs and dip it into the melted wax. Coat the pinecone on all sides, then hold it over the double boiler for a minute to allow excess wax to drip back into the pot.
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Put the pinecones on a wax paper-covered cooling rack. Allow the pinecone fire starters to cool until the wax hardens.
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Tips & Warnings
Add a few drops of fragrant essential oil to the melted wax to make scented fire starters.
Substitute leftover crayon pieces for the candle wax.
Store fire starters away from sources of heat to prevent the wax from melting.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
