How to Make Fire Starter

If you have a fireplace than you know what a necessity it is to have fire starter to get your logs going. Many people use kindling (small pieces of wood) to help get the fire started. There are other choices as well; you can buy a package of fire starter sold at most stores or you can make your own fire starter. This is what I am about to teach you - how you can make your own fire starter with materials you probably already have on hand.

Fire Starter #1

Materials
pine cones (any size will work)
muffin tin
paper cup liners
cotton string
inexpensive candles (discount store) or the remains of burnt candles

Directions
Melt the candles in a double boiler. (Do not place over direct heat- it could catch fire if it gets too hot). If the wicks are long enough keep them and set them aside to use instead of string. Line the muffin cups with the paper liners. Tie the wicks or string around the top of the pine cone. Then dip the cone into the wax, If using string, you need to dip the string into the wax to get a coat on it as well. Then place the cone in the paper lined muffin tin. If you have any left over wax then pour it over the cones in the tins. Let them cool completely before removing them from the tin. To use, place one or two in the fireplace and light the wick. This fire starter will burn hot and last longer than kindling. For a beautiful display option or an elegant gift for family or friends (with a fireplace), place the fire starter in a basket using potpourri as the filler. Finish by adding a pretty bow. You can even step it up a notch by painting the basket and lining it with pretty fabric.

Fire Starter #2

Materials
candles (inexpensive) or the remains of burnt candles
card board egg carton (with the top cut off)
sawdust

Directions
melt the candles in a double boiler and melt to 180 degrees F. Cover a flat surface with a plastic garbage bag. Fill each section of egg carton halfway with sawdust. Pour melted wax into egg carton slowly. Allow to cool. To use: Break off a section or two of the fire starter and place in the fireplace.

Tip: You can make your fire starter more colorful by using Epsom salts (adds blue color) and copper salts (adds green color). Copper salts can be found at garden supply stores. Just combine the 2 salts, using equal amounts. After applying the wax (while still warm), sprinkle with the salt mixture.

Not only is making your own fire starter a fun and easy thing to do, this fire starter will help to get those stubborn logs burning. By using burnt candle remains or scrap wax, fabric remnants and second hand baskets you are recycling and making a practical gift as well as a useful product.