How to Make Pinecone Fire Starters

The winter months are almost upon us and that means it's almost fireplace weather! Why not make your own beautiful pinecone fire starters instead of using matches and kindling? These make great gifts and look fabulous sitting near your hearth.

How to Make Pinecone Fire Starters - Materials Needed

The first thing you'll need to make pinecone fire starters is, of course, the pinecones. These can be purchased or gathered. If you gather them yourself, you'll need to bake them at 200 degrees F for about twenty five minutes to kill any insects or larvae that may inhabit them.

The other materials you will need to make pinecone fire starters are candle wax, a saucepan, a tin can, pliers, salad tongs and waxed paper. Optional ingredients to make pinecone fire starters include candle dyes and candle fragrance oils. These aren't necessary but add to the beauty and appeal of the pinecone fire starters.

How to Make Pinecone Fire Starters - Step #1

The first step to make pinecone fire starters is to melt the candle wax. Place enough water in the saucepan to heat the sides of a tin can. Heat the water on low heat. Place the wax in the tin can and put the tin can in the saucepan.

The wax will slowly begin to melt but shouldn't be allowed to smoke. If it begins to smoke immediately remove it from the heat. When the wax is completely melted, carefully remove the tin can from the hot water with the pliers. Be very careful as the wax and tin can will be VERY hot.

If you desire, now is the time to add the candle dyes and the candle fragrance to the hot wax. As stated before, this isn't necessary but it will add to the beauty of the pinecone fire starters. A pine scent is a good fragrance choice as it will enhance the aroma when the pinecone fire starters begin to burn.

How to Make Pinecone Fire Starters - Step #2

The second and final step to make pinecone fire starters is to dip the pinecones in the hot wax using the salad tongs. Hold them upside down while dipping and dip each pinecone into the wax twice to ensure an adequate coating.

Once they've been dipped twice, remove the pinecones from the wax. Place them on waxed paper to cool thoroughly. After they are completely dry, the pinecone fire starters are ready to use. Arrange them in a wood box or basket near the hearth.