Learn How to Make Pinecone Firestarters
#TBCCraftersHop #Craft #Winter
So it’s the end of January and still we have seen no snow. What is up with this weather? The rest of the country is blanketed and us here in the White Mountains are getting sick of the sun!! I know to everyone in other parts of the country, you’re laughing, wishing you had some. I’m just a bit worried about the fire season without the water this winter. Seems a bit too dry, you know?
Even though, there’s no snow, the nights have been getting chilly. We’ve been having a fire in our wood stove almost every night. Our son is getting tired of stocking and chopping the wood, but we’ve told him that he’s not having to shovel the snow, so stop whinin’!! ha/ha I saw something like this on the My Own Labels website and thought I would try it out for myself.
Please be sure to comment and share this #TBCCrafters craft, I hope you like it!!
Learn how to make some pinecone firestarters for your #home #craft #DIY Share on X
- White Beeswax
- Small to Medium Pinecones (Cleaned & Dry)
- Candle Wick Material
- Wax Melting Equipment
- Wax Paper
- Tongs
- Aluminum Foil
- & Time!
Instructions:
I began by heading out to the back yard and picking up some pine cones that were laying around. If you don’t have any laying around, you can purchase ones (without fragrance at hobby stores). Living in the mountains, we have plenty – so no shopping for me!!
Next, make sure you clean your pinecones well (if from outside) and inspect them for critters, etc.
Once you have them all cleaned up, washed & dried completely, you can begin the next steps. I have a candle maker, and put that in another pot of water to make a double boiler type tool. If you have a double boiler that isn’t usable for cooking any longer, this would work – or even a small tinfoil pan over another pot. Whatever works for you, just be sure to have it kind of low and wait until completely melted. You don’t want it too high, or you’ll burn it. Using your temp gauge, be sure to not let it get about 240 degrees F.
Now, while you’re waiting for that to melt, you can start on the rest of the project. Begin by trimming pieces of the wick material to about 18″ or so, depending on the size of your pinecones.
After you have cut the desired amount that you need for all of the cones you’re using, being by starting at the top, leaving about 1″ of wick, then wrap it down and around the cone tightly. Be sure to insert the end someone where it’s not sticking out.
When you have them all wrapped and ready to go, you can begin getting ready to dip them. I used a pair of metal tongs to make it easier and just wrapped them up in aluminum foil to keep them from getting really dirty. Easy to remove the foil after and then just wash with no problems.
When you have them wrapped and ready, you can dip each pinecone into the wax (after it’s completely melted).
Remove them from the pan after fully covered and lay them on a piece of wax paper to dry.
You’ll probably need to wait for them to dry and then dip them again. It took me only about 2 times for each to get the coating in the picture above, which is fine. It’s up to you how much you want. I’m sure there’s a too much and too little, so be careful.
Once you have them all finished, you can put them in a basket or tin and have them near the fire area to get those sticks a-burning!! Don’t have them too close, you don’t want a fire in a place it’s not supposed to be. Hope you like it! Leave me a comment and let me know what you would do different, or what you would add, etc. Be sure to tweet, pin, share, etc. – thanks!!
“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” –Revelation 20:15
All pictures and text are my own and have not been copied in any way. I, Jamie Tomkins, own and operate Tiger Strypes Blog located at www.TigerStrypes.com. From time to time you’ll hear about my real life experiences or creations with products and/or services from companies and individuals. Let it be known that I have no affiliation with these said companies, and have not received compensation for reviewing or using their service/product. The information that I give regarding the product/service is based off my own personal experience, I do not guarantee that your experience will be the same.
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I have never seen this before, but what a wonderful idea! My in-laws just built a new fireplace, I know what we’re making them next Christmas!
Thanks Scott. They are good all year, if needed! 🙂
This actually is a good idea. If you are using pine cones from outside (I love reusing/recycling). I don’t have a fireplace or a wood burning stove–but for those who do this would be a great idea.
Thanks Michele – living in the mountains, we have plenty and I love to reuse things, as well. 🙂
This is such an easy idea and so simple to use too.
Love the quote in your basket! I use to buy little fire sticks that my son would put in the fire pit at camp. He would then start his fire adding kindling and logs. This time was so special just he and I. I could create another such scenario with my grandchildren adding the steps of collecting the pine cones and then making the starters.
Gladys, that is priceless!! Having memories like that warms the heart!
Never think of making something like this. We used pinecones to help out with BBQ fire or campfire before but never think that we can prepare beforehand. This sounds interesting.
I like the idea of helping with a campfire!
Very Interesting Idea. Great way to use natural things!
Thanks Mary!
This is such a great idea and CUTE!!!
Thank you – they’d be great for gifts, too!
So pretty! I love these!!
Thank you Heidi!
I wish I had a fireplace and pinecones laying around so I could do this! I don’t know much about making candles and such, but the only thing i would do is different colors. I’m a sucker for bright colors (especially purple) and glitter!
Awesome craft tho!
Bright colored wax might be fun – you could always make them as a gift!
What a great idea! I need to find some pine cones now.
Thanks Ellen – they were fun to make!
Very cool! We don’t use our fireplace, but I think these would make great gifts for my neighbors and friends! Pinned and Tweeted!
I bet that they would love them!
What a creative idea! We have a fireplace, but we’ve been too scared to use it being unexperienced and all.
Rose, you could probably call your local fire department and have them come out to train you. Then you would feel secure and know what to do. It is so much cheaper than heating your house with a furnace!! Plus with our wood stove, I can even cook on top of it when the power is out!!
That’s a really neat idea! We use pinecones often to help with starting a fire in our fireplace. Never thought of doing this with them first.
Thank you.