Here is a quick and easy guide to crafting wax pinecone fire starters. These decorative gems not only look cool but burn for approximately five/six minutes so it makes starting your wood burner easy. With the abundance of pine cones and pine trees in the UK these fire starters are a free way to get the heat going in your wood burner – making them an ideal companion for hassle-free fire ignition.
Step 1: Gather Pinecones
- Select round pinecones, avoiding white pine varieties as they may not open up well.
- If pinecones are closed, let them dry indoors for a couple of days to facilitate opening.
Step 2: Assemble Materials
- Acquire string, a pair of scissors, and paraffin wax.
- Choose paraffin wax in a colour of your preference (optional).
- Ensure you have a pan or saucepan for melting the wax.
Step 3: Prepare Wax
- Melt the paraffin wax slowly, maintaining a medium temperature.
- Use a thermometer to gauge the wax temperature, aiming for around 80 degrees Celcius.
Step 4: String the Pinecones
- Cut a 30-40cm piece of string and start wrapping it around the pinecone, leaving a few inches above for handling.
- Ensure the string is snugly embedded into the pinecone.
Step 5: Dip in Wax
- Once the wax reaches the desired temperature, carefully dunk the pinecone into the melted wax.
- Allow excess wax to drip off and place the coated pinecone on wax paper to dry.
Step 6: Repeat Coating
- After the first coat dries, repeat the dipping process for three to four coats.
- This builds up a substantial wax layer on the pinecone.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Fire Starters
- Once dry, your pinecone fire starters are ready for action.
- Store them in a cool, dry place until needed.
- Use a variety of kindling when you light your fire, we have looked at the world’s best kindling, you should check it out!
Crafting these fire starters is not only an enjoyable project but also an excellent way to utilize free resources from nature. Whether you’re igniting a cosy indoor fire or enhancing your decor, these pinecone fire starters are sure to impress – Share your pictures or videos on our Facebook group!
