Sometime lighting a wood fire can be a real trail especially when you are cold and want it right away. Pinecones are great for getting a fire started. They catch the flame quickly and burn hot. Using one will get that fire going first time almost every time.
You can either purchase them from us or make them yourself. Pinecone fire starters are very easy to make and if you add some essential oils to the mix, they become natural room fresheners while they wait to be used. Also, unlike modern fire starters they contain no nasty chemicals and can be perched by the fireplace and around the house as decorations year-round and smell spectacular.
The first step is to gather pinecones. The best time in the UK is over the summer – July to August or after an autumn storm.
Allow the pinecones to dry until the are fully open and give them a few taps to make sure there are no insects inside. Alternatively, you can dry the pine condes in an oven at 120 degree for an hour which also eliminate any pests.
Materials
- Pinecones
- Candle Wick or use string, dip it in wax first and let dry
- New (or recycled old) candles or wax chips
- A double boiler (I use an old tin can for top boiler)
- Grease proof paper
- Scissors
- Essential oils (optional)
- Mini tart case or muffin tins (method 2)
If you are using old or new candles, break each candle into pieces. If you can retrieve the wick, you can reuse it on the pinecones. If not, it can be carefully fished out with a fork when the wax melts
Wrap the cord around the pinecone from the bottom to the top. Tie a knot on the top and leave at least an inch and a half on the top of each pinecone to light the pinecone. Once the pinecone is dipped the string will also have wax on it.
Place the wax in the double boiler to melt the wax. Melt the wax over medium heat. At this stage, if desired you can add some fragrance of your choice.
Method 1
Using something to grip the cord. pick the pinecone up and dunk into the molten wax. Once the pinecone is completely coated, place on greaseproof paper to dry for at least an hour.
To increase the colour, you can dip them again
Method 2
Stand the pinecones in a small mould and pour the wax over the pinecone. With this method you will have a little disc of wax at the bottom of each cone.
