How I Make My Fire Starters

[Lostinoz]

I taught all of my kids how to make them as well. :) It is really simple and they burn for approximately 45 minutes.

Needed:

Paper cupcake baking cups
Pinecones
paraffin blocks (or old candle stubs)
dryer lint
wicks (optional, I just prefer)
sawdust or very small twigs

I line an old muffin pan with the baking cups for stability. Place dryer lint, sawdust and very small twigs in the baking cup. Melt the wax in a double boiler. I roll my pinecones in the melted wax and then stand in the baking cups. After all are filled, I pour the extra wax into the cups until full. I then place small wicks on either side of the pinecone for easy lighting. If you choose not to use wicks, you will light one of the pinecone scales to burn.

For smaller firestarters you can use the cardboard egg cartons without adding the pinecones.

[lady_banjo]

I really like your idea lostinoz. Going to make some this weekend!

[Lostinoz]

I really like your idea lostinoz. Going to make some this weekend!

Lady Banjo, I should mention that I use tongs to "roll" the pinecones in the melted wax as it is VERY hot. :D

[unswydd]

Lady Banjo, I should mention that I use tongs to "roll" the pinecones in the melted wax as it is VERY hot. :D

This is really a good idea. I bought some like this but with out all the extra. I think I might try making some of these my self. I have some old tongs that would work perfectly! This ought to be a fun project. Might have the great neices help.

[Omegaman]

I use empty cardboard egg cartons that I fill with wax melted in a double boiler. While the wax is hot I mix in saw dust and wood shavings from my table saw. I then fill up each little egg holder to the top and when the wax sets up I cut them up into 12 separate fire starters. I have made the pine cone ones and they work great but they get caught on the other stuff in my pack.

[Lostinoz]

I use empty cardboard egg cartons that I fill with wax melted in a double boiler. While the wax is hot I mix in saw dust and wood shavings from my table saw. I then fill up each little egg holder to the top and when the wax sets up I cut them up into 12 separate fire starters. I have made the pine cone ones and they work great but they get caught on the other stuff in my pack.

Omegaman, yeah, I have made the ones in the egg cartons, too and you are right, they are better for a BOB. I use the pinecone ones for when we go camping or to start a fire in the fireplace. They burn for a long time which helps if the wood is a bit green or wet. :) Plus, we have dozens upon dozens of pine trees and I had to do something with all those pinecones. :D