On a cold winter day, I can’t think of anything more relaxing than a crackling fire. No one associates starting the fire with relaxation, though. Just when you think you have the flames going, you turn your back for a moment, and then pfft! All you’re left with is a wistful wisp of smoke. This is where this pinecone crafts project really come in handy. Made with wax, they burn longer than crumpled paper, so the kindling has a better chance to get going. Learn how to make pinecone firestarters for yourself or as a gift – they make a great housewarming gift for those with fireplaces!
Materials:
- Medium saucepan
- Large tin can
- 2 pounds of beeswax, paraffin or wax from old candles (mix as desired)
- Pinecones
- Candle wicking or cotton twine
- Essential oil (optional)
- Pliers
- Waxed paper
- Small heatproof containers, such as bowls, cups or dishes, one per pinecone
- Cooking spray
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1
Fill the saucepan about halfway up with water and place the tin can in it. Add the wax to the can, and place the pan on the stove over low heat. (Heating this way in a water bath will prevent combustion.) If you want to scent the wax, stir in about 2 teaspoons of your favorite essential oil once the wax is melted.
Step 2
Prepare the pinecones. Wrap the wicking or twine around the base of each cone, and tie a simple knot to secure. Cut the wick, leaving a 4-inch tail.
Step 3
Using pliers, hold a pinecone by the tip and dip it, wick and all, into the wax. Lift it out promptly. Allow excess wax to drip back into the can for a moment, and then set the cone on a piece of waxed paper. Continue with the other cones.
Tip: For a more frosted look, dip the cone a few more times, until wax has accumulated on the scales.
Step 4
Spray the containers with cooking spray. These will be the base of the fire starters. Place one cone upright in each container. Carefully pour melted wax over the cones to fill the containers to a depth of about an inch.
Step 5
Once the wax is completely cool, pick up the cones and pop them out of the containers. They should come out cleanly if the containers were greased.
Wendy says
I am trying this over the weekend … making gifts for the Holidays .
Barbara says
I’ve always been told not to use the pine cone starters if they have wax on them as it will coat the interior of your chimmney and can cause a fire. I’m surprised to see it as an article. Pine cones will burn readily without the wax.
Karen says
It was the first thing to enter my pine, the wax splattering all inside the wood stove. Not sure it’s such a good idea….if anyone tries it, can you post please?
angela says
This looks very creative, which I am not. That’s why it would be a great gift to people I know. Thanks
Carolyn W. says
Pine cones usually catch fire quickly but the wax is faster and can burn long enough to get the kindling burning well. I don’t think the wax leaves chimney residue as it burns off, but do get your chimney cleaned periodically anyway. Our small fire some years ago left a terrible mess and required repainting the entire interior.
Richard Tutkus says
Just use pinecones NO wax, pinecones work just fine and you don’t get a wax build-up in your chimney over time that could cause a chimney fire
Lori says
I agree with Barbara. No extra wax! It’s bad for your fireplace or wood stove. You can add a waxed wick which may burn longer. However, pine needles and pine cones burn quickly. I’d prefer you tie up one inch of pine needles to the bottom with a cute cotton ribbon.
N. Jones says
I had a close call !!!!The wax is very flammable, and if you get to much it will run and spread on bottom of fireplace. The wax when on fire will burn for a while. one or two pinecones to get fire started is fine but I would not put wax in fireplace. There great to decorate with, but be very cautious when adding to fireplace
Linda Rommelaere says
Also, I’d like to add that since this is the “bird” magazine, pinecones contain winter food for a lot of birds and squirrels. So I think that they should be left where they fell. Kindling works just fine to start a fire, collect pine needles works great as well!
mann says
To be safe than to be sorry later, I’ll take your advice by not using pinecones with wax on them. Thank you all for the warning !!
Val says
These work great for an outside fire pit, when you are camping, or just hanging out in the back yard.
Molly says
Waxed pine cones are a great idea, but they are for CAMPFIRES, out of doors! One or two, on a rainy, wet hike are extremely helpful in getting a fire started. No need to ever use something like this in an indoor fireplace.