Hi guys!
I made a promise to get some DIY craft ideas and instructions up here starting this fall, so here is my first one just in time for it to officially be fall! What could be more appropriate than instructions on how to make your own fire starters?
I'm going to give you instructions on 2 types. The first is the most "traditional" type, making use of fallen pine cones. Gather up a bunch of pine cones, heat up a block of wax (the candle making kind... you can find this at many craft stores and also easily find it online) till it has melted. At this point, you can add scents, colored wax chips, or even crayons (you will need several of a similar color to color the wax needed to cover several pine cones). You will need to tie a string (wicking string works, but then any string will do) to the top of each pine cone. Dip each pine cone into the pot of wax (alternating between wax and water can speed up the process) and give the cones some time to cool before dipping them again. Continue until the wax has obviously built up on the cones. Then let them cool, package them gently, and when you are ready, you can toss them into your fireplace or fire pit.
The second type of fire starter requires dryer lint (always free and plentiful!), paper cups or egg cartons, and wax. Basically, you fill the egg cartons or paper cups with dryer lint and then pour wax over top of it with just enough to coat the lint. You don't want to dump too much in there. Waste not, want not! So true. There is no gathering involved with this and most of us have these things in our homes normally. For this type you can use the ends of old candles also. It takes less wax, makes less of a mess and uses things that would other wise be thrown away. Sawdust from wood working projects can me used also and works just as well as the dryer lint. Hell, use both if you've got it!
Happy first day of Autumn! This is my favorite time of year! :)
