These easy wax-dipped pinecone fire starters make starting a fire a cinch! It is cold here in Kansas and we are trying to take the chill out but, sometimes starting a fire can be a laborious task. Pine cone fire starters to the rescue!
Collect a few more pinecones to make beautiful centerpieces.
Supplies Needed to Make Fire Starters
This fire starter DIY project only takes a few supplies:
- pinecones
- wick
- parafin wax
- metal can for meling wax
- scent (optional)
- scissors
- stove
How to Make Pinecone Fire Starters
Wrap the wick around the pinecone leaving a long tail at the top.
PRO TIP: Make sure you melt the wax in a container that has been placed in a pan of water. Wax can be highly flammable so be careful.
I purchased opaque-looking paraffin from the craft store. More clear-looking paraffin can be used (like what you might find in the canning section of the grocery store). It will not turn white but rather give the pinecones a gloss.
While paraffin wax is non-toxic and doesn’t leave any odor or residue you might also choose soy wax.
The pinecones can be dipped as much as you like! I did several layers to make them look snow-covered.
If you want scented pine cone firelighters add a few dropped of candle scent or essential oils into the melted wax.
Place the pinecone fire starters in a bucket and make sure you use Katie’s clever trick for the sandpaper and matches!
The detailed video gives all the steps and a clever way to light and store the matches for lighting the pinecones. You will never guess where she hides sandpaper to strike the matches on! Packing them up this way makes these homemade fire starters a great gift idea!
Pinecones make great fire starters. They will burn good on their own, but by dipping them in paraffin they will catch a flame quickly and burn steady long enough to get a fire started.
Pine cones naturally burn well and when dipped in paraffin catch fire quickly and will burn for around 5 minutes which is plenty of time to start a hot fire. Simply place the pinecone underneath the wood and light the wick.
I guess what is best depends on your situation. Cotton balls covered in petroleum jelly or soaked in paraffin can be stored in a zip lock bag making them a very lightweight and portable fire starter for camping.
Duct tape has so many uses! One might not know that it also is highly flammable making a crumpled up ball of it a great way to start a fire.
Dryer lint placed in toilet paper rolls or wrapped in wax paper is also another effective method for lighting a fire.
Is it OK to burn pine cones in a fire pit?
Yes, pine cones can be burned in wood stoves, fireplaces, bonfires and fire pits. But be sure they are dry to avoid popping and extra creosote buildup. Dry pine cones make great kindling. Be sure they are dry to avoid popping.
More Cozy Projects
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I frequently receive scented candles as hostess gifts. With two high energy young cats ( “The Flying Felinis” as we call them) in the house, lighted candles are a no-no. I melt them down and turn them into scented pine cone fire starters. P.S. The glass containers that most gift candles come in are handy around the house or to pass along holding your own gifts.
These are so AWESOME! What a great idea! I love how it is outside of the box of the regular fire wood. How festive 🙂
Such a great idea!
xoxoxo
Great tutorial…and you photos are stunning! 🙂
~Kim