Conifer Cone Fire Starters

Next time you head into the woods or a nearby park for a nature walk, bring a pail or pouch and collect some conifer cones to bring back to your craft table. Below is one of the many crafts you can create with your littles in the warmth of your home after your walk. In fact, you can also bring these fire starters with you on your next walk to add some warmth to your winter adventure!

Materials

• conifer cones such as pine or spruce cones
• twine, string, or candle wick
• beeswax
• empty tin can and pot of water
• tray for drying the fire starters
• muffin tin and liners

Instructions

1. chop up the beeswax into pieces (no need to grate it)
2. check out this post for instructions on using beeswax at home
3. place the chopped beeswax into the tin can inside the pot of water - heat the water over medium heat until the wax melts completely.
4. choose either option A or B below (or both!)

Option A. Dipped Cones

1. while the wax is melting, wrap lengths of string or wick around the cones from bottom to top, leaving about a half inch at the top before cutting (this will be where you light the fire starter)
2. using tongs, dip the cone and string into the wax once, let it drip off, then place it on the tray to dry
3. once you have dipped all of your cones, start with the first one and dip each a second time

Option B. Cone Cakes

1. while the wax is melting, cut a small length of string or wick, cut up some needles, and find your tiniest cones
2. place muffin cup liners in your tray, followed by two or three pine or spruce cones, some cut up needles, and your string or wick
3. pour the melted wax over the string or wick (you might have to hold this up with tongs) and partially cover the cones. 
4. Optional: Add some spices or essential oils such as chai spice for a lovely scent.
5. allow to harden and then remove the muffin liner 

Both of these types of fire starters make a beautiful additon to your mantle or another special spot in your home when stored in a mason jar or other lovely container. Add a little handmade tag to the jar and you've got a beautiful, beeswax scented gift.

*Originally published January 12, 2016