Plan to make these in several colors, perhaps dark
blue, Christmas green and Christmas red! White would
make an interesting accent. Cinnamon and pine essential
oils are great for this project.
Pine cones
Candle wax or paraffin
Candle coloring or old candle stubs
Essential oil
Double boiler or large metal coffee can and a large
pot
Tongs
Wax-coated wicks
Wax paper
Melt wax in top of double boiler over boiling water
or melt the wax in a coffee can in a pot of boiling
water on the stove. Make sure that there is enough
candle wax or paraffin so that pine cones may be dipped.
Use extreme caution as paraffin is extremely flammable.
After wax has melted, stir in the candle coloring
(or old candle stubs) and essential oil. Lower the
heat. Thread a wick through the petals of the pine
cone, letting about one inch hang over the tip of
the pine cone. Using the tongs, dip the pinecone into
the wax. Hold over the pot for a couple seconds to
let the wax harden slightly. Re-dip the pine cone
into the melted wax. Re-dip as needed until the pine
cone is well-coated. Set on wax paper to harden completely.
To light a fire, put a pine cone fire starter between
the logs and light the wick.
To give as a gift, put fire starters in a large basket.
Tie a fancy ribbon around the basket and attach a
gift tag with instructions for use.
