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Winter is coming, which means the mornings and evenings are getting chilly. To help you stay warm in those colder months, I’m going to show you how to create DIY fire starters from beeswax, soy wax, paraffin, or leftover candles that will make campfires or fireplaces even more enjoyable.
Living in New England, it’s usually during the month of November that our fireplace starts to get some serious action. We love to use it to take the chill off while adding a layer of coziness to our home, and these DIY fire starters are sure to help!
I love spending time at home by a fire. I love the way it makes me feel—warm and cozy, safe and secure. The dancing flames are mesmerizing and calming to me, similar to how I feel when watching waves at the ocean. The sound of the wood burning as it changes form fills my ears with a rhythmic crackling. I like to sip on a foraged herbal tea blend such as blue vervain tea while breathing in the aroma of burning woods. This kind of setting brings me closer to a place of peace and contentment in my mind.
Here's How I make DIY Fire Starters
I save up old candle wax and use it to make these DIY fire starters to give as gifts for friends and family who have fireplaces, outdoor fire pits or who like to go camping.
The process for making them is simple. I lay a long wick on the bottom of the cupcake liner, add the “ugly” ingredients on the bottom such as dryer lint, shredded paper, sawdust (not from chemically treated wood), and wood shavings,then cover it with melted wax.Let it harden a bit.
Then on top of the “ugly” layer I add the “pretty” elements likepine cones, rosemary sprigs, star anise, and cinnamon sticks with more melted wax poured on.
These burn great, with some of these continuing to burn for up to 45 minutes on the floor of my wood burning fireplace. These are also wonderful for outdoor fire pits and camping trips!
Possible Additives for DIY Fire Starters
- Bay Leaves
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Orange Peels
- Whole cloves
- Star Anise
- Rosemary sprigs
- Cedar or evergreen leaves
- Lavender sprigs or buds
- Pine resin
- Sage or other aromatic herbs
- Pine cones
- Wood shavings
- Sawdust
- Dryer lint
- Shredded paper
- Twigs
Other Supplies
- Cupcake Liners—I like the natural odorless and greaseproof papers found here
- Beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax or repurposed candle wax
- Candle wick or string
- Muffin Tin
- Scissors
- Pan to melt wax in
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1) Place cupcake papers in a cupcake pan.
Step 2) Add the wick
Cut a piece of wick about 3 inches long anf place it in the center of the cupcake liner.
Step 3) Fill the liners with herbs and other ingredients
Start placing the herbs and other additives around the wick in the center of the liner. Fill the liners 1/4 to 1/2 full.
I place things like herbal powders, wood shavings, sawdust and dryer lint on the bottom where it will be completely enclosed by the wax and reserve the prettiest herbs for the topping. This will be things like the star anise, pretty little pine cones, and cinnamon sticks.
Step 4) Melt the wax
Begin heating the wax in adouble boiler.If you don’t have a double boiler, you can fill a pot with a few inches of water and nestle a heat-safe bowl inside it. You want it to fit snugly without touching the water (if it dips into the water, it will get too hot). There you go! A double boiler at your service. I use a milk pan with a long handle that I hold just above the water. I can stir with the other hand as I do this.
Step 5) Begin pouring the wax
Begin pouring the melted wax over the herbs and additives in the cupcake liners until it just covers the material (about 2-3 tablespoons each). As you pour, be sure that the wick stays centered in the cupcake liner. You can use a chopstick or other tool to help with this.
Step 6) Add the decorative herbs on the top
Add your more decorative ingredients on the top, then pouring on any additional wax until the liners are full to a 1/4 inch from the top, then allow to fully cool.
Step 7) Snip your wicks
Snip your wicks so that they only stick out about a 1/2 inch above the wax.
Precautions
NOTE:Only burn these in a wood burning fireplace or in an outdoor fire pit. Do not use in a gas burning fireplace or wood stove.Fire starters can cause flare-ups in a fire or heat it to temperatures that are unsafe for a wood stove.Fire starters can also damage the stove and create a fire hazard.
Some types of fire starters to avoid using in a wood stove include:
- Paraffin-based waxes:Can leave a residue that goes up the chimney
- Liquid fire starters:Can condense on pipes that aren’t yet heated, potentially lowering the ignition point of the fire
- Lighter fluid:Its vapor can ignite with explosive force and spread rapidly
Some types of fire starters that are safer to use include:
- Beeswax
- Wax made from soy
- Wax from leftover candle
Packaging DIY Fire Starters for Gift Giving
In my journey of crafting and gifting, I always lean towards using recycled and repurposed materials. My absolute favorite method for packaging these DIY fire starters is by neatly arranging a few of them in a mason jar, ensuring they look aesthetically pleasing from the outside. To add that personal touch, I often use ribbon, raffia, or jute twine – really, whatever I have around – to tie around the jar’s lid. Then, I attach a charming gift tag (like the free ones I’ve mentioned below) to it. This simple yet thoughtful packaging turns these fire starters into delightful gifts, especially for friends who share our love for cozy fireplace moments.
Conclusion
That’s it—now you know how easy it is to make your own DIY fire starters to warm you up this winter! As you can see, they’re really easy to make and require only a few materials. If you’re looking for a new winter project, give this one a try!
Interested in other DIY projects that are suitable for gift giving? Here are a few ideas that the receiver of these gifts will surely love:
- Cedar wood and Sage Winter Bath Soak Recipe
- How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments or Gift Tags
- Easy Mulling Spices Recipe for The Perfect Winter Drinks
- Winter Tea Spice Blend: Perfect For Gift Giving
- DIY All Natural Pine Cleaning Spray
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