When I was a kid, every year I would make a homemade Christmas present for family members.
My dad showed me at a young age how to make these fire starters, and I have been making them ever since.
We would go out to the yard and gather up pinecones. Then I would go into his wood shop and collect sawdust. Finally, I would melt down any old candles for the wax. Then I would package them up and give them as gifts!
I tweaked this “recipe” a bit from the original one I did as a kid, adding essential oils and salt instead of sawdust. I also bought wax as I didn’t have any candles to melt down.
Read on to see how you can make them too. Be sure to pin any images so you can easily reference this later.
Here are the materials needed for this project:
PINECONES {I GOT MINE FROM THE YARD BUT YOU CAN PURCHASE HERE}
LABEL, FREE DOWNLOAD BELOW FOR PERSONAL USE
SALT, TABLE OR EPSOM
If you have been reading this blog for any amount of time you will know that I like to give my dinner guests something to take home with them.
It doesn’t have to be big or extravagant. It can be a piece of chocolate wrapped up beautifully.
This year for Thanksgiving {you could use this idea throughout the winter months} I am gifting everyone a homemade fire starter.
I actually use these still to this day.
Even though we have a gas fireplace indoors, they are very helpful when starting fires in the fire pit.
The added tag is just a warm reminder for your guests.
Directions:
You will need to melt your wax in a double broiler. Basically it is just one big pot filled halfway with water and another sitting inside with wax in it. Don’t rush this, you can slowly melt it. I get my wax pans at the thrift store so I can toss them or save them specifically for crafts afterwards.
Once your wax starts to melt you can add your essential oils. I did a combination of clove, cinnamon, and orange. You can also skip this step if you want them unscented.A good rule of thumb for these oils is to add 1/2 teaspoon per quart of melted wax.
Using tongs, dip the pinecone into the hot wax. Set on foil to cool slightly.
Repeat this step, then sprinkle on salt while the wax is still hot so it sticks.
That is it!
Preparing the boxes:
When your pinecones are done you can prepare your boxes.
I cut the main flap off the box and taped the two sides inside the box as to have an open top.
With a glue stick, add a “stay cozy and warm” label one side.
Then I filled with a bit of Spanish moss and added my finished pinecone.
Place at each place setting for your guests to take home!
11 Beautiful Place Cards For Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Place Card Printables // Modern Glam
Dried Orange Thanksgiving Place Cards // Paint Me Pink
Dinner Place Cards Tutorial – Mini Wreaths // Happy Happy Nester
Printable Thanksgiving Place Cards & Gift Tags // The Ginger Home
How to Use Place Cards to Set a Thanksgiving Table // My 100 Year Old Home
DIY Painted Leaf Place Cards // Lolly Jane
Easy Thanksgiving Place Cards // Rooms For Rent
Gold Leaf Thanksgiving Place Cards // Jennifer Maune
Cookie Thanksgiving Place Cards // Twelve On Main
Thanksgiving Treat Bag Place Cards // Tatertots & Jello
DIY Stay Warm & Cozy Pinecone Fire Starters // My Sweet Savannah
xoxo, Melaine