Scented Waxed Pine Cone Fire Starters
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.
Crafting Basics: Pinecones
Pinecones are one of my favorite natural treasures for crafting. They come in all sizes, and they are paintable, glueable and pretty. These are just a few of the things you can do with pinecones to accent your crafts.
Spiced Pinecones
You will need:
Pinecones
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Or any crushed dry spice you wish
craft glue
foam brush
Mix 1 part glue to 1 part water. Use foam brush to paint the pinecone. Mix equal parts of the spices in a bowl. Sprinkle spice over the pinecone and roll in spice. When coated, allow to dry.
Uses: You can use these in baskets, glued on wreaths, or even solo, as an ornament. Hot glue a ribbon the the very top of the pinecone. Add accents to the top, such a spanish moss, raffia or dried flowers.
Use Bleached Pinecones
You will need:
Pinecones
household liquid bleach
large bucket
glass plate
a rock or brick
foil lined baking sheet
Best done outside in a well-ventilated area. Do not splash bleach. Work carefully. Place pinecones in bucket; add bleach to cover. Place plate on top of pinecones and weight with rock or brick to keep the pinecones covered with the bleach. Allow to sit for five hours. Remove pinecones from bleach (use gloves) and place on baking sheet covered with foil. Place in 250 degree oven for several hours until they reopen completely. The time will depend on how large the pinecone is.
Uses: You can use the same as above. Also they are pretty placed among your garland or even on the Christmas tree itself.
Scented Pinecones
You will need
Pinecones
paraffin
doubleboiler
tongs
crayons with paper removed
cinnamon oil, or other scents
newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Melt paraffin a double boiler over hot water (heat BEFORE adding paraffin). Add pieces of crayon to paraffin after it has melted. Red or green would be good for Christmas. Add until the color is as you would like it. Add scented oil. Holding pinecones with tongs, dip in paraffin. Allow to dry between coats. Continue coating until fully covered. Allow paraffin to dry completely before storing or using pinecones.
Uses: These can be given and used as firestarters or placed in bowls to scent a room
