The pine cones are first soaked in common household solutions like salt and borax and then coated with clear candle wax. When added to kindling in the fireplace or fire pit, they ignite quickly for an easy start and then give off non-toxic, colorful flames. The color of the flame depends on the soaking solution.
How to Make Pine Cone Fire Starters
Assemble the rest of your supplies: Flame color additives:
Pine Cone Fire Starter Directions
If you want to create colorful flames, fill a plastic bucket or tub with two quarts hot water. Add one cup of your chosen additive (do not mix additives). Soak the pine cones for eight hours. Remove and allow to dry completely. To create the wax coating, melt the clear candle wax in a double boiler and add the desired candle dye color or crayons to create colored wax. I like to add the color that will correspond with the final flame colors. Pour the wax into the tall metal can, leaving plenty of head space to prevent overflowing. Use the metal tongs and dip each pine cone into the melted wax until completely covered. Place on the foil-lined baking sheet to dry. Bundle together and place in a basket for gift-giving. Include a card, if you’d like, with a legend on flame colors and how to use.
More Crafts With Laundry Borax
If you enjoyed making the pine cone fire starters, try your hand at making borax crystal snowflakes or saving special blossoms by drying them with borax.
