The Weekend Project: Wax-Dipped Pinecone Fire Starters

Dry pinecones dipped in melted wax make fire starters for a fireplace, wood stove or fire pit. The project takes about an hour or two, depending on batch size. The result also works as a handmade gift.

What You Need

• 8 to 10 dry pinecones, fully open
• Wax: beeswax, soy wax, paraffin or leftover candle wax. About 1 pound of beeswax makes roughly 13 to 15 fire starters of mixed sizes.
• Cotton string, twine or candle wicking for lighting, about 1 foot per pinecone
• A double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water
• Wax paper or parchment paper
• Optional: crayons or candle dye for color, and essential oil (at least 10 drops for a batch)

Steps

1. Check the pinecones. They must be completely dry and open. If you gather them outdoors, let them dry first. Baking can open them, but watch the oven closely because of the fire risk.
2. Add the wick. Wrap the string around the pinecone, tie it at the top and leave a loop or tail to light later.
3. Cover your workspace. Lay down wax paper. Wax drips, so protect the surface.
4. Melt the wax gently. Use a double boiler. Never put wax straight into a pot on the burner, because direct heat can create hot spots and start a fire.
5. Color and scent. Stir in 2 or 3 crayons for color. For several colors, pour the melted wax into separate disposable containers first. Add essential oil if you like. Cinnamon, pine, orange and clove all work.
6. Dip. Hold each pinecone by its string and turn it in the wax until every side is coated. Let the excess drip off, then set it on the wax paper.
7. Repeat. Let each pinecone dry for about 15 minutes, then dip again. Two coats is typical, and more coats give a thicker finish.

Wax Temperature

Keep the wax at a gentle melt. Wax that is too hot runs off the pinecone and shiny, thin coats need many dips. Wax that has cooled a little clings better and builds a thicker layer.

If the wax gets too cool, it can turn lumpy. Remelt it when that happens. Cool wax gives a dull finish and hotter wax gives a shiny one.

Ways to Adapt It

• Muffin-tin version: Put a pinecone with a wick in a cupcake liner in a muffin tin. Pour melted wax around it and let it harden overnight.
• Decorations: Tuck in cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, rosemary or a pine sprig before pouring.
• Sparkle: Sprinkle coarse salt on the wax before it hardens.
• Allergies: Beeswax or paraffin can stand in for soy wax.

Using and Gifting Them

Set one pinecone under the logs with kindling on top, then light the string. One pinecone burns for about 10 to 20 minutes on its own. Use them outdoors or in a fireplace or stove, not as indoor candles. Crayon-colored wax is only suitable for outdoor-style fire starters, not for candles burned inside.

FAQ

– Can I use a regular pot to melt the wax?

No. Use a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Wax is highly flammable, and direct heat can cause hot spots.

– How much wax do I need?

About 1 pound of beeswax covers 13 to 15 fire starters of mixed sizes. Pinecone size and the number of coats change that.