Stay Warm This Winter With A Fire Starter You Can DIY With Backyard Scraps

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Whether you're sparking up your fire pit to make s'mores or burning a pile of fallen leaves, there's something undeniably satisfying about starting a fire. Another undeniable thing is that fire starters make the process practically effortless. Although you could risk it with a bottle of toxic, chemical-laden lighter fluid or buy fire starters in bulk to save a little money, an inexpensive, natural alternative is surprisingly easy to DIY. There's a way to make your own fire starters using backyard scraps — specifically, pinecones. Not only are these DIY pinecone fire starters useful, but they are also aesthetically pleasing and make great gifts. This project idea comes from @mrsclarehoops on TikTok. To make them, she wraps a small amount of coated string around each pinecone before carefully dipping it into colored wax. It's a practical way to let a little bit of nature help you stay warm this winter.

If you've already tackled your fall landscaping to-do list, you probably have plenty of pinecones on hand. Pick the driest ones you can find, preferably without many missing scales — those hard, woody parts that give a pinecone its classic shape. Because the crafting process can get a bit messy, this is a good project to do outside on a crisp fall day. You can use either beeswax-coated jute, hemp cord, or braided candle wicking to form the wick of your fire starters. To make enough of them to last you through the winter and have a few to give as gifts, you'll also need plenty of wax. A product like American Soy Organics Freedom Wax Beads will do the trick, but if you're on a tight budget, consider simply melting down any stubby candles you have lingering around the house instead.

Making your own DIY fire starters can be extremely affordable, especially if you're able to repurpose old candles. Even if you need to invest in a small bag of paraffin, this project should cost under $15. You can use essential oils like cinnamon or balsam to give your candles a pleasant wintery scent. This is a great idea if you plan to gift them or use them for tablescaping instead of burning them.

The amount of wicking material you'll need depends on the size of your pinecone. Use a length long enough to wrap around it several times, with a little extra at the top so you have plenty of room to light it. When wrapping your wick, make sure it's nestled securely into the grooves of your pinecone, since you'll need to hold it as a handle while dipping it into the wax. Heavy-bottomed pans worked well for @mrsclarehoops, but empty metal coffee cans with top boilers are also a good option. Whichever method you choose, be extremely careful, as hot wax can cause serious burns. Heat the wax, then, holding onto the wick, gently dip your pinecone into the melted wax until it's completely coated. You may need to repeat the process several times for a thicker, more opaque finish.

Once your pinecones are coated, set them on wax paper to cool and harden. When dry, your DIY fire starters are ready to use. Keep them on hand for your next backyard gathering, or tuck a few inside a gift bag since handmade items are among the creative gift ideas that everyone loves.