How to make: Pine Cone Fire Starters

Last Christmas I saw a variation of these at one of those pricey but fun to browse stores with my mom.  I loved them, so much that I pulled out my trusty iPhone and snapped a few photos from every angle thinking the entire time "I can totally make these". So here we are a year later doing just that (my procrastination can only deter me so long).

Let's get started, You'll need: 

• 24 or so Pine Cones 
• 2lbs Wax (I used soy)
• Candle twine 
• A Scent (Optional)
• A cupcake pan
• Baking cup liners - A MUST

(Ignore the crisco in the photo I tried greasing instead of the liners the first round and it was a FAIL)

First, I cut 24 - 8 inch strips of my candle twine. Then I wrapped it around the bottom of each pinecone, like so (see image below). Leaving about 2 inches pulled towards the top for "lighting purposes".

Then in a mason jar (or really any vessel you don't mind being covered in wax) heat up your wax.  It took me a 3 'jar and wax' melts to have enough wax for all of my pinecones. I'm sure I could have used a larger container but my wine kept me occupied. Ahem. 

Once the wax is melted, pour yourself another glass of wine and add a scent if you'd like smelly pinecones (I used the recomended dose on the bottle). I made sure it was mixed then I poured the wax into the cupcake liners about half way full placing one pine cone in each slot immediately after.

Now here's the hard part, you have to walk way. 

I know it's hard but trust me, it's better for everyone. Leave them alone for about two hours before poking to prevent the wax from getting all jacked up. After they are completely cooled you can peel them out of their liners, or just bag them up as is. 

With the batch of 24 I had enough to wrap up 5 bags full for gifts and have a dozen or so for Mr. A and I to use here at home. 

And here's Mr. A's proof that they work (ie: light).

Will you try them?