Lady dips pine cones in wax, creates a useful, chic DIY that's perfect for fall and winter

As the crisp autumn air settles in and winter approaches, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm, crackling fire. Whether you're enjoying a night by the fireplace or preparing for a bonfire outdoors, pine cone fire starters offer an elegant, functional solution to help get the fire going. These DIY wax-dipped pine cones not only look rustic and beautiful but also burn efficiently, making them an essential tool for the colder months. Perfect for home use or as thoughtful handmade gifts, these fire starters add a decorative touch to any hearth or holiday table.

Crafting your own pine cone fire starters is both simple and rewarding, blending natural materials with the charm of seasonal scents and colors. With just a few basic supplies, you can transform ordinary pine cones into beautiful, eco-friendly fire starters that are both practical and stylish. In this guide, you'll learn how to create these chic fire starters with step-by-step instructions, allowing you to embrace the beauty of fall and winter while enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a well-lit fire.

Pine cones (gathered or store-bought)
Wax (natural beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax)
Cotton wicks or string (optional, for easier lighting)
Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Candle dye or crayons (optional, for coloring)
Double boiler (or a metal or glass bowl that fits over a saucepan)
Tongs (to dip the pine cones safely)
Baking sheet or parchment paper
Decorative twine (optional, for packaging)

Gather Pine Cones: Collect pine cones from your yard or buy them from a craft store. If you're gathering them from the outdoors, make sure to bake them at 200°F (93°C) for about 30 minutes to remove any bugs and sap. Let them cool down completely before use.

Prepare Wax: In a double boiler, melt the wax. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a metal or glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Avoid melting wax directly on the stovetop to prevent it from burning. You can use beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax. Each will work well as a fire starter, though natural waxes like beeswax or soy are more eco-friendly.

Add Color (Optional): If you want to add a bit of color to your pine cones, stir in a candle dye or broken crayons into the melted wax. This adds a beautiful aesthetic touch, especially if you’re planning to use the fire starters as gifts or decor.

Add Fragrance (Optional): For a fragrant touch, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil to the melted wax. Scents like cinnamon, pine, clove, or orange are perfect for the fall and winter seasons.

Dip the Pine Cones: Using tongs, carefully dip each pine cone into the melted wax. Submerge the pine cone completely, then lift it out, letting the excess wax drip back into the pot. Place the waxed pine cones on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.

Repeat the Dipping Process: For a thicker wax coating, dip each pine cone multiple times, letting the wax harden between dips. Two to three dips are usually enough to coat the pine cones well.

Attach Wicks or Twine (Optional): If you'd like, you can attach a cotton wick to the pine cones while the wax is still soft, or tie a piece of twine around the top. This makes it easier to light the pine cone when you’re ready to use it.

Let the Pine Cones Cool: Allow the dipped pine cones to fully cool and harden on the baking sheet. This should only take about 15-20 minutes, but it may take longer depending on the temperature of your room.

Use or Gift: Once the pine cones are fully hardened, they are ready to use! You can bundle a few together with decorative twine to give as gifts, or simply place them in a basket next to your fireplace for easy access. To use, place the pine cone among kindling in your fireplace and light the wick or the edges of the pine cone. The wax will help the pine cone burn slowly, making it easier to start a fire.

Decorative Appeal: Use different colors of wax to match your holiday décor. Red and green for Christmas, gold or silver for New Year's, or natural tones for a rustic autumn vibe.

Personal Touch: Personalize the fire starters by attaching a small tag with lighting instructions or a holiday greeting if giving them as gifts.

Safety Note
Pine cone fire starters are safe for most fireplaces and campfires, but always use them with caution. Do not use them in wood stoves or tightly enclosed spaces, as the wax could cause excessive buildup over time.