Pine Cone Firestarters

• Medium sized pine cones
• Paraffin or candle stubs
• Candle wicking
• Red & green crayons
• Waxed paper
• Old Miffin Tin

Directions.

1. Make sure pine cones are dry & fully opened. Open partially closed cones by baking them 30 minutes in a 200 degree oven.

2. Melt paraffin or candle stubs in a large tin can set inside a pan of water (a makeshift double boiler). Do not place can directly on the heat, as paraffin has a tendency to catch fire under such conditions.

3. Dip each pinecone in paraffin to coat completely. Set aside on waxed paper to cool. You may repeat this step 2 or three times, if desired.

4. Melt a small amount of paraffin in small can, following the above melting procedure. Tint the wax red or green by melting a crayon into it.

5. Pour the melted paraffin 1/2" deep into muffin cups.

6. Insert a wick (1 1/2" long) so it comes out on the side. Just before paraffin hardens, press a pinecone into the top.

7. Allow to harden completely.

8. Dip bottom of muffin tins into hot water to loosen, & remove fire starters.

9. Set aside to dry on waxed paper.

To use, place a fire starter under kindling & light the wick.