A pinecone fire starter DIY? Yay! Colder weather is here, and I don’t know about you… but I LOVE a real fire. We actually lived in a home for 10 years or so that had a gas fireplace, and I think we lit it once (maybe twice). I just love the crackle, heat, smell and sight of a blaze made with real logs. Now we live in a 1922 historic craftsman home, and we adore our fireplace. Our kitties do, too. They sprawl out in front of it to get warm… add in our entire family (yes, felines included), and it’s just so cozy and warm.

Whether you are looking for a wedding favor, gift for someone with a real fireplace or just want to make some of these for your own home, I hope you enjoy this cute DIY I have for you today!

Supplies for my pinecone fire starter DIY project. Items are linked and available for purchase on Etsy via affiliate links.

• soy wax flakes (do NOT use leftover wax from store-bought candles!); you can also use beeswax, but ONLY use a natural wax
• flammable outdoor items such as pinecones, bark, berries and tiny sticks
• paper muffin cups
• wax paper (this is for protection of surfaces when dealing with potential wax drips)
• muffin tin or small cups to give shape to the paper muffin cups
• glass, microwavable container suitable for pouring (and a microwave; if you don’t have a microwave, a saucepan or double boiler setup would work)
• scent (optional; I chose a pine scent specifically for candles)
• epsom salts (optional; this makes a whitish flame when burned)
• wicks (optional; I make candles and always saved my trimmed wicks for projects like this; twine would also suffice)

First steps in this pinecone fire starter DIY:

• Place your paper muffin cups into the muffin tin or cups.
• Melt your wax. I prefer to do this in a glass, microwaveable container that has a pour spout (a Pyrex measuring cup works well!). If you do not have a microwave, then you can melt the wax in a saucepan or use a double boiler setup (I have not personally done either). In the microwave, you want to take a cup of wax and melt it for about 1.5 minutes. Microwave for additional time if needed.
• After your wax is melted, pour a bit into your muffin cup. I would say to fill it up about 1/3-1/2 of the way full. Adding in your burnable elements will increase the level.

Next steps in doing your DIY pinecone fire starter:

• Add in your burnable elements. This can be done in whatever arrangement you think is pretty, and children can even help in this step (be sure they don’t knock over the wax!).
• During this step I added pinecones, bark pieces and wick segments.
• Be SURE to let your wick not sink down as this will actually be where you will light the fire starter.
• After you have everything arranged as you see fit, you can add in a bit more wax if you aren’t happy with the level, but be sure it doesn’t spill over (if it does, it’s not the end of the world… there will just be wax outside of the paper liner).
• If you choose, sprinkle your fire starter with epsom salt (it looks almost like snow!), and you can also add in unmelted soy wax flakes to add dimension and interest for fun.

Final steps in my pinecone fire starter DIY:

• I like to pop my project into the fridge (or freezer) to harden, but if you do this, just be careful in carrying so that you don’t spill any wax. This is NOT necessary as the wax will harden in 30 minutes or so on its own.
• Once it is fully hardened and cooled, you have lovely fire starters for gifting, burning or using as favors for your wedding. I think these would make SUCH adorable favors for a Christmas party or winter wedding. So cute!

For one final note, do NOT burn this as a candle in your home. Only use these in a fire-suitable device such as a fireplace, bonfire, wood stove or the like. Be careful around fire!

I recently did this pinecone fire starter DIY as a make and take project at Local APX Market in Appomattox, VA, and I had such a great time with everyone who came out. That’s me (below) with my own handmade pinecone fire starter in front of their “i love you” sign. I hope you enjoy this DIY project. I adore it (and I do adore you for stopping by the blog!).

Keep warm!

Craving another pinecone DIY project? Just check here!