Homemade fire starters are an easy, effective, and charming way to get your fires going quickly. Made with natural beeswax, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and dried herbs, they ignite easily and smell amazing as they burn. They’re perfect for fire pits, fireplaces, and camping!
If you love cozying up by the fire or enjoying an evening around a fire pit, homemade fire starters are a must! They’re easy to make, smell incredible, and use all-natural ingredients. You can customize them with your favorite scents and natural elements to create the perfect fire-starting tool for indoor or outdoor use.
I was so impressed with my fire starters and in awe of how well they worked! I used two starters for my outdoor fire pit, and they worked like a charm. When the different herbs started to burn, you could smell that scent. They’re awesome!
Why Make Your Own Fire Starters?
Making your own fire starters is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Cost-effective: Using natural, accessible materials like beeswax, pinecones, and dried herbs makes these much more affordable in the long run.
- Customizable: You can add scents and natural elements that you love. Think cinnamon sticks, dried flowers, essential oils – the options are endless!
- Easy to Make: No complicated equipment required. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of fire starters ready for any occasion.
Once your fire is going, make some campfire apple pies! THE BEST!
Fire Starter Materials You’ll Need
- Natural beeswax (white, beads)
- Silicone mold (get a 12 cup mold or two 6 cups)
- Mini pinecones
- Cinnamon sticks
- Rosemary sprigs and Bay Leaves
- Dried fruit (like orange slices)
- Dried flowers (lavender, rose petals, etc.)
- Essential oils (optional for added fragrance)
How to Make Fire Starters
Melt the Beeswax: In a double boiler or microwave-safe container, melt your natural beeswax until fully liquid. You can use beeswax blocks or beads.
Prepare Your Mold: Place your silicone mold on a flat surface. Add the wick, mini pinecones, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, dried fruit, and flowers to each mold cavity. These will add fragrance and beauty to your fire starters.
Pour the Beeswax: Carefully pour the melted beeswax into each mold, making sure it fully covers the natural elements. Leave some space at the top if you want to add essential oils for extra fragrance.
Let It Set: Allow the wax to harden at room temperature for about an hour or pop it into the fridge to speed up the process.
Pop Them Out: Once the beeswax is fully set, gently pop the fire starters out of the silicone mold.
FAQs
How long do homemade fire starters last? When stored in a cool, dry place, homemade fire starters can last for months or even up to a year!
Can I use these fire starters for camping? Absolutely! These fire starters are perfect for camping as they’re portable, lightweight, and super easy to light.
Is beeswax the only wax I can use? Beeswax is the best eco-friendly option, but you can also use soy wax or paraffin wax if beeswax isn’t available. Keep in mind that beeswax burns cleaner.
What Can You Add to Your Fire Starters? You can get creative with what you put inside your fire starters! Here’s a list of items to experiment with:
- Dried herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or sage add a lovely fragrance.
- Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise give a warm, spicy scent.
- Dried fruit: Orange slices or apple rings create a sweet aroma.
- Flowers: Lavender or dried rose petals add a touch of elegance.
- Essential oils: A few drops like cedarwood, cinnamon, lavender, eucalyptus, or vanilla can enhance the fragrance.
Homemade fire starters are not only practical, but they also add a touch of charm and a delightful scent to your fires. With natural beeswax, herbs, spices, and dried flowers, you can create fire starters that are as beautiful as they are effective.
Plus, they make excellent gifts for friends and family who enjoy a good fire as much as you do!
More Charming and Easy DIY Projects
Disclaimer: These homemade fire starters are designed for natural wood fires only. They should not be used with gas, propane, or other non-wood-burning fire systems.
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Homemade Fire Starters
Ingredients
- 32 oz beeswax pellets
- 12 long candle wicks
- 2 cups natural dried elements include cinnamon sticks, rosemary, dried flowers, mini pinecones, and dried herbs.
- essential oil , optional
Instructions
- Melt Beeswax: In a double boiler or microwave, melt natural beeswax until fully liquid.
- Prepare Mold: Place mini pinecones, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, dried fruit, and flowers into a silicone mold.
- Add Wick: Insert a longer wick into each mold, ensuring it touches the bottom and is long enough to reach the wood. The wick doesn’t need to stand straight up—allow it to lay slightly to the side for easy lighting.
- Pour Wax: Carefully pour the melted beeswax into the mold, covering some ingredients and securing the wick.
- Let Set: Allow the wax to cool and harden for about 1 hour.
- Pop Out: Remove the fire starters from the mold and store them in a dry place until ready to use.
