Scented Waxed Pine Cone Fire Starters

These make nice wintertime gifts.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

•  pinecones
•  candle  paraffin wax or   paraffin wax
•  candle  food coloring (or old candle stubs_ Essential oil (optional)
•  wax-coated  string, for wicks
•  wax paper

Directions

1. Melt wax in top of double boiler over boiling water or melt the wax in a coffee can in a pot of boiling water on the stove.
2. Make sure that there is enough candle wax or paraffin so that pine cones may be dipped.
3. Use extreme caution as paraffin is extremely flammable.
4. After wax has melted, stir in the candle coloring (or old candle stubs) and essential oil.
5. Lower the heat.
6. Thread a wick through the petals of the pine cone, letting about one inch hang over the tip of the pine cone.
7. Using the tongs, dip the pinecone into the wax.
8. Hold over the pot for a couple seconds to let the wax harden slightly.
9. Re-dip the pine cone into the melted wax.
10. Re-dip as needed until the pine cone is well-coated.
11. Set on wax paper to harden completely.
12. To light a fire, put a pine cone fire starter between the logs and light the wick.