Pine cone Firelighters
These firelighters are cheap and easy to make,
using up old candle ends and scavenged pine
cones, and can make attractive gifts if nicely
packaged. This activity involves hot wax so
supervise the children carefully.
Materials
Old candles or wax crayons
Candle colouring (optional)
Candle fragrance (optional)
Natural (ie untreated) string or candle wick
Large number of pine cones
Greaseproof paper
Method
1. Cut a length of string or wick, about 60cm
long, and wrap it around your pinecone,
leaving a ‘wick’ sticking out at the top of
the pine cone.
2. Prepare all your pinecones in the same way
and then place on a piece of greaseproof
paper.
3. Place your wax crayons and candle wax in a
heat proof bowl and heat over a pan of
boiling water.
4. When the wax has melted you can add a
little candle colouring (it’s very strong) and
fragrance if required. Try
www.justasoap.co.uk
5. When all the wax is melted and colour and
fragrance have been stirred in (if using)
remove the bowl from the heat.
6. When the wax has cooled so that it has
started to thicken, but is still liquid, start
dipping the pine cones in, using a spoon to
ensure that they are completely covered in
wax, including the wick.
7. Return to the greaseproof paper to set.
8. Put into cellophane bags or wrap in
greaseproof and give away or sell.
Note: If you don’t have a handy supply of pine
cones, you can use newspaper. Fold it until you
have a long thin strip and then fold inwards,
and wrap around with string to look like a
present. Then dip in wax and allow to dry.
Areas of learning and development:
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UW (Understanding of the World)
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