Fall is almost here! I love Fall, it’s my favorite season of the year.
One of the pleasures of Autumn is a good bonfire. Lots of Fall parties are centered around a firepit. Whether you’re making cider, carving pumpkins, or enjoying a harvest supper, a bonfire is always welcome.
These homemade fire-starters are the perfect addition to whatever kind of party you’re having.
Here’s what you’ll need:
This kit from Amazon (or one like it). This makes it so much easier and less expensive in the end. Your kit should include a metal pitcher, wicks and sticky wick tabs, wax, color melts and essential oils (I am not receiving compensation for this, it really is much easier).
You’ll also need:
An old cupcake tin or a throwaway foil one.
Cupcake papers
Nature finds, like: pinecones, rosehips, herb cuttings, etc.
Instructions:
Start by going on a nature hike with your kids. Look for cedar or pine branches, pinecones, herb cuttings, rosehips, or anything else you can think of. Next, raid the kitchen for cinnamon sticks, star anise, peppercorns, etc.
Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners. (I bought my tin at Goodwill, but a throwaway foil pan would be just as good).
Put your wick in the bottom of each section. The sticky wick holders make this easy. Don’t trim the wicks until later.
Place your nature finds around the wick. I used baby pinecones, cinnamon sticks, mint, lavender and dried balsam.
Put your wax and a color melt into the metal pitcher and place it on a small burner on low heat. Have an adult watch this carefully. It took about 10 minutes for our wax to melt, which seemed like forever, but it does melt. Add scented oils to your melted wax, if desired.
An adult can carefully pour the melted wax into each section, filling about ½ to ¾ full. Let the starters sit overnight to make sure they are completely hardened (I once poured wax all over myself and the kitchen while checking to see if my candle was set). You can use sticks to keep the wicks straight, if needed.
Trim the wicks.
When fully cooled, your bonfire starters are ready to use. Why not make extra and send each guest home with one?
These are best used outside or in an old-fashioned, wood-burning fireplace, NOT a gas fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Mine smell so good that I’m keeping them out until I need to use them.
This was a crazy, easy craft to do.
As an added bonus, my daughter bought containers at a thrift store and we filled those with wax too. Instant gift candles!
(Pretend my table isn’t dusty).
Have fun, and HAPPY FALL!
Read more of Ann’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
