The last few weeks at the farm have been very cold indeed. What better way to light your fire, than with this simple DIY project.  We have infused our pine cone fire starters with lavender (of course) to add a lovely scent.

Here’s what you’ll need:

12 small pine cones – dried

12 paper muffin cases

Waxed wicks, or garden string

Approximately 1.5 pounds of beeswax

Lavender essential oil (approximately 8-10 drops)

Dried lavender buds (optional)

Here’s how to make them:

Ensure your pine cones are nice and dry.  If they still feel damp, place them on a baking sheet and dry them out in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.

Line your muffin tray with the paper muffin cases.  Sprinkle a few lavender buds in each case.

Tie a length of wick or string around the base of each cone, leaving a tail of about 6cm

Gently melt the wax in a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water.  If you don’t have a proper double boiler, fill a small pan with an inch or two of water and place a mason jar in the center of the pan. Fill the mason jar with small chunks of wax.  Don’t leave unattended at any point while melting!

When the wax has melted, stir in your 8-10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Hang the cones upside down by the wicks and dip them in the wax, making sure you dip some of the wick too.

Place them in the center of the muffin cases, draping the wick over the side.  Carefully pour or ladle the wax into the muffin cases around the cones letting it come about 3/4 the way up each case.  Leave to cool and set.

* Hot tip * The wax melts easier in smaller portions. Divide the wax in three equal quantities and work in batches

Recipe adapted from Gifts from the Garden by Debora Robertson  Images courtesy of http://www.belgard.com/blog/2015/10/14/fall-diy-project-lavender-pine-cone-fire-starters/