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DIY Decorative Fire Starters: Easy Christmas Craft Ideas for Holiday Gifts

how to make decorative fire starters, fire sticks and pinecones in a basket
Photo Credit
Margo Letourneau

Create festive fire starters using twigs or pinecones, candle wax, and glitter—perfect for cozy fireplaces and holiday presents.

Written By: Mare-Anne Jarvela

Make your own decorative fire starters with just a few materials. Perfect for cozy winter nights, holiday gifts, or adding a festive touch to your fireplace, these fire starters are easy to make and look beautiful.

Materials Needed

To create these DIY fire starters, you’ll need:

  • About 12 dry twigs or small pinecones (egg-sized)
  • Old candle wax or candle stubs
  • Cotton string or raffia
  • Glitter (gold, silver, or colored)
  • Newspaper
  • Tongs
illustration of festive firestarters in a reindeer basket

Step-by-Step Instructions for Twig Firestarters

  1. Select Your Twigs: Find around 12 skinny, straight twigs that are roughly the same thickness and about six inches long.
  2. Bundle the Twigs: Tie the twigs together in the middle with cotton string to form a small bundle.
  3. Melt the Wax: Melt old candle stubs or wax in a wide tin can placed inside a saucepan of simmering water.
  4. Dip the Twigs: Using tongs, carefully dip the twig bundle into the melted wax, coating them evenly.
  5. Add Glitter: Place the wax-covered twigs on newspaper and sprinkle with gold, silver, or colored glitter before the wax hardens.
  6. Tie the Bundle: Once the wax is cold, tie the bundle with raffia or colored string for a finished look.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pinecone Firestarters

  1. Choose Your Pinecones: Select small pinecones, about the size of an egg.
  2. Dip in Wax: Carefully dip each pinecone into the melted wax using tongs.
  3. Sprinkle Glitter: While the wax is still soft, sprinkle the pinecones with glitter.
  4. Display or Gift: For a beautiful holiday gift, place 12 glittery pinecones in an empty paper egg carton or small wicker basket. Add a decorative ribbon for a festive touch.

Tips for Success

  • Always supervise melting wax, and use a double-boiler method to prevent overheating.
  • Experiment with different glitter colors to match your holiday décor.
  • These DIY fire starters are perfect for holiday gifts, winter parties, or adding sparkle to your home fireplace.

Making your own decorative fire starters is a fun and simple holiday craft that adds warmth and charm to any home. Whether you choose twigs or pinecones, these glittery fire starters make cozy additions to your fireplace and thoughtful, handmade gifts for friends and family. With just a few materials and easy steps, you can create festive decorations that will brighten the holiday season—and keep the spirit of Christmas glowing all winter long.

Read Next
Seasonal Crafts
About The Author
Mare-Anne Jarvela

Mare-Anne Jarvela

Mare-Anne Jarvela has worked for The Old Farmer’s Almanac as head editor of the Garden Guide, senior research editor, and/or contributor for over 30 years. She is a nature lover who’s happiest in her ...
Read More from Mare-Anne Jarvela

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Comments

<span>Susan</span> Wed, 12/19/2018 - 06:48
I make my own fire starters by melting wax, dipping a cotton ball half way in, let it dry and then using a plastic knife, smear petroleum jelly on the top half of the cotton ball. They light quickly, burn for up to 18 minutes which gives your kindling and wood time to burn well. I use leftover scented candles for the wax which smells nice too.
<span>S Fadden</span> Tue, 12/14/2010 - 10:57
do you light the twig or light the string around the twig?
<span>Lady Angel</span> Wed, 07/02/2014 - 00:36
I would think, that you would light the string, but you could do either. . . With "fire starters" you light the 'starter' then add more wood to the top of it, so the flame underneath gets the top stuff going. I make small fire starters blocks from sawdust & wax. Works great!