Made with beeswax and natural elements, these homemade fire starters are a beautiful and simple way to get your fire started. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift and decorative accent for your home.

I have a fun, easy, and inexpensive craft for you. These homemade fire starters are easy to make, very inexpensive (especially if you use what you have), and wonderfully functional. I love a craft that has a purpose. I also think these would make an excellent gift idea. Wouldn’t they look great paired with a box of long matches?

homemade fire starters in a gift bag with matches.

I’ve been wanting to share more handmade ideas and crafts here on Inspired by Charm. One of my goals in creating and sharing projects like this is that they have some sort of functionality. These homemade fire starters checked all the boxes. Not only do they work well, but they look pretty too. It’s a win-win!

Additionally, I love that these fire starters are affordable to make especially if you melt down old candles and use natural finds from your yard. (I’ll get into that more below.) You can also customize them with whatever colors and natural finds you like.

homemade fire starters in a wood bowl on fireplace hearth.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Craft

2 Supplies

3 How To Make

4 How to Use

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Handmade Craft Ideas

7 Homemade Fire Starters

Why You’ll Love This Craft

Who said practical items can’t be pretty? These fire starters, adorned with dried flowers, mini pinecones, and fresh pine snippings, offer a touch of rustic elegance. They’re sure to catch eyes and fetch compliments, whether sitting on your hearth or nestled amongst logs in a fireplace.
Whether it’s a housewarming gift, a unique present for a camping enthusiast, or a special token during the holidays, these fire starters are both practical and beautiful. Gift them wrapped in a rustic burlap sack or a clear bag tied with twine to showcase their charm.
f you’re a DIY novice or just looking for a simple weekend activity, this craft is perfect. With straightforward steps and easily sourced ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create something so stunning.

There’s an unparalleled joy in crafting something beautiful with your own two hands, especially when it fuses form and function seamlessly. As the season turns, the comforting allure of a roaring fire becomes irresistible.

But instead of reaching for the typical store-bought fire starters, why not elevate the experience? With nature at the heart of this project, we’re diving into creating homemade fire starters that aren’t just efficient, but also a visual delight.

Made with the earthy goodness of beeswax and adorned with natural elements like dried flowers, mini pinecones, and fresh pine snippings, these fire starters don’t just ignite flames; they light up conversations and warm hearts. Whether you’re cozying up at home or embarking on an outdoor adventure, this craft tutorial is sure to add a spark to your day. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s bring a touch of artisanal charm to your fireside moments!

Supplies

You only need a few items to put together these handmade fire starters. Let me walk you through the list.

natural elements for making fire starters.

silicone cupcake baking cups – You can find the cups I used here. These make the process super easy. Alternatively, you could use paper liners in a metal muffin pan. The paper should peel off, but even if it doesn’t the starters should function the same.
beeswax pellets – Any candle wax will work for this project. You could even melt down candles that you’re no longer using. Just keep in mind that if you use a scented or colored candle, your fire starters will take on those scents and colors. here are the beeswax pellets I used.
candle wicks – You only need a wick that’s about 3-inches long. However, I found that length hard to find, so I just bought these and cut them once the fire starters were set.
natural elements – To keep this project low budget, I recommend foraging your yard. However, I did link some of the items below should you prefer to purchase them.

Natural Element Suggestions

dried flowers
leaves
pine cones
wood shavings
cinnamon sticks
pine branches
dried herbs
bay leaves
star anise

How To Make

I will walk you through the steps to make these homemade fire starters here. I’ve also provided a printable card at the bottom of this post with a supply list and instructions.

Begin by preheating your oven to 300 degrees F.
Place 12 silicone baking cups on a baking pan.

Fill each cup about 3/4ths of the way full with beeswax pellets. Place into the oven and heat until all the wax is melted.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it on a heatproof surface or cooling rack.
Work quickly. Start by adding a wick to each baking cup, then fill them with your natural finds. Be sure that each dried flower, pinecone, twig, etc. has part of it submerged in the wax to keep it held in place.

adding dried flowers to homemade fire starters.

Leave at room temperature to set. Then, remove the fire starters from the silicone baking cups and store them in a basket near your fireplace.

How to Use

Now that you’ve made your fire starters, you might be wondering how to use them.

To use, place a fire starter at the bottom of a wood-burning fireplace. I recommend placing it on an old metal tin, pie dish, or small cast iron skillet.
Stack logs around the fire starter leaving room for air flow.
Light the wick and allow the fire starter to burn until the wood catches on fire.

Pretty simple, right?

Side note: You can find the beautiful glass match cloche that I used in some of the photos. It’s a really beautiful and functional decorative accessory. (It makes great gift too!)

homemade fire starters in a wood bowl by fireplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do these homemade fire starters burn?

Each fire starter typically burns for about 5-10 minutes, depending on its size and the materials used. This duration provides ample time to catch larger logs or charcoal on fire.

Can I use other natural materials besides dried flowers and pine snippings?

Absolutely! While dried flowers and pine snippings offer a lovely aesthetic and aroma, you can also experiment with dried citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or dried herbs like rosemary and lavender.

Where can I find beeswax?

I linked the beeswax I used in the supplies section above. Beeswax is often available at local craft stores, health food stores, or online marketplaces. If you’re keen on supporting local businesses, consider purchasing from a nearby beekeeper.

Are these safe for both indoor and outdoor fires?

Yes, these fire starters are safe for both indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits. However, always exercise caution, ensure adequate ventilation indoors, and keep flammable objects away from fires.

How should I store them?

Store your fire starters in a cool, dry place. A tin box, airtight container, or even a mesh bag would work well. Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant colors of your natural elements.

That’s a wrap on these homemade fire starters. I couldn’t be more pleased with how they turned out. I hope you’ll give them a try!

Happy crafting my friend!

More Handmade Craft Ideas

I know you’re going to have so much fun making, using, and gifting these homemade fires starters. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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