Crafty Idea--Fire Starters

Now that the weather is getting colder, here's an idea for nifty fire starters for your fireplace. Save your old candle stubs, melt in an old double boiler or a coffee can set in a pan of water. Slowly heat to melt the wax. Fish out any pieces of wick from the candles after wax is melted. Take an old muffin tin, place a pine cone in each cup, place a short piece of old wick in each cup, allowing the end to stick out of the top. Fill each cup section about half full of wax. Let harden and pop out. Place in a pretty basket or crock near your fire place. Take one fire starter, place amidst your kindling in the fireplace, light the wick and watch your fire burn! These are wonderful and a great way to recycle something you would otherwise dispose of. These also make great gifts. Wrap in a cellophane bag, tie with a pretty ribbon and give to your friends with fireplaces. They'll appreciate the ease in starting a fire on a blustery winter evening.