Anyone who burns wood knows that there are days when it can be a tedious task to get it going, particularly on damp, wet days when the air is heavy!  On days when even kindling wood fails to maintain a flame,  these homemade fire starters give your fire the little boost they need to take off and BURN!   So, first, they are a luxury.  Second, they are totally free when made from the recycled materials I have suggested.  Third, they save you money because you're not paying to have them end up in the landfill.  And fourth and finally, they make great gifts-from-the-heart if you have the time to give them an artistic touch.  I just love my little firestarters!  To quote Martha Stewart, "Its a good thing!"

Here's the simple list of ingredients:

1. Empty (cardboard) toilet paper tubes
2. Dryer Lint
3. Yucky, old, used-up candle wax (We've all wondered what  to do with this, right?)

And its not rocket-science!  Here's the instructions:

1. Stuff the toilet paper tubes tightly with dryer lint.  The tighter its packed in there, the longer it will burn.  Be sure the ends look neat and are flush with the end of the TP tube.
2. Melt down some old candles.  If you still have a wick, do it right in the original candle containers and save energy!  (Use the stove and a double boiler if you must.  New wax will also work, but if you have to buy it.....its no longer a freebie.)
3. Conservatively and randomly, drizzle the melted candle wax on the outside of the tube and a few dots on the ends.  CAUTION: Blow the flame out before you do this step.  The dryer lint is HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.   

Decorate them for gifts:

Since we don't care if they look pretty, I've never decorated them for gift-giving purposes.  I have thought about it, though!

1. Wrap the finished firestarter in newspaper, recycled tissue paper, recycled cheesecloth.....anything burnable.  Twist both ends and tie them with hemp twine, raffia, grasses.   A dozen or so would look sweet all done up and placed in a recycled basket or box!  Let your imagination roam.......

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