Keep the Flame a Burnin'

Winter is still here.  It's hard to believe that last year at this time we didn't need to wear coats and snow boots outside.  Although this year IS more like a normal Minnesota winter, I anxiously wait for warmer weather.  In the mean-time, here is something I've done to keep my mind on camping.

My son and I spent some time experimenting with homemade fire-starters for campfires.  I did a little bit of research on the web and found a proven technique.  I also had one of my own ideas.

My idea?  We started with a paper bag, some string and lantern oil.  We cut the paper bag into strips and rolled them up into a tight log shape about 14 inches long.  We wrapped it tightly with the string, making sure to leave it hollow in the middle of the "log".   After folding in on one end, I slowly poured about a cup (or so) of oil in the other end - enough to saturate the whole log.  The lantern oil I used had a citronella scent, so it can double as mosquito repellent.

Then we tested it.

Even though it was windy and rainy, we threw it outside on the wet sidewalk and lit it.  The oil lit right up and allowed the log to burn for about 10 minutes.  It seemed to work really well.  BUT, it was a stinky mess to make.

Time to try the idea I found from my research.

You will need an egg carton, dryer lint and paraffin candle wax (this is a great way to use up the leftover wax from candles that have the wick completely burned up).  Fill each compartment of the egg carton with dryer lint.  Pack it in there good and tight.  Melt the wax and pour over the dryer lint until each compartment is completely submersed with wax.  Let harden overnight.  Once hardened, you can break them apart (sections of four seem to work best).

This one lit very easily and burned about 15 minutes.  I like this fire-starter because it is clean and easy to store.  It tends to burn just a bit hotter, too, which is nice.

Both projects were fun because the kids got involved and were able to help with most of the steps.  After watching them burn, they also chose their favorites.  My son liked the oil-soaked logs because they lit in the rain.  I prefer the egg carton because there wasn't a mess.

I'm sure there are many other ideas out there for homemade fire-starters.  If you know of any good ones, let me know!