Disclaimer: These are not to be used with gas or electric fireplaces. These are for wood burning fireplaces and fire pits only. Always use caution when playing with fire.

These DIY fire starters are so fun and easy. They’re also a great way to recycle some of your holiday leftovers. You can use any holiday scraps you have lying around, including greenery, wrapping paper (no metallic designs), newspaper, and tissue. Basically, anything that’s flammable.

If you are using greenery, you’ll want to let it dry out for about 1-2 weeks prior to burning.

You’ll need:

String
Newspaper or wrapping paper
Herbs (rosemary or lavender are my faves)
Greenery (from your Christmas tree, leftover garland, or wreaths)
Essential oils such as cedar wood, rosemary or lavender (optional, for a stronger scent)

Step 1: Cover your workspace (some of the greenery might have sap). Break apart your greenery. If there are large stems, I would recommend separating the leaves from the stem so that everything can dry out faster. Add herbs.

Step 2: Add crinkled paper to create some air flow. You do not want these tightly rolled, you want them to burn! Add essential oils.

Step 3: Loosely roll the bunch into a cylinder shape and use string to tie the ends closed, like a candy wrapper.

Step 4: Place your DIY fire starter with kindling when starting a fire. Enjoy all the good aromas!

You’re done! You just found a way to use your Christmas leftovers. I used a variety of greenery from our tree, a wreath and some garland, and then I added herbs from the garden. Somehow, our rosemary never dies. (Thank you, rosemary. LOL.) I loved making these, and it made me feel better to be recycling some of the holiday mess!

Hope everyone had a fun + safe new year! I am in full blown organizing and goal setting mode. LOL, I love making lists :)

Anyway, have the best day!

Always and Whatever

XO

DIY Fire Starters

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