Camp DIY

 Cinnamon pinecones and fire starters

So here’s part 2 of our pinecone project. Scroll down for Cinnamon pinecones to read how to do the first step in preparing your pinecones. For our fire starters I used lavender scent, Purple candle die and candle wax. I used three different types of salt hoping each one would burn a different color. I’ll let you know after this weekends family bonfire!

So, dip the pine cones in your wax at least twice. I dipped ten and then stared over with the first one and dipped again. After the second dip be sure to sprinkle with your choice of salt immediately so wax doesn’t dry. Here’s our three different kinds of fire starters:

We are going to take these to our family day in Michigan. We’ll tell you how it goes!

Here’s our Cinnamon pinecones. Just to make your house smell awesome!

There’s just something about the fragrance of cinnamon pinecones that immediately evokes a feeling of family gathered round a table on a crisp autumn evening. So, when I realized our new home was surrounded by fir trees dropping their beautiful cones, I just couldn’t resist. I’ve made the cinnamon pinecones so I’ll start with that DIY first and add the Firestarters next week. The first two steps are the same for both so if you’r anxious to get started you can.

Step One: Gather pinecones. Be sure to gather the newly dropped cones as ones that have sat a season will be less desirable. (bugs and rot)

Step Two: Wash the pine cones. This is so exciting! They close up in order to protect themselves. So be sure to swish them around in the water before they close. You’ll have about 15 mins.

Step Three: Heat your oven to 200 degrees and place pine cones on cookie trays. Provide enough space for them to open up. Leave in the the oven for one to three hours. I read another tutorial that said one hour but mine took three to open up.  Remove from oven when they are open and dry. Let them sit for at least an hour before moving on to the next step.

Step Four: Melt candle wax in a double boiler. Attach wire to pinecones. I used floral wire and just kept using the same five or so over and over. Submerge pine cones into wax. Let sit for three minuets s and dip again.

Step Five: Combine Cinnamon, alspice and ground cloves in a bowl. Line a pan with wax paper and sprinkle a bit of the Cinnamon mixture in the bottom. After you’ve dipped a pinecone for the second time, immediately place it in the pan and sprinkle the Cinnamon mixture over it using a spoon.

 

Step Six: Store in an airtight container for two weeks for maximum fragrance.

 

A Frame Tents:

We had so much fun making these cute little A frames. I actually made six of them and use them for small group time at my piano camps. Each one is made out of 2×2 wood a dowel rod and some awesome material I found at Ikea.

Simply cut the 2×2 pieces to the height you desire. Drill a hole through the end of each piece. Be sure to mark your hole so it’s in the same place every time. Lay two of the 2×2’s on top of each other so the holes line up. Insert your dowel rod. Add the remaining 2×2’s to the other end of the dowel rod. Your frame is done! I simply draped about four yards of material over each frame and secured them with velcro.