Supplies:
1.5 gallons hot water
3 plastic containers
Half pound copper sulfate (also called “bluestone”) (for green)
Half pound boric acid (for red)
Half pound calcium chloride or sodium chloride (table salt) (for yellow)
Pinecones
Paper muffin cups
Muffin pan
Candle wax (you can use leftover wax from your candle projects)
Directions:
Pour half a gallon of hot water into each of your three plastic containers. Add one chemical to each container of hot water and stir well. Soak your pinecones overnight in these mixes, then take out and let air dry in warm dry air for two days. You can use them as is, or add wax as described below:
Line your muffin pan with the paper muffin cups, then put one pinecone in each cup. Melt your wax as you normally would (in a double boiler, an old crock pot, or wax melter). Add color and scent if desired, then pour your wax slowly into the muffin cups till they’re filled. Let harden. These are great for starting fires, remember to use one at a time!
