Fire starters have a role to play in scaffolding skills to those learning and also providing quick fire in those difficult and dire circumstances when practice, patience, persistence and prayer have not provided. In Issue #22 of Self Reliance Illustrated you can read my full article about making and using these common material fire-starters.

The materials pictured were covered with melted down crayon wax from a bucket full of left over crayon bits shared with me from an elementary school art teacher.

This is a great project with scouts and campers and teaches them to do more with less.  There is no need to buy expensive fire starters when you can have fun making your own with each to find materials at home.

Melting Crayon Wax in Double Boiler

Melted crayon wax

Different Options for Making Fire Starters

Egg carton materials ready for wax

rolled up newspaper dipped in wax

egg carton fire starters

burn test

rolled up newspaper fire starters

Burn test.

To read more, check out my full article in Self Reliance Illustrated Issue #22