Save your dryer lint! These extra special homemade fire starters with lint are a great project for kids and adults alike. With just a few household items and about 10 minutes, you’ll be ready for your next fire. Use them in your backyard fire pit or out camping. They’ll warm your hands, and your heart!
As California natives, we are not used to cold. When we got off of the plane for the first time in North Carolina, my poor babies were crying because they were so cold!!
We quickly purchased the right gear and have since figured out how to stay warm through the cold months. Though I don’t think I will ever acclimate to the cold, I enjoy it SO much more than summertime in North Carolina!
Probably the best thing about winter in North Carolina, is that we get to go outside! I know that sounds backwards, but hear me out… no bugs, it isn’t humid, no bugs, it isn’t sticky, and NO BUGS! The kids and I get completely eaten up in the summer and the stifling heat makes everyone cranky. We end up spending our days indoors.
But in the winter, we get bundled up and spend WAY more time outside. We love it!! One of our favorite ways to spend a winter day is to pack a picnic, build a fire, make hot chocolate or s’mores and play in the yard. (Yes, we picnic in our yard.)
One way to make the day extra special, is with these Extra Special Homemade Fire Starters!
This is a great project to do with kids or by yourself. They make a very cute handmade gift and are pretty handy to have on hand!
How to Make Your Own Homemade Fire Starters with Dryer Lint
What You’ll Need
Paper Towel Rolls cut into thirds or Toilet Paper Rolls
Dryer Lint
Wax Paper
Kitchen String
Paper
Crayons
Scissors
Quantities will depend on how many fire starers you plan to make. You will need as many pieces of paper as paper towel/ toilet paper rolls. For example, if you want to make 3 fire starters, you’ll need one paper towel roll cut into thirds, and 3 pieces of paper.
Getting Started With Coloring and an Extra Special Surprise
Start by decorating the paper! Get creative. I love to just give my kids the decorating supplies with very little instruction to see what they come up with! It is pretty amazing to watch their little minds create and it’s adorable to see how excited they are when their project is complete.
Another way to guide kids through this craft is to work within a theme. “Lets draw Christmas pictures!” or “What can you make with only the red, blue, and yellow crayons?” “Lets draw as many shapes as we can think of!”
The Extra Special Part
Now this is what makes these fire starters with lint extra special… I ask the kids to write a wish, a positive affirmation, or a love note to put inside of their fire starter. Whatever they choose!
I believe in trying to work in positive self-talk whenever we can, and affirmations are a great way to do it! It can be as simple as “I am kind” or, my son’s favorite, “I am SUPER!”
If they choose a love note, I try to encourage them to write something specific that they love about someone. More than “I love Daddy” if it is age appropriate.
A wish is really just for fun! If you have enough supplies, maybe encourage your kids to write one of each!!
Plus, we are happy for any handwriting practice we can get! haha
Put it Together
Super simple!! First stuff some of your dryer lint into the towel roll.
Don’t forget your special note!
Wrap it in one layer of wax paper and tuck the sides into the tube.
Wrap your decorative paper around the outside and tie it up with kitchen string (or anything made with natural fibers).
And there you have it!! Ready for your next campfire!
I hope you enjoy the coloring, the creating, the simple skills practice (like cutting and tying), and the exercise in mindfulness, not to mention your time around your warming fire!
Posts mentioned
Homemade Crayons (coming soon)
Products in this post
rainbow bead toy in the background
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