Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Firestarter Candles for Camping

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We just got home from camping and I couldn’t get online anywhere. It was fun but it’s good to be back.

We made some fire starter candles from dryer lint and wax. This is a great way to recycle egg cartons and dryer lint and it’s more effective than newspaper alone since it doesn’t burn out as quickly.

Our last night at the campsite there was a huge rainstorm but I was able to light a fire easily with a fire starter candle. We brought a few things to cook on the fire so it was important to have one. For a video demonstration on how to make fire starter candles see Homemade Fire Starter Tutorial.

In an emergency you could also use a buddy burner which is a mini stove you make out of a tin can, cardboard, wax and a wick. See buddy burner instructions for more.

Have you read?

Hubcap Creatures: Transforming Roadside Finds into Sculptural Wildlife

Hubcap Creatures is the creative project of British sculptor Ptolemy Elrington, who has transformed discarded hubcaps into captivating sculptures of wildlife. Operating from Brighton, Elrington has been crafting these unique pieces since the late 1990s, turning everyday automotive debris into stunning representations of animals from the natural world.

The artistic process behind Elrington’s sculptures is centered around recycling and upcycling. The hubcaps he uses are typically found on the side of the road and often show signs of wear, including scratches and dents. Elrington believes that these imperfections add character and depth to his creatures, making each piece truly one of a kind.

His work spans a wide range of animals, including foxes, fish, and birds, with each sculpture thoughtfully crafted to showcase the unique features of the materials. The brand logos, grooves, and markings found on the hubcaps often contribute to the creature’s expression and structure, giving them a distinct, textured look.

Elrington’s Hubcap Creatures have been showcased in various exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. His innovative approach has gained recognition for its creativity and environmental awareness, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into meaningful art.

For art enthusiasts or collectors, Elrington offers a mix of available sculptures and custom commissions, allowing individuals to bring home a piece of this upcycled art. Hubcap Creatures stands as a brilliant example of how creativity can breathe new life into the most unlikely of materials, all while promoting sustainability.