SO if you have a family anything like mine you will have a few things laying around that can be used to makes a fire starter for those that fire doesn't spring from their finger tips. I am kind of a pyro, but the wife isn't so i made these to make it easier for her.

-Egg Cartons (I used the 18 count, but the one dozen or half dozen will work just as well, as long as they are made of paper)

-Lint (from your dryer vent, or pocket, Save it up its highly flammable)

-Wood Shavings (I used the shavings from my snake cage, sawdust or whittled shaving work as well)

-Easter Basket Paper shredding (any kind of shredded paper will do

-Wax (I went and bought Paraffin wax, but if you have candles that you can melt down that will work too)

A soda can for pouring the wax if you don't have anything else.

Step 1: Prep the Cartons

It really doesn't matter what order you put everything into the cartons, I chose this particular order for an easier lite and longer burn time. Experiment for yourself to find what works for you.

Here is the order:

~Wood shavings
~shredded paper
~lint
~wood shavings

Once filled press the stuffing in firmly to give yourself a little indentation.

Step 2: Melt Wax and Prep Soda Can

Follow the directions on the box for melting the wax, or just read this. LOL With this kind of wax it can become flammable if over heated. To prevent this you put a pot in a pot of boiling water. the water won't go above the boiling temp and that heat is transferred to the pot with the wax in it. Just FYI.

Now while you are waiting for the wax to melt, prep your can. If you have a metal measuring cup or something just ignore this step.
I bit the top off then cut down one side and then around the middle and then folded it around. The pictures will explain better. Once the handle was made the i pinched on side to aid in pouring.

I don't recommend biting the top off. use a can opener or scissors. I have strong teeth.

Step 3: Pour the Wax

Using the can you have made pour about a tablespoons worth of wax into each cup of the egg carton. Make sure to Pour slowly coating everything in each cup with wax. When this is completed push on each cup with the blunt end of a large screwdriver handle. Then put it in the fridge or freezer for about 5 minutes. Pull it back out and push on it one more time. Then allow it to cool completely.

Step 4: Finish

The wax has cooled and solidified. Now you can cut the Cups apart from each other. Use some Kitchen shears. I leave mine together until i need to use one. I cut one off to do a timed test burn. I place the cup upside down to light. This batch will burn for about 10 minutes. Plenty of time to get a good wood fire going.

Have fun and Good Luck,

Oh and please be responsible with the fire.