A bright gift idea
Fireplace elves vanish without a trace—craft fun fire starters from logs
Fireplace elves are logs dressed in an elf outfit that serve as fire starters. All the materials used are flammable. Log elves also make a wonderful gift idea!
Fireplace elves—supplies:
- dry firewood
- packing paper
- large cotton pads
- jute twine
- wooden beads
- leftover candle pieces
- paintbrush
Fireplace elves—instructions:
- Choose thick, dry branches or thin logs and saw them to the length you want for your elf body. Firewood logs typically measure up to around 33 cm (13 in) in length.
- Cut the cotton pad into a beard shape and make a small hole for the nose bead. Thread the jute twine through the bead, then push the bead through the hole from behind so that it sits at the front of the beard and the twine remains behind it.
- Melt leftover candle pieces in a double boiler. Use a paintbrush to coat the beard thoroughly with the melted wax. Let it cool and harden. Then attach the beard to the top of the gnome body with jute twine.
- Tear a rectangular piece of packing paper. Along one long edge, fold a few pleats to form the “fur trim.” Roll the paper into an elf cap and place it on the elf's head. Twist the hat so it stays in place.
Make several elves, tie them together with jute twine, and present the bundle as a gift. They can brighten up a fireplace mantel throughout the holidays, and then they can be put to use.
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