Make your own kindling: turn firewood into handy mini bundles
Kindling can be made from any type of wood. A single piece of firewood can yield multiple small kindling bundles.
Creating miniature logs is easiest with a basic axe you’re already comfortable using to split wood. That way, you get a natural swing and a precise strike. Before you know it, you’ll be making even thinner, more uniform mini logs.
All types of wood can be used for kindling, and you can even create separate bundles for each species. To make smaller bundles, wrap string around a batch of mini logs. For rounder, larger bundles, use a mold container.
If you really get hooked on making mini logs, consider crafting charming little bundles as fun gifts.
Kindling—supplies:
- firewood
- a saw
- an axe
- string and scissors
- a round, straight-sided bowl.
Here’s how to make kindling
1. Saw evenly sized pieces from your firewood, for example around 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). Then split the round slices into four parts with an axe.
2. Place one quarter piece on the chopping block, and cut slices about 1 centimeter (about 0.5 inches) thick with your axe.
3. Take each slice to the chopping block, angle your axe diagonally, and split triangular mini logs from it.
Make separate kindling bundles for each wood species so you can quiz your kids to see if they recognize familiar species in miniature.
4. Gather uniformly sized mini logs of the same wood species, and place them in a round clay bowl or another suitable container. Pack them as tightly as possible.
5. Wrap string around the mini logs a couple of times just above the container’s rim, and tie the string into a tight bow.
6. Lift the bundle onto a table and add as many extra mini logs as you need to make it snug. A tightly packed bundle holds its shape well. One piece of firewood can yield many small kindling bundles.
