there is also a recipe for soaking the pinecones in a drugstore chemical so that when they burn they will burn a bright color. (there are 3 chemicals for 3 different colors, but i would have to look them up for you, just let me know if you want me to).

and finially there is mixing sawdust or shavings with wax and a wick to use as firestarters. (i also make bundles from tree branches)

but the lavendar and other aromatic plants do smell wonderful in firestarter bundles

Gifts from the Hearth
This gift basket holds aromatic herbs and pinecones for the fireplace and simmering potpourri for the home. Present your fragrant, handmade gifts in a decorative container big enough to double as a firewood holder. Look for a metal basket like this one pictured, wicker baskets, or aluminum buckets, preferably with a handle. Intersperse your goodies with evergreens. And don't forget to include fireplace matches.

Scented Pinecones
A cone or two can be tossed into the fireplace on the hot embers. Or, arrange them in a pretty dish for a more subtle, fragrant decoration.

Cost: $25
Time: An afternoon
Skill Level: Beginner

What You Need:

About 24 2-x-2-inch pinecones (available at a crafts store)
1/4 cup (approximately 2 ounces) frankincense powder (available at a crafts store or florist)
1/2 cup (approximately 4 ounces) myrrh powder (available at a crafts store or florist)
1/4 cup gold glitter
White crafts glue
Cellophane bags or wrap (available at a florist, crafts, or paper store)
Shallow container, such as a shoe-box lid
Gold filigree ribbon
Newspapers

Instructions:
1. Rinse pinecones with water. Lay cones on an old cookie sheet and place in 300 degree F oven for one hour. Spread cones out on layers of newspaper and set aside to complete drying. (They'll close tightly when wet and fully open when dry.)2. Blend frankincense, myrrh, and glitter in a shallow container. Dab glue on tips of pinecone petals and on bottom of cone. Roll cone in mixture of powder and glitter. Set cones aside to dry.3. Package a handful of dried cones in cellophane to give as gifts. Tie bag shut with gold filigree ribbon. Attach a label with a holiday greeting and instructions for using the pinecones.

Dried Herb Bundle
For a burst of delicate fragrance, add an herbal bundle when starting a fire in the fireplace. The lovely bundles also make a fragrant decoration for the hearth, or put them in a basket beside an entryway.

Cost: $15
Time: Under an hour
Skill Level: Beginner

What You Need:

Dried stems of aromatic herbs (available at crafts or herb stores)
6-inch cinnamon sticks (available at crafts or herb stores)
Raffia
Cone-shaped holder (available at a crafts store)

Instructions:
1. Strip dry leaves off dried bunches of herbs by sliding your hand down stem. Gather a small bunch of stems and tie the bottom with a strand of raffia.

2. Tuck a cinnamon stick into the bunch.

3. Stuff two or three bunches into a decorative cone-shaped holder fashioned from stiff paper or a holder bought at a crafts store.

Simmering Potpourri
A ribboned tin or cellophane bag is a festive way to present potpourri. The scented mix can be used in a potpourri burner (use 1 tablespoon) or simmered in a pan on the stove (1/4 cup potpourri in 2 cups water, set on lowest heat. Don't boil the pan dry)

Cost: $30
Time: Under an hour
Skill Level: Beginner

What You Need:

Orange peel (cut into 1/4-x-2-inch strips and air-dry until crisp)
Cellophane wrap or bags or airtight tins (available at crafts stores)
1/4 cup each of dried bay leaves, cedar tips, sage leaves, rosemary leaves, lavender leaves, marjoram blossoms, juniper berries, cinnamon sticks (broken into pieces), and dried orange peel. Many of these ingredients can be found at a florist or at a crafts or herb store.

Instructions:
1. Blend ingredients (makes about 2 cups).

2. Package in plastic or cellophane bags, or store in an airtight tin and decorate with ribbon or string.

welcome order !

I've seen similar thing done with bundles of dried herbs, cattails, twigs, birch or Blue Gum bark, or paper rolled up and twisted...the variation's really only limited by your materials, and how fancy you want to make them.

I think the trick to making ones that work is to allow for good airflow - a solid cake of waxy sawdust burns about as well as a pencil, once the paint burns off...but give it some 'fluff' and it works great.