Make an inexpensive and environmentally friendly log for the fireplace or fire pit is made from old newspapers. Newspaper fire logs are easy to make. Why not help save the environment and recycle your old newspaper into usable fire logs.
Things You’ll Need:
Newspaper
Large tote
Water
Rubber mallet
1-inch dowel or broom handle
Twine
Scissors
Instructions:
Step 1 – Remove all glossy pages from the newspaper. Place these pages aside to recycle.
Step 2 – Stack the remaining newspaper in a stack making sure to match the edges. Alternate the folds back and forth for added strength.
Step 3 – Place the stack of newspapers in a large tote. Cover the newspaper with water. Allow the newspaper to soak for five hours.
Step 4 – Remove the stack of newspaper from the water. Place the wet newspaper on a concrete surface. Separate the stack into smaller stacks approximately 2-inches tall.
Step 5 – Press the stack with your hands to remove as much excess water as possible. Hit the stack with a rubber mallet to remove any remaining water.
Step 6 – Place a dowel or broom handle parallel with the edge of the newspaper stack. Roll the newspaper as tightly as possible around the dowel or broom handle.
Step 7 – Secure the newspaper fire log together with twin. Use at least three strips of twine to secure the log in the middle and both ends.
Step 8 – Slide the newspaper fire log off the dowel or broom handle. Set the newspaper log on end to dry. This will take up to 48 hours.
Create colored newspaper fire logs by adding the following colors to the water while soaking the newspaper:
Violet flames- Add one part potassium to three parts potassium sulphate
Blue flames – Add calcium chloride
Red flames – Add strontium chloride
Yellowish-green flames – Add baronsalts
White flames – Add magnesium sulphate
Green flames – Add copper sulphate
Yellow flames – Add table salt (sodium chloride)