MAKE A MINI GLOWING BONFIRE

THIS little batterypowered bonfire provides a lovely, autumnal glow. You won’t have to check it for nesting hedgehogs before you light it, plus it’s crackle-free, so even the most nervous of pets can rest easy.

YOU WILL NEED:

Wooden coffee stirrers or lolly sticks

Cotton thread Orange/ yellow tissue paper Brown and black paint Glue

A battery-powered tea light (this project is not suitable for real-flame candles)

METHOD

1. Take two pairs of sticks and wrap some cotton thread around the top end of each pair. Make sure the thread is a little lower on the second pair. Pull apart to make a V shape. (see picture 1, below).

2. Position the sticks to make a pyramid. Leave plenty of room inside for your battery-powered tea light (see picture 2, below). Secure with a blob of glue. Allow to dry. Stack more sticks up against the first two pairs and glue in place. Leave a gap at the back so you can slide your light in and out.

3. Paint your stacked sticks brown and black and leave to dry.

4. Cut a piece of orange tissue paper to line the inside of your bonfire. Remember not to paper over the gap at the back. Cut out some flame shapes. Glue the bottom end of each flame just inside your stick pyramid.

5. Switch on your battery-powered tea light, slide it into the back of your bonfire and enjoy the glow.

6. Never leave your glowing bonfire unattended – switch it off when you are not in the room. Adult supervision is recommended when crafting