How to Make Paper Logs for Fireplaces

Collect old newspapers and separate out the glossy magazines and advertisements from the regular newsprint sections. The glossy sections will not be used.

Open up the newspapers and cut all the double sheets up the middle with scissors making single sheets. Make one big stack of single sheets. You will need a 1-inch stack for each log.

Place the stack into a shallow tub with water. Allow it to soak, undisturbed, for about 2 hours or until the paper is thoroughly saturated. The paper should be wet but not soggy.

Keep the stack intact and lift it from the tub. Hold it over the tub to allow the majority of the water to drain from the stack.

Spread an old towel out on an outdoor flat surface such as a cement patio. Place the stack of newspapers on the towel and then lay another towel on top. Press down on the towel with your hands to push out as much water as you can. Next, stand on the towel to remove the remaining water.

Remove the top towel. Position a cut-off broom handle on top of one end of the stack and about 1 inch from the edge. Gently curl the newspaper up and around the handle to start making the log. Continue to roll up the newspaper while applying pressure to squeeze the newspaper together, shape the log and make it as dense as possible.

Tie a piece of string around each end of the newspaper log when the rolling has been completed. Gently twist and slide the broom handle out from the log.

Set the log in a moisture-free area and allow it to dry thoroughly before using. Depending on the location, the air temperature and the humidity, this may take as long as three months.