Adding half a cramp ball, ignited by the ember

Curl the tinder around your ember, blowing and pressing it down onto red/white hot bits in order to make maximum use of its heat. Consistent long blows work best for me rather than short sharp puffs, it means the ember has a good oxygen supply for longer. Unfortunately if you chose to use the cramp ball method you are lumped with a slightly pungent smoke, unlike the ember alone which just smells of sweet woodsmoke. Not that you are likely to care though .

The tinder here I am using is just dead grass, very prevalent at this time of year. Dry it out inside your clothes but not right up against you body. Choosing dry grass to begin with, or having already dried some out will make this stage easier and more likely to be successful.

Note the size of bundle. Often we see a larger bundle being used in pictures and on TV. I personally find this unnecessary whilst often collecting dry useful tinder in such large quantities to be difficult to do.

I have included this picture as it shows how close I bring it to my mouth to blow. Not actually lip to grass, but not at arms length either. As you continue to blow, the smoke will thicken. You will know when it is just about to ignite as a different coloured smoke appears much darker, thicker and with a greenish tint (or that might just be me). When I see this, a few good hard blows will ignite the bundle.

Congratulations, you have fire. This should then be transfered to you kindling etc and away you go.

• * Bad Back! - Try adjusting your posture, remind yourself not to hunch over too much and if you are hurting, take a break, do something else then come back to it. Also a brief warm up can help especially on a winter's day in order to get your arms and muscles moving.
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