I can’t believe that I have never bought fireworks. They are right up inside my wheelhouse. Growing up on the East Coast, my cousin Jimmy and I would try to make fireworks with Tic Tac containers and gasoline. Then there was that little forest fire incident in our neighborhood, but that’s another post. My fascination with all things combustible goes back to my childhood. Well, here in the great state of Texas, where fireworks are legal, I can finally start exploding things. Tomorrow I will be driving around DFW photographing fireworks stands and the people who frequent them. I would love some guidance on where to go (comments are ON). And for those of you who want to try to make your own fireworks (me), Wired magazine tells us how to do it:
“How to Make Fireworks
Our great nation was built on the principles of independence and self-reliance. It’s practically patriotic to build your July 4 fireworks from scratch. So, Harry Gilliam, CEO of pyrotechnics supplier Skylighter, told us how to make a spectacular fireball. (Disclaimer: Wired will not send bail money or reattach fingers.) – Daniel Dumas
1. The Fuse: Punch a hole near the bottom of an empty 10.5-ounce can (the Campbell’s Soup variety is perfect) and insert a 6-inch fuse from the hobby shop.
2. The Explosives: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of black or smokeless powder (available at Wal-Mart). Then cover it with a disc-shaped piece of tissue paper.
3. The Fuel: Fill the rest of the can with Cremora, the highly flammable powdered nondairy creamer. Make sure it’s well sifted and not clumpy.
4. The Show: At dusk, gather some friends, light the fuse, and run back at least 25 feet. Your creation will explode in a 4- to 6-foot ball of flames.”
