Abstract: A synthetic log formed of a compacted comminuted and combustible material such as sawdust for use in fireplaces and wood burning stoves is handmade by filling a rolled paper tube with sawdust, compacting the sawdust in the rolled paper tube positioned within a support form structure, removing the form from around the paper tube and folding the paper tube to close off the ends to form a log. A kit for use in the method includes a means to form the paper tube and the support form structure which is an open pipe section longitudinally cut in half and hinged along one end to secure the halves together and provided with a locking means to close the other end about the paper tube which holds the combustible material.