Fresh balsam fir has a scent unlike anything else. This guide walks you through making a simple, beautiful wreath using boughs from Maine woodland — no experience needed.
Materials Before you start, gather everything you need. Fresh balsam fir boughs, a 12 inch wire wreath frame, a spool of dark green paddle wire, pruning shears, and a few sprigs of eastern white cedar. Having everything within reach before you begin makes the process much smoother.
Tip: Work on a flat surface at a comfortable height. A table covered with newspaper makes cleanup easier.
Cut your boughs Trim each bough into sections 4–6 inches long, cutting at an angle just below a branch node. These become your building units. Aim for 30 to 40 sections — more than you think you need. Running short halfway round is the most common beginner mistake.
Tip: Want to add depth and texture? Tuck a sprig of eastern white cedar into some of your bundles. It adds a second layer of scent alongside the balsam and makes the finished wreath feel more wild and layered. We sell eastern white cedar separately if you'd like to add some to your order.
Start building Take three to four fir sections and form a bundle. Position it on the frame at a slight angle, tips pointing in the direction you'll work around the frame.
Tip: Decide which direction you're working — clockwise or anticlockwise — and commit to it. Changing direction halfway creates an uneven finish.
Bind with wire Hold the bundle firmly against the frame and wrap paddle wire tightly around both four to five times. Pull it taut with each wrap — loose wire is what causes bundles to slip later. Don't cut the wire. Keep it continuous as you move to the next bundle.
Tip: If the wire keeps slipping, try starting your first wrap at a slight diagonal before going straight across. It locks the bundle in place faster.
Build, layer, and trim Continue adding bundles, each one overlapping the last to cover the stems of the previous. Work steadily in one direction until you reach your starting point. Tuck the final bundle under the first to hide the join. Once the frame is fully covered, trim any uneven stems with your shears to even out the shape.
Tip: Rotate the wreath as you work to check the shape from different angles. It's easier to correct as you go than at the end.
Hang and enjoy Hang on a hook or door knocker. Fresh balsam fir holds its scent for several weeks — the cold air actually intensifies it. Mist lightly with water every few days to extend its life indoors.
Tip: If displaying indoors, keep it away from direct heat sources. Radiators and wood burners will dry it out quickly.