Longtime wreathmaker Raymonde Houde works on a 72 inch wreath at Flo's Wreaths.
Photo Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
When Jarrod McCabe spent time photographing the wreathmakers of Washington County, Maine, he gained access to a seasonal world that most of us never knew existed. Many generations of men and women work hard at crafting these iconic holiday wreaths that are then sent around the country. The wreathmakers, many pictured in the following images at Flo’s Wreaths in Marshfield, Maine, create close to 100,000 wreaths per year.
Read the original 2011 feature print story: Wreathmaking Time in Washington County
The Wreathmakers of Washington County, Maine
Tools of the trade include gloves to protect the wreathmakers hands from the balsam tips and wire. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodFlo’s Wreaths co-founder Herb Hanscom, center, flanked by Kenny Clark, Ivan Hawkins and Chad Hanscom. Kenny’s truck is loaded with freshly gathered balsam tips. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodA portrait of Flo’s Wreaths employee, Kenny Clark. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodTipper Toby Maker gathering brush or tips in the forest. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodCraig Calor hauling a bundle of tips. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodDetail of tips being places on a carrying stick. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodLongtime wreath-maker Raymonde Houde works on a 72 inch wreath at Flo’s Wreaths. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodKaren Tomasik starting her day at Flo’s Wreaths. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodThe crew at Flo’s Wreaths take a short break. Raymonde Houde prefers the camaraderie of the season spent working together rather than making wreaths at home. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodKenny moves a 72 inch wreath to the truck for shipping. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodWreaths collect snow as they await shipment at Flo’s. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodA crate of finished wreaths await shipment at Flo’s. Photo Credit: McCabe, JarrodThis post was first published in 2011 and has been updated.
I use to live in Machias and would go out in the woods “tipping” to sell to Flo’s. My friend made wreathes at home for Flo’s, her house always smelled wonderful this time of year!
What a nice story! Thank you.
Appreciate the season & the hard work of the employees for others to enjoy.
It is an art to gather, create and assemble wreaths for sure. Good group effort!! Nice wreaths too!
Loved this story and the people who do the work to create these wreaths.
Really enjoyed this story. Thanks!
Appreciate the hard work and beautiful results. Nice to see this story.
I use to live in Machias and would go out in the woods “tipping” to sell to Flo’s. My friend made wreathes at home for Flo’s, her house always smelled wonderful this time of year!
Where May I purchase a wreath?
Live in Downeast and admire our locals who make these wreaths and carry on the tradition!
Beautiful!!!
Nice to see articles like this one on Wreaths from Wahington County…my area I grew up in…thanks. Kudos to all the workers at Flo’s!!!
I certainly appreciate the hard work that goes into making these Wreaths. It’s too bad I live so far away. I love making wreaths. Merry Christmas