How to Make a Balsam Pillow

Have you ever wondered what you could do with your Christmas tree after the holidays? Enjoy the aromatic fragrance of a walk in the woods long after the last decoration has been carefully packed away. A balsam pillow sachet can be tossed in a chair or tucked in a drawer to provide a sweet natural air freshener that will soothe your senses. Slide one under your bed pillow and relax in the aromatic fragrance.

After the holidays, allow your tree to dry out for a couple of days outside. Put it somewhere where it won't get wet.

Lay out an old sheet or tablecloth and wear gloves. Shake the tree over the sheet and pull the needles off by hand. Be sure to wear gloves.

Gather the needles together and store them in an old pillowcase.

Cut two pieces of cloth the desired size and shape for your balsam pillow sachet.

With right sides facing, sew around the balsam pillow. Leave two inches open for filling.

Turn the pillow right side out.

Roll a piece of paper into a loose cone.

Insert the cone point into the opening of the balsam pillow sachet. Pour the balsam needles into the cone and shake them down into the pillow until the pillow sachet is filled.

Remove the paper cone and stitch the opening closed.

Cut out two pieces of fabric the desired size and shape of your balsam throw pillow.

With right sides facing, sew around the balsam throw pillow. Leave four inches open for filling.

Turn the pillow right side out.

Fill the balsam throw pillow with stuffing. Place a balsam pillow sachet in the middle of the stuffing and continue to stuff the balsam throw pillow.

Stitch the pillow closed.