How to Make a Magnolia Leaf Wreath

December 14, 2013 · Filed under Creative stuff, Plant Suggestions · Tagged Christmas decorations, handmade wreath instructions, holiday decorating on a budget., Making magnolia wreaths

The finished wreath. I used a gold bow so it would show up against our green door.

I am so lucky in my friends!  I have a friend who lives by the beach where the average temperature is just a little warmer than it is here only a mile away.  This tiny temperature difference is just enough so she can grow Magnolia Grandiflora here in Connecticut, at the northern edge of its range.  Each year at this time she has the trees trimmed and distributes the branches to local charities and friends for their holiday decorating.  I use my bounty to make magnolia leaf wreaths for the house.  Here’s how I do it:

Pick off leaves (I choose medium sized ones) and using wired floral picks, wind each stem with the wire. After a few leaves you get the feel for it and can twirl the pick, winding it quickly and easily. These picks are available in craft stores.

I like to use a straw wreath form, also available in craft stores. Wind up a dozen or so leaves before you begin.

Start by sliding the picks into the form at an angle, inserting them diagonally across the curved surface and overlapping the leaves.

I like to have some of the leaves upside-down to give a color contrast by showing the velvety brown undersides of the leaves.

When you are finished (this took me a little over an hour to do) examine the wreath for places where the straw is showing through. There’s a little place at about 3:00 o’clock so I wrap one more leaf to cover that.

The finished product. Add a bow and hang!