We have a gigantic magnolia tree in our front yard and not until recently did I think to go out, grab some of those pretty green leaves and make a magnolia leaf wreath. Store bought wreaths can be quite pricey and although our wreaths aren’t quite as nice looking, they were fun to make and pretty much free! I got the kids to join in and make Mini Magnolia Wreaths. These can be large wreaths or mini door hanger type wreaths, whatever your child prefers to make. I thought the smaller the wreaths, the easier it would be for my young kiddos to make. You just need a few supplies and of course a magnolia leaves. Most neighborhoods have at least one or 2 of these trees around and I’m sure your neighbors wouldn’t mind you grabbing a handful of the fallen leaves for your magnolia leaf wreath craft.
Magnolia Leaf Wreath DIY Tutorial
A magnolia wreath is a decorative wreath typically made using magnolia leaves. These wreaths are popular for their elegance and versatility, often featuring lush, glossy green leaves that make them ideal for year-round decor. Some may incorporate dried magnolia leaves. However this DIY magnolia wreath uses fresh or preserved leaves to add vibrancy and texture. You can often find them as part of both traditional and modern home décor, especially around holidays or seasonal events, sometimes embellished with flowers, ribbons, or other natural elements.
Mini Magnolia Leaf Wreath Craft Supplies:
- Magnolia Leaves
- Circular Structure to place leaves on (this can be made out of posterboard, cardboard, styrofoam, or even multiple twigs tied together)
- Hot Glue
How To Make A Magnolia Leaf Wreath:
Here is how to make a magnolia leaf wreath. Start with your cardboard or styrofoam and cut out a backing for your magnolia leaf wreath. This is what you are going to glue your magnolia leaves to so you want it to be a wreath shape. A good way to do this is get a large bowl and a small bowl and trace the large bowl onto the cardboard. Then center the smaller bowl within that tracing and trace it as well. Now you can cut along the circle lines and in between you will have a donut shape left perfect for the wreath.
Get the magnolia leaves ready by picking the best ones and making sure they are removed from the twigs and ready to use. Go ahead and lay them out in a rough circular shape to see if you will have enough leaves for your magnolia leaf wreath.
It’s time to glue! This part you will want to do yourself because the glue, of course, is super hot. Hot glue dries fairly quickly so you can apply it to a small area, like a quarter of the wreath. Then your child can help stick the magnolia leaves on after the glue has been applied to the backing. You can glue the leaves down at an angle or glue them to where the stems of the laves are all pointed towards the center. We did both! Continue around the circle with glue and leaves until you complete the mini magnolia leaf wreath.
Once the leaves are all glued down, you just need to find a place to hang your small magnolia leaf wreath. If it’s small enough, it can be a door hanger. If you had larger leaves, it can go on your child door or even the front door!
Fancier Version Of The DIY Magnolia Wreath
Alternatively, you could use a floral wire if you are an adult and willing to put in more time and effort for a more polished look. Take your wire wreath frame and attach a long piece of floral wire to one section. Don’t cut the wire yet—you’ll be using it to wrap around the leaves as you go.
Gather 3-5 magnolia leaves together, with the larger ones in the back and smaller ones in front. You can vary the arrangement to add texture and volume. Lay the bundle of magnolia leaves flat on the wreath frame. Using your floral wire, tightly wrap the stems to secure them to the frame. Wrap around several times to ensure they stay in place. Slightly overlap each new bundle with the previous one, covering the stems of the previous bundle so that only the leaves are visible. Continue this process around the entire wreath.
If you’d like, you can now add extra decorations like ribbons, pinecones, faux magnolia flowers, or berries. Use hot glue or more floral wire to attach these to the wreath. Add a loop of wire or ribbon to the back for easy hanging. You can display your wreath on a door, wall, or even use it as a table centerpiece.
Conclusion
Magnolia wreaths are popular for several reasons. Magnolia leaves are known for their glossy, rich green color and sturdy texture, which add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to any space. Their simple yet sophisticated appearance makes them versatile for various decor styles. Magnolia leaves are thick and hardy, making them last longer than many other types of foliage. Whether fresh or dried, magnolia leaves maintain their shape and beauty over time, offering a long-lasting decorative option.
Magnolia leaf crafts are great because they are plentiful, free, and they are such lush, long-lasting leaves. This is a great fall craft or for any time of year because Magnolia leaves are evergreen. In spring and summer, their lush greenery brightens up a space, while in fall and winter, they can be easily dressed up with seasonal accents like berries, pinecones, or ribbons to match the occasion. Have you ever used magnolia leaves in a craft before?
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