Back in Fall of 2010, I made a really pretty magnolia wreath out of dried magnolia leaves and loved this piece a lot. When I moved, it was so fragile so I sold it in my sales. I knew it wouldn’t survive the move. These magnolia leaves are sturdy, but will definitely break once they are dried and they make a magnificent wreath and are so easy to put together. If you have a magnolia tree, these are so easy to dry and use later. I love the beautiful sage green that the leaves turn into and the backsides of many magnolia leaves are a beautiful soft velvety brown, so rich in color this time of year.
So, I had a grapevine wreath that Wayfair.com sent me to decorate with and this makes a wonderful base to a magnolia wreath. All you need is a hot glue gun, a collection of dried magnolia leaves and a little imagination. Be sure you work in a spot that’s well covered because glue will get everywhere.
I really wanted to do another one of these magnolia leaf wreaths and am glad I saved the leaves from last Christmas.
Here’s how to get started! Get yourself a grapevine wreath and a collection of magnolia leaves. You don’t have to do anything special to dry these, just leave them alone and they’ll dry on their own.
Snap them off one by one. They will get really brittle once dry.
Set up your glue gun in a well covered space. I never seem to do crafts in a well lit area, so these pics aren’t great, but you can get the idea. I used a large piece of cardboard for this project.
Separate the green leaves and be sure to keep out the best brown sided leaves for alternating leaves on the wreath. I think most magnolias have brown on the backside, so check yours out and see.
Simply start adding your magnolia leaves one at a time, alternating between green and brown. Let your eye determine what needs to go where. Fill in and have the leaves flow all in the same direction and then you’ll cover the wreath, overlapping and joining back to where you started.
I cut a long piece of burlap for the bow.
And I used a large paperclip to wrap it and then stuck the paperclip into the grapevine which held it fine. I just looped 4 loops for my bow.
And here it is, all pretty on my front door! I just love how simple and elegant these type wreaths are. Alternating the green and brown leaves really gives it some nice dimension. Now, I’ll be able to store my wreath and hopefully it will stay nice for a few years. Those little pinecones, I picked up when I was in Washington state a few years ago, but you might be able to find them at the craft stores too. They are teeny tiny pinecones and I just hot glued them on the burlap.
I tried it on my fireplace too, but it really blends in with the stone too much. I just love magnolia leaf wreaths, don’t you? Hope you’ll try this one out for yourself.
It finally landed on the mirror in my foyer. I used a clear suction cup wreath hanger to hold it up there and I love it!
Adds so much texture with a subtle nod to Fall this time of year.
Today, I’ll be hosting the link party for Fall front door décor, so if you have something to share, please join us!!
And if you missed any of the other linky parties from my friends above, please go and visit Sarah, Layla, and Kate for LOTS of Fall inspiration at the link-ups on their blogs!
Happy Fall Y’all!
Laura Ingalls Gunn says
I so miss seeing the magnolia trees from when I lived in Georgia. Your wreath is just gorgeous!
Megan // Honey We're Home says
So pretty Rhoda, I love how natural and rustic it looks! Happy Fall!
Angela says
You can go to usartquest and get a glue to cover the leaves and they will last forever.
Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista says
Very pretty Rhoda! I too have a magnolia wreath…though fake…that I use year after year! So timeless and perfect for fall!
Kim at NewlyWoodwards says
That wreath is perfect against that door – what a great contrast. I love the magnolia leaves and my husband’s grandmother has one in her front yard. I think I smell a project. 😉
Thanks so much for hosting!
Lisa H. says
Your wreath looks beautiful against your blue door! Don’t you love hot glue guns?! I hadn’t used in my years, until I decided to make my Fall wreath last week. I’d forgotten what a nifty, easy to use tool they are.
Thanks for hosting the wreath party! Now I need to go look at all of the clever ideas.
Marie@InteriorFrugalista says
Hi Rhoda, your wreath is beautiful! Thanks for hosting this Fall Linky Party – looking forward to seeing all the creativity in here.
Ann says
Your wreath is stunning Rhoda…and so you! Thanks for hosting. Happy Fall!
Wendie says
Ooooh, I love this wreath!! I have a beautiful magnolia tree in my side yard so I can’t wait to try this one. I love how simple & pretty it is.
Heidi @ Decor & More says
I’ve always wanted to gather up magnolia leaves for one of these on my morning walk… think anyone will notice? 😉
xo Heidi
Lisa at celebrate creativity says
Thanks for hosting your link part, Rhoda.
So much inspiration all in one place. It’s a pleasure to click over and visit so many new blogs and inspiration.
Enjoy your day!
Jennifer O'Brien says
Beautiful wreath Rhoda! Happy to be part of this fabulous party today:)!
Jen
teresa says
I love this wreath. I’ve only ever used the leaves in a vase…natural through the Autumn and sprayed gold for the holidays. I have an extra wreath myself and may try this if I can convince my neighbors. Is that a bullbay magnolia? My cousin used to send me a bay laurel wreath every year to use for cooking. After she died I couldn’t bring myself to replace it. Maybe this is a good solution.
Rhoda says
Teresa, I don’t know what kind of magnolia this one is. I got these leaves from a magnolia by the side of the road near my sister. I think most magnolia owners would be glad to share their leaves. They are so pretty for the Holidays!
GinaE says
Your wreath looks so great! If I can find some magnolia leaves, I’m making one too.