How to Make a Magnolia Leaf Wreath

Wreaths don't have to be full and fluffy to be beautiful. Try making this simple, modern take on the traditional holiday wreath with preserved or freshly cut magnolia leaves.
Magnolia Leaf Wreath

Simple Traditional Magnolia Leaf Holiday Wreath

Wreaths don't have to be full and fluffy to be beautiful. Try making this simple, modern take on the traditional holiday wreath with preserved or freshly cut magnolia leaves. This wreath is simple, so it's ideal to hang it over a mirror, on a colorful door or on the back of each chair at a holiday table.

Materials Needed:

  • 12" foam wreath form
  • 20-30 fresh or preserved (not dried) magnolia leaves
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • scissors
  • ribbon

Cut and Glue Leaves

With sharp scissors, cut off the bottom third of all magnolia leaves (Image 1). Apply hot glue to the back side of one leaf and attach it to the wreath form (Image 2). Hold in place until glue cools (Image 3). Leave first row of leaves unglued at top, so final row of leaves can be tucked under them. Tip: It's best to use preserved or fresh leaves that are pliable for this project.

Continue Gluing Leaves

Apply hot glue to one leaf at a time and press it into place, allowing each leaf to overlap the leaves next to and underneath it. The pattern can be random or specific. Cover all sides of the wreath form, so it can be hung in front of a mirror or on a chair back. Tip: When covering the interior side of the form, position leaves so there is a seam in the middle. This will prevent leaves from being bent so much that they break.

Gluing Magnolia Leaves for Wreath

Gluing Leaves to Foam Circle for Magnolia Leaf Wreath

Apply hot glue to one leaf at a time and press it into place, allowing each leaf to overlap the leaves next to and underneath it. The pattern can be random or specific. Cover all sides of the wreath form, so it can be hung in front of a mirror or on a chair back. Tip: When covering the interior side of the form, position leaves so there is a seam in the middle. This will prevent leaves from being bent so much that they break.

Finish Attaching Leaves and Hang Wreath

Tuck the final row of leaves under the tips of the first row and apply a small amount of glue under each leaf to secure it in place (Image 1). Remove any glue gun strings. Loop a wide, double-sided satin ribbon around completed wreath to hang (Image 2). This wreath is simple, so it's ideal to hang it over a mirror, on a colorful door or on the back of each chair at a holiday table. Embellish wreath further by glittering or adding gold or copper leaf to the magnolia leaves' edges. Note: Add red ribbon and silver jingle bells to easily transition this wreath from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

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