Easy & Free DIY Magnolia Wreath

We love our new magnolia wreath! Can you believe it is so easy to make, and it is free?

This DIY magnolia wreath happened in a totally spontaneous way: I was taking a walk and saw a tree-trimming guy putting some magnolia branches on the curb.

Two minutes later, I walked by a cardboard box by the recycle bin. And a light bulb came on: maybe I will try to make a wreath using the magnolia leaves and the cardboard ?!?

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So, what do you think? Doesn’t this magnolia wreath look beautiful, especially considering it is free, and unplanned? =) The other thing I like about it is that this wreath would be lovely not only for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also for any time of the year!
Below are the video and written tutorials!

Step 1: Gather some magnolia leaves.

( Some of the helpful resources are affiliate links. Full disclosure here. )

Dried ones or fresh ones are both great. I painted some of the leaves gold and some silver, using Decoart 24K Gold Americana Decor Metallics paint  and Decoart Stesilver Americana Decor Metallics paint, I love these paints! Thank you Decoart for the gifts!

I made a big magnolia wreath, which measures 24″ across. For a wreath this size you will need about 100 magnolia leaves. It sounds like a lot, but it is very easy to collect this many under a big tree!

Some of you might be wondering “How long does magnolia leaves stay green?” If they are out of direct sun, magnolia leaves will age to a gorgeous light olive green, then turning to brown a couple of months later.

You can preserve magnolia leaves by soaking them in a solution of 1 part vegetable glycerin and 2 parts water for 3-5 days, then let dry in shade before use.

Step 2: Make a wreath form from cardboard

Our front door is protected from the rain. If your magnolia wreath is exposed to the rain, use a grapevine wreath form, or foam wreath form instead of the cardboard.

You can also make a grapevine or honeysuckle wreath form easily as shown in this tutorial!

How to make a grapevine or honeysuckle wreath form easily!

Draw two concentric circles on the cardboard. Overlap the cardboard if it’s not big enough.

I used an 18″ bowl for the outer circle, and a 12″ bowl for the inner circle. You don’t have to use these dimensions, the key is that the cardboard section should be about 2-3″ wide.

Cut out the cardboard ring shape. Make sections of the ring and glue them together if your cardboard piece is not big enough.

Make 2-3 cardboard rings. Overlap and glue them together for extra strength.

Step 3: Glue magnolia leaves onto the cardboard wreath form

Take a hot glue gun and use hot glue to attach the stem of the magnolia leaves to the cardboard wreath form.

Arrange the leaves in a fan shape. Alternate the green leaves with the painted leaves, and make them dense enough to cover the glued stems and cardboard.

When you reach the end of the circle, carefully glue the last few leaves so they are tucked under the first ones.

This magnolia leaf wreath would look beautiful hanging on a panel of reclaimed wood or any colored door! All you need is a door wreath hanger like this one, and some strings tied to the cardboard at the back.

If you love DIY wreaths, you would love this hack on how to make wreaths using a dry cleaner’s hanger!

How to make gorgeous wreaths using a dry cleaner’s hanger!

A couple more favorite ideas on decorating with nature’s elements: 24 Stunning pots for winter and Christmas decorations! No plants? Use cuttings!

Make a beautiful and long-lasting centerpiece in 10 minutes!

16 gorgeous planters for the shade, with plant list for each !

16 gorgeous planters for the shade, with plant list for each !

Happy creating! See you next week!