Monday, August 22, 2016

Creating a Magnolia Wreath

Living in Texas
we enjoy gorgeous Southern Magnolia trees.
A few blogging friends have asked 
how to create a magnolia wreath.


With the holidays upon us, or for anytime decorating,
I thought I would share another post on how to make a wreath
using fresh or dried leaves.

This beauty stands in our front yard and is nearly 40 feet tall.

I love to decorate with the trimmings
and here is an example for creating a
Magnolia Wreath.

You will find, it really is fairly easy to do.

****

To begin, I lay out all the branches usually cut from a needed trimming and gather the size of leaves I'll need for the wreath.

I use a simple green Styrofoam round  wreath
from the Dollar Store.
This one is about 14" round.

Next, I begin to cut the leaves and stems
and hot glue them on the wreath.



Going in one direction, I hot glue the leaves
to the top, front of the wreath
 and around the sides and inside area.
Keep in mind, these are fresh leaves.
The wreath will dry over a few weeks and become fragile.
You can still enjoy the wreath, but the vibrant green will have dulled and faded.
Some like that look too.


Moving the leaves up and down for interest and a natural flow
till all the Styrofoam ring is covered top and sides.

Once completely covered, it looks something like this.
The bottom leaves are placed in a cluster of three, 
where I planed to place a simple silk ribbon.

This is the backside.
No need to glue leaves to the back.
Just place enough around so you do not see the Styrofoam wreath.
The hot glue works great with
these strong thick leaves.
That's the beauty of using magnolia leaves, they are strong and easy to work with.



Once complete and the ribbon in place,
I hung it over a picture in our family/library room
using an over the door hanging hook.


While the wreath is fresh, it will last several weeks. 
Once it dries, it becomes more fragile,
but can still be displayed with care.



To design magnolia garlands I simply wire branches
together in the size needed for
topping a hutch like the ones I share below.
The garland below was very fresh in this photo.
The leaves lay down a bit over time giving a 
more relaxed and pleasing look.



In our dining room,
one Christmas I added  single leaf stems to evergreen for another garland style.
Little lights added to the garland make for a cozy evening glow.



Recently, I created another wreath
 and this time used
dried leaves.
I gathered the leaves and dried them over time laying flat
on a work table.

The leaves turned a faded green to brown.
To make the wreath,
I proceeded the same way as for the fresh cut wreath.

You have to be careful at this point since the leaves 
are fragile and can break.
I find them still to be easy to work with
if you just handle them with care.

After the wreath was complete,
I brushed a light coat of evergreen acrylic paint
over each leaf to make it look fresh again.

Lastly I brushed each leaf with a gloss finish varnish 
to give the wreath a bit of shine similar to  fresh leaves.

As you can see, this wreath was larger in size
and I simply added a jute ribbon.
You can see the leaves aren't as plump as fresh,
but can work.


The paint and gloss varnish brought the wreath back to looking fresher and hopefully with care, it will last throughout the season.

From the side you can see, the leaves are glued in place
to cover the Styrofoam.
For Fall I can add a pretty Autumn ribbon or bow.
and
For Christmas, Holiday ribbon will be perfect.

So that's it, easy isn't it?!?
Hope you try a wreath if you have a tree
or
maybe using faux leaves if you can find them at a craft shop.

Remember, these wreaths are made with real Magnolia leaves
and will not work with the Saucer Magnolia leaves
from that type of real tree.
Those leaves are just not sturdy enough.

Thanks for stopping by for a little crafting fun.
See you next week.

52 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What a lovely creation to make with magnolia leaves.

Have a great week Celestina ~ FlowerLady

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh I too love magnolia's. The leaves alone add so much beauty to things. Love the beautiful wreath. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

cloches and lavender said...

I always enjoy reading when you make Magnolia wreathes. A bit envious since we don't have those beauties in NJ.

Cindy

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

You're so lucky to have that beautiful tree in your yard, Celeste. Your wreaths are so pretty and add such a southern charm to your home. Thanks for sharing your wonderful tutorial for us. I hope you'll have a beautiful week, sweet friend.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

We have several little gem Magnolias in our yard and I suppose I could use some of the leaves from them to create a Magnolia Wreath. I just love the wreaths you have created and they are perfect in your lovely and charming home!
Wishing you a very good week as we continue to enjoy our cool weather!
Hugs my dear!
Jemma

Stacey said...

Oh how lucky you are to have this tree! I love what you are doing with the leaves.

Kim said...

You are so lucky to have such a beautiful natural resource to create with. I have always adored the look of magnolia wreaths and garlands, but they are usually super expensive and I just don't have the room to store them anywhere safe when I am not using them. Now if I had a tree... ;) Thanks for the tutorial though, you never know when I may run across one!!

decorayadora said...

Hi dear Celestina ,, la magnolia es un bello Ɣrbol,, usted hizo unas bellas manualidades con ellas ,, muy bello

Sue Kosec said...

As always ... everything you touch turns to something magical. I love the wreaths and the garland, too!

Happy wreath-ing!
xo
SuZeQ

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Wow that is a big magnolia tree! Love how you can create your own wreath like that.

Gypsy Heart said...

The tree is stunning!! The wreaths are so beautiful and look perfect in your home. Thanks so much for sharing!

xo
Pat

Lisa said...

I've always wondered how to make these gorgeous wreaths! Thanks for the how-to!

Unknown said...

Luv magnolias. The leaves and the flowers. Every Christmas I add them o my dƩcor.I still have some from last Christmas. Couldn't toss the dried beauty. Thanks for the tutorial on the wreath.

Summer said...

The wreath looks so simple and beautiful ♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

Valerie-Jael said...

Love your wreath, I think I will have to look fo some leaves in the park....Hugs, Valerie

Anonymous said...

Hi friend, Thank you for stopping in my blog. We recently moved and I took a break from blogging for several weeks. It is nice to visit you today. My parents had two very large Magnolia trees in their yard and we loved to decorate with the leaves for Christmas. Thanks for the tutorial here. Your work is stunning.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

The wreaths are very pretty. I have a big Magnolia Tree in the parkway in front of my house. I will gather some and make a wreath for Christmas. They are very expensive to purchase over $100.00. thank you so much for the directions.

Hope you are surviving the heat. I will be so glad when FALL arrives. IT can't come quick enough for me. We have had HOT weather since January and I am really tired of it. I pray for lots of rain.

Have a great week dear friend.

Hugs,
Mary

Betty said...

It is beautiful. My cousin has a magnolia tree, I will be steeling some leaves from her now. HA! HA!

Roosterhead Designs said...

Very easy directions Celeste! Thanks for always going the extra mile to inform us! : ) Beautiful results too! Those trees don't grow in CO; but I've seen them before. Gorgeous!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Those beautiful waxy leaves make a pretty wreath! My next door neighbor has a tree....wonder if she would miss some leaves! lol Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Hi Celeste! Oh, your wreaths are so pretty! I've never had a magnolia wreath but did see some and the garlands in Christmas home tours when we lived in Galveston. You are so creative! Thanks for the heads up about commenting on my blog. I hope it doesn't happen again.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

TexWisGirl said...

very pretty - both fresh and dried.

Debbie Harris said...

What a gorgeous tree your are blessed to enjoy. Here in Colorado we do not have such beauties but I have seen people who try and grow them in their homes, usually not successful though.
Such a lovely wreath to welcome your guests with.
Great tutorial, Celestina.
As always,I so enjoy visiting and seeing your beauty.

Much love~~

Claudia said...

Hi Celeste,
lovely Wreaths you made! Should try with leaves too, we don't have a Magnolia, but other bushes with similar leaves...;O)
Wishing you a happy and wonderful week, my dear friend, sending Love and Hugs and Blessings, Claudia xo

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Such a pretty wreath, dear Celestina! I have some English Laurel with evergreen leaves very similar, so I might try this! I love all your beautiful garlands and the dried wreath, too. Thank you for sharing this lovely idea. Hugs and hope it is cooling off for you there. xx Karen

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Celestina Marie.

What a beauty your Magnolia tree is and just love the wreath you made with the leaves.
I hope my Magnolia I planted last year will yield some pretty leaves so I can make one.
Thanks for showing us and hope you have a great week
Hugs
Carolyn

quakerhillfarm said...

This is a great tutorial! What a pretty wreath. When we were leaving Florida this spring the magnolia tree in our front yard was just starting to bloom. I hated to leave before the blossoms. The leaves though are so pretty and this is s great way to display that beauty!

Anna said...

Simple but beautiful !!!
We have those trees here in Portugal !
Have a lovely day !
Anna

Createology said...

Thank you dear for sharing your beautiful Magnolia wreath and garland techniques. I only have Saucer Magnolia and they are very fragile. Your style and decor are Simply Gorgeouos. Magnolias are such a Southern Delight.

Linda M. said...

Celeste, Love your magnolia wreaths. Unfortunately we do not have those huge, beautiful, magnolia trees here in PA. Thank for sharing the process, it has me thinking I need to look for local greens that I might use or as you suggest opt for artificial. Joyous Wishes, Linda

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Your wreath is lovely. Loving the look of the Magnolia leaves. I just saw a beautiful wreath at Pier1 yesterday with large Magnolia leaves. The garland is also quite lovely. I can see adding different elements to it. Hope your week is going well. xo

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

I love the look of your wreath, but no magnolia trees here! The faux magnolia wreaths are so expensive to buy. I have to wait for sales to get the look!

Conniecrafter said...

Your wreaths are so pretty, like how you perked up the dry leaves too. I will have to say I just love the garlands, I love the idea of changing them up for the different seasons!

Delvalina Wright said...

That's great idea! Thank you for sharing :) I should try that.

Linda Walker said...

Oh so pretty Celestina! I sure wish we had magnolia trees around here! It makes such a beautiful wreath and garland. I love the look hanging over the picture! I have some greenery outside that need to be trimmed and I was thinking of making a wreath. Never thought of using the glue gun. I think I'm gonna give it the all college try! thanks for the inspiration and the tutorial! Have a nice week my friend!
xo
Linda

Junkchiccottage said...

Beautiful Celeste.
Have a great week.
Kris

Patti said...

I had a beautiful southern magnolia when I lived in Florida, but I don't have one here in Idaho. Even if I did, though, I doubt I could create such a beauty as you have. I just don't have any talent in that way. I'm envious of you DIY'ers---you create such stunning decor with your very own hands.

Blessings to you,
Patti

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

Hello Celestina, you make such lovely wreaths and so lucky to be using natural materials to make them. Thanks for sharing and wishing you a wonderful week.
Hugs, Julie

Stephanie said...

Your wreath is simply lovely, my friend. I love the simplistic yet elegant look of it.

Wishing you a joyous day, sweet Celeste. Hugs toy ou!

Mrs. W. said...

I love your magnolia leaf wreaths and garlands. They make your home look so warm and inviting :)

♥Hope

janice15 said...

A lo ely wreath, thanks fir sharing. Have a lovely eveing with love Janice

Jill said...

Very pretty!! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Blessings,
Jill

La Petite Gallery said...

I miss the Texas Magnolias, when my Daughter was born, we were in a taxi driving down a street in Houston and Pink Japanese Magnolia's were
blowing everywhere, I said PINK! let it be a girl. GOD is Great.
I have 2 Japanese magnolias here in Maine. They bloom early Spring. It's August and they are blooming again?? what's going on?
yvonne

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

So pretty, Celestina. What a gorgeous tree to have access to. There is something about a magnolia wreath that is prettier than most any others. I like the way you used them in with the faux greenery for Christmas. They all look so pretty. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such sweet comments. I will be glad when the heat is gone..Happy Weekend..Judy

Blondie's Journal said...

Your wreath is beautiful, thank you for the great instructions. We don't have magnolia trees here in the northern part of Illinois but I was so thrilled to see them in person when we bought our place in Asheville. That shiny vibrant green! Beautiful! Great job, Celeste! :-D

Jane

craftyles said...

Such pretty wreaths! You have made good use of your magnolia tree. I'll have to try making a leaf wreath-your tutorial would be very helpful. Hope you're staying cool!

baili said...

How beautifully you created it remarkable
Only knew about Christmas tree
First time learning about magnolia
Lovely

Eilis said...

I've never thought of making a fresh magnolia wreath, but now I can't wait to!

Ela said...

The wreaths are beautiful ! And you are very talented !
Greetings

Red Rose Alley said...

Your magnolia wreath is so charming, Celestina. I am wondering if the flowers are still blooming in the summer? The magnolia garland looks so pretty draping over your white hutch. I didn't realize there were lots of magnolia trees in Texas. I love hearing about the flowers and foods and traditions in Texas. :)

Have a peaceful Sunday, my dear friend.

love, ~Sheri

Red Rose Alley said...

Your magnolia wreath is so charming, Celestina. I am wondering if the flowers are still blooming in the summer? The magnolia garland looks so pretty draping over your white hutch. I didn't realize there were lots of magnolia trees in Texas. I love hearing about the flowers and foods and traditions in Texas. :)

Have a peaceful Sunday, my dear friend.

love, ~Sheri

La Petite Gallery said...

Speaking of Pumpkin, we had a farmhouse built 1836 it had big wide pumpkin pine floors with hand made nails. That farmhouse had no Insulation under floors or walls . How did they survive? yvonne

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..