How to Make a Beautiful, Fresh Magnolia Wreath
Add a statement piece to your front door with this simple and inexpensive DIY fresh magnolia leaf wreath.
Magnolia leaf wreaths are stunning and can be used as year-round or holiday décor. However, depending on where you purchase, they can cost a pretty penny. I decided to make my own wreath from the fresh leaves of the magnolia tree in my front yard instead.
If you have access to a magnolia tree, then this DIY will cost next to nothing—just a little time and patience. No wire. No glue. No hassle. This project is simple and (if I do say so myself) the results are beautiful.
Supplies needed for this project are a foam wreath form (I used a 10” form), pruning shears, and approximately 80 magnolia leaves. The only purchase I needed to make was the wreath form which was $2.00 at a craft store.
To start, grab some pruning shears and cut individual magnolia leaves as close to the branch as possible. This keeps the stem long which is necessary for insertion into the foam wreath form. Since I clipped the leaves for my wreath in late October, some had already begun to yellow. I decided to use a handful of yellow magnolia leaves to add interest to my wreath. I chose leaves that were medium to large in size to make the wreath look robust.
Begin your wreath by inserting the stem of an individual leaf into the outermost side of the form. If you have trouble inserting the stem, grab a small screwdriver or other strong, sharp object and pre-drill a hole that you can work the stem into. Make sure to do this at an angle so that the leaves aren’t sticking straight out of the form.
Continue inserting individual leaves roughly a half inch apart. Each leaf should sit at the same angle against the form.
Do this until you’ve covered the entire outside of the form in one solid ring. You will make four more concentric rings until the white of the wreath form is no longer visible.
If you are using colored leaves, remember to insert them at different points along the way. Step back every once and while and make sure the colored leaves are balanced around the entirety of the wreath.
Fill any gaps or thin areas with remaining leaves. Clip more leaves if needed or consider incorporating the magnolia seed pods to add more depth to the wreath. The magnolia leaf wreath can be hung indoors or outdoors. It makes for the perfect fall front door décor.
More Fall Wreath Ideas
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Mini Pumpkins
Instead of making a wreath with bulky plastic gourds, try using putka pods, which are natural dried seed pods that look exactly like tiny pumpkins. This wreath makes an elegant fall statement that can be displayed year after year. Get the step-by-step instructions >>
Inside the Entryway
Exterior doors are not the only places for hanging wreaths. Get creative with your fall decorating by layering wreaths onto other wall-mounted elements. Here, a festive wreath on top of a generously sized mirror greets homeowners at their entryway.
©Rustic White Photography
Easy and Elegant
Greet guests with a warm mix of dried organic materials. With a wide range of options to choose from, keep it simple and classic with light and dark corn husks, dried leaves and mini pumpkins.
©Rustic White Photography
Make a Rectangular Rustic Wreath
Add an earthy touch indoors or out with this twist on a traditional round fall wreath. Dried mushrooms, moss, seed pods and grasses form the base while russet fresh or faux pears add a pop of fall color. Get the step-by-step instruction >>
Fresh Florals
Bring the lush look of lively floral with a wreath made of flowers and leaves. When entertaining, consider using live, cut florals and botanicals fastened to foam wreaths that can soak up water and hydrate stems. For season-long use, attach silk florals and botanicals with floral wire.
©Rustic White Photography
Bring on the Berries
Add color, shape and texture to your home with an autumnal berry wreath. Create one wreath to last throughout the entire holiday season by using red and yellow tones, or make a wreath specific to Thanksgiving with orange-toned berries.
©Rustic White Photography
Rustic Wreath for Thanksgiving
Warmly welcome Thanksgiving dinner guests with this sweet rustic wreath. Use hot glue to attach moss to a foam wreath form, completely covering all sides. Attach paper medallions to the wreath with hot glue and embellish centers of medallions with buttons. Print "welcome" greeting onto craft paper, and cut out accordingly.
More Magnolia Projects
Outdoor Fall Decor
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Use Pinecones to Feed the Birds
Pinecones are another great way to feed your feathery garden friends. Simple tie a string to the top of the pinecone, then cover the cone in peanut butter and bird seed. Put it in the freezer to harden up before you put it outside.
Photo By: Emily Fazio ©2016
At the Very Least, Hang a Wreath
Wreaths aren't just for Christmas. A floral display in rich autumn colors will make your entry warm and welcoming. Check out these beautiful DIY wreaths >>
©Rustic White Photography
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