Y’all will not believe how easy and inexpensive it is to make this rustic fall magnolia wreath with preserved leaves. In today’s tutorial, you will learn how to preserve magnolia leaves and assemble a fall wreath easily.
You may have noticed that I’m easily inspired by nature’s bounty of free materials to decorate for fall. My attention was captured by the golden colors of some fallen magnolia leaves in our yard; I quickly gathered a handful to begin making this fall wreath.
I also knew that the leaves would continue to dry out and that it was essential to preserve them to keep the wreath looking great for the autumn season.
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Magnolia leaves are beautiful and versatile, making them a great choice for home and seasonal decor. If you have access to magnolia trees, you likely have an abundance of gorgeous magnolia leaves at your disposal. But what should you do with them? From holiday wreaths to unique wall art, here are over 25 creative ways to use magnolia leaves in your home.
Gather and Preserve Magnolia Leaves
The first step is collecting magnolia leaves and branches. Look for leaves that are vibrant green and free of blemishes. Use clean pruners to cut branches selecting ones with full leaves. To preserve the leaves, place the cut stems in water mixed with floral preservative. This will help the leaves stay fresh for weeks. You can also press magnolia leaves between wax paper and heavy books to dry them flat for craft projects.
Make Magnolia Leaf Wreaths
One of the most popular uses for magnolia leaves is in gorgeous wreaths. Their large size and leathery texture make them ideal. To make one, cut pliable stems to 6-8 inches. Form into a ring and secure with floral wire. Wire leaves around the ring, covering it completely in a spiral pattern. Finish with a pretty bow or other embellishments. Hang indoors or outdoors for an elegant display.
Craft Magnolia Leaf Garlands
Long magnolia leaf garlands are perfect for mantels, railings, and draping across doorways. Make them by wiring bundles of 12-24 inch stems together end to end until reaching desired length. Shape the garland and attach to focal points using floral wire. Mix in other greenery like eucalyptus or cedar for added texture.
Style Magnolia Leaf Centerpieces
The unique shape of magnolia leaves makes stunning arrangements. Use them as filler around favorite blooms to add depth and contrast. Place magnolia leaves in vases or bowls. Or insert flowers directly into the leaves instead of foam. The dark green color provides a beautiful backdrop to any bouquet.
Make Magnolia Leaf Topiaries
Turn magnolia leaves into charming topiary sculptures for shelves and tabletops. Cut small branches with leaves and insert into wet floral foam or chicken wire shaped into your desired form. Prune stems and cluster leaves to create round spiky or cascading topiary shapes. Mist with water to help leaves last longer.
Press and Frame Magnolia Leaves
Display gorgeous magnolia leaves as art. Press leaves between wax paper under heavy books to flatten. Frame pressed leaves in burlap, colored mats, or basic frames. This lets you appreciate their intricate designs and venation up close. Group framed leaves into a botanical collage for a striking wall display.
Craft Magnolia Leaf Coasters
The leathery magnolia leaf texture makes excellent water-resistant coasters. Press leaves flat and glue to cork, felt, or leather squares. Coat with polyurethane for added protection. Give as gifts or use to protect your own tables. Their natural beauty shines through as lovely botanical accents.
Create Magnolia Leaf Plates
Use huge magnolia leaves as natural “plates” for special dinners or parties. Look for very large leaves and clean well before use. Arrange food directly on the leaves. The organic presentation takes any meal to the next level. Just avoid leaves with prominent veining that may snag food.
Dry and Display Magnolia Pods
Don’t discard the seed pods. Let them dry on the stems after blooming. Then cut them and leave natural or spray paint metallic gold, silver, or white. Display in clusters or fill vases and bowls with the exotic dried pods for organic decor. Their spiky shapes and textures are fascinating.
Make Magnolia Leaf Gift Tags
Personalize gifts with magnolia leaf tags. Write names on leaves with metallic paint pens. Tie scrap fabric around the stem and attach to presents. For holiday gifting, use festive ribbons like plaid or striped. Stamp or emboss the leaves with seasonal designs.
Create Magnolia Leaf Wreaths
Magnolia leaves create stunning wreaths for front doors, mantels, and wall hangings. Their green and brown color palette works for various holidays and seasons. Accent with pinecones, ornament, flowers, or berries. Hang magnolia wreaths indoors and outdoors to greet guests with natural beauty.
Craft Magnolia Leaf Garlands
Garlands made from magnolia branches and leaves bring organic style to any space. Drape over railings, mantles, and doorframes. Or hang vertically behind artwork. Wire magnolia leaves and stems together in lengths up to 25 feet long. Intertwine with other greenery like cedar or pine for added holiday flair.
Make Magnolia Leaf Swags
Create a swag by gathering magnolia stems and attaching them to one central point. Hang on walls above mirrors or art. For Christmas, accent with pinecones and red berries or bows. Group multiple magnolia leaf swags close together on a wall or above a bed for amplified impact.
Arrange Magnolia Leaves in Vases
A simple vase overflowing with magnolia leaves makes a statement. Let the sculptural shapes be the star. Or intersperse leaves with garden roses or peonies for pops of color. For Christmas, add in holly, evergreen boughs, and berries. Use magnolia leaves as greenery in holiday centerpieces.
Craft Painted Magnolia Leaves
Customize magnolia leaves’ appearance by painting them. Spray pliable leaves with metallic gold or silver for holiday decor. Or brush leaves with white, pink, or blue paint to match room designs. Outline leaf veins with glitter paint. Use painted leaves in wreaths, on gifts, or framed in shadowboxes.
Make Magnolia Leaf Ornaments
Turn oversized magnolia leaves into one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments. Brush leaves with decoupage or mod podge and coat with glitter for sparkle. Add ribbon hangers. Or roll leaves into cones and embellish with tiny ornaments and beads for a whimsical look. Hang your homemade magnolia ornaments on trees or wreaths.
Weave Magnolia Stems Into Trees
Insert magnolia stems directly into Christmas trees for Southern charm. Choose pliable stems with lots of leaves so they can conform to spaces between branches. Weave stems in and out to fill out bare spots. The green and brown magnolia leaves beautifully complement traditional Christmas colors and ornaments.
Craft Magnolia Leaf Lanterns
Turn glass jars or hurricanes into magnolia leaf lanterns. Use a tall cylinder vase or cut glass jar. Insert a magnolia stem inside so leaves press against the glass. Nestle more leaves and stems around the base. Place a candle inside for gorgeous ambience. Group multiple lanterns together for warm lighting.
Make Magnolia Leaf Crowns
Bring natural whimsy to holiday photos or parties with handmade magnolia leaf crowns. Cut leafy branches and shape into rings that fit around heads. Overlap and wire leaves together for fullness. Soak floral foam and insert stems into it to help leaves stay put. Add other foliage, flowers, or berries for customization.
Weave Magnolia Into Outdoor Greens
Incorporate magnolia into exterior holiday decor as well. Entwine leafy branches into porch garlands and outdoor urns. Or make mini magnolia leaf wreaths to wrap around lamp posts and mailbox posts. Tuck magnolia sprigs into evergreen front door wreaths. The leathery leaves hold up to winter weather.
Craft Magnolia Leaf Holiday Cards
Put those glossy magnolia leaves to use as one-of-a-kind holiday cards. Write messages on the leaves with metallic markers. Or Mod Podge a pressed leaf onto cardstock. Punch a hole and string with burlap to attach gift cards or ornaments. The recipient can then hang their card on the tree for continued enjoyment.
Make Magnolia Leaf Confetti
Add organic confetti to holiday packages or tablescapes using dried magnolia leaves. Cut leaves into fun shapes or hole punch small circles. Save and reuse the biodegradable confetti year after year. For parties, fill glass containers with magnolia confetti to make festive table decor.
Display Magnolia Stems in Vintage Windows
Old windows make perfect blank canvases for displaying magnolia stems. Layer stems and leaves against the panes. Hang the window on a wall or exterior door. Outline the window with string lights or pine roping to frame the organic arrangement. This is a quick way to make a big impact with magnolia’s natural beauty.
Craft Magnolia Leaf Bouquets
Create gorgeous floral bouquets from just magnolia stems and leaves. Gather an armful of branches. Trim to various heights and bind the stems with ribbon. Display in a tall vase or jug. These organic bouquets need no actual flowers. The magnolia foliage provides plenty of texture and visual delight on its own.
Weave Magnolia Stems Into Wreaths
Enhance basic wreaths by weaving in magnolia stems. Choose supple magnolia branches that can bend and conform to the wreath form. Insert stems along the inner and outer edges to cascade over the sides. Concentrate magnolia near the bottom third of the wreath to add holiday greenery. Accent with pinecones and red berries.
Make Magnolia Leaf Arrangements
For quick holiday decor, simply display magnolia leaves in vases and bowls. Cut stems about 6 inches long and place in water-filled containers. Cluster stems together so leaves remain upright. A mass of magnolia leaves becomes an elegant arrangement needing no flowers. Create arrangements in multiples down the center of tables or on sideboards.
Wrap Gifts and Bottles with Magnolia
Add organic texture to wrapped gifts, wine bottles, vases, or candlesticks using magnolia. Wrap stems around the object and wire in place. Concentrate leaves at the top to create a “bow” effect. The green and brown hues complement all varieties of wrapping paper.
So if you have access to magnolia trees, take advantage of this gorgeous and versatile plant. With so many possibilities, you’re sure to find creative ways to use magnolia leaves for decorating your home year after year. Whether crafty wreaths or simple arrangements, the iconic magnolia never goes out of style.
How To Add Dried Leaves and Flowers to Fall Wreath
Once the wreath is covered with preserved leaves, you can begin to add other dried leaves and flowers to the clustered bed you created earlier.
I began with some dried nandina leaves and okra pods.
Next, add some dried flowers, such as black-eyed susans.
After adding several dried leaves, I realized the colors were so similar that the dried flowers disappeared on the wreath. Therefore, I began to add in some dried baby’s breath and tucked it under and around the other dried pieces.
Note: If your colors are similar, I recommend adding the baby’s breath first.
Can You Use Real Leaves To Make A Wreath?
I think there are two ways to use real leaves when making a wreath.
One is to dry the leaves before using them.
This method works better with some leaves than others. I suggest placing your leaves in a vase or container to dry and see if you like the result. You can also hang the leaves and allow them to dry. Some will curl and dry to a beautiful color. Others not so much.
Be sure to place it out of the sun if you want to maintain color in your dried leaves or flowers.
Secondly, you can preserve some leaves, such as magnolia leaves. The rule here is the same as above, and not all leaves can be preserved. Magnolia leaves have a sturdy waxing finish, making them last longer, fresh, and easier to preserve.
How to make the Easiest Wreath with Fresh Magnolia Leaves
FAQ
Are magnolia leaves good for anything?
More than 250 ingredients can be found in the bark, flowers and leaves of the Magnolia, but two of the main compounds used in dietary supplements are magnolol and honokiol. They are used in cosmetic and weight loss products, and their use as anti-cancer, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory agents is being studied.
How do I preserve magnolia leaves?
Clear acrylic spray sealer, hairspray, pressed flower and leaf sealant, or a solution of one part glycerin to two parts water are all options for preserving the magnolia leaves.
What part of the magnolia tree is medicinal?
Some of the conditions that magnolia bark has traditionally been used to treat include asthma, anxiety, depression, stomach disorders, and inflammation ( 3 , 4 ). The bark, leaves, and flowers of the houpo magnolia tree are used in traditional medicine to treat anxiety, depression, and more.
Are magnolia leaves good for compost?
