How to Make a DIY Fresh Magnolia Leaf Wreath

This easy-to-make DIY fresh magnolia leaf wreath is perfect for the fall season, as well as the holidays. I’ll show you how I incorporated not only magnolia leaves from the tree in our yard but mixed branches of all kinds and dried oranges. A step-by-step tutorial is below.

I love making fresh wreaths for the holidays. It’s a simple way to decorate for fall both indoors and out.

Creating a DIY magnolia fall wreath is a great piece to use alongside my favorite vintage fall decor but you can absolutely use magnolia wreaths for Christmas too!

Living in the Pacific Northwest definitely has its benefits with an abundance of evergreen pine trees everywhere you look in Western Washington.

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Our Magnolia Tree

What I didn’t realize at the time we moved into our home 11 years ago was how amazing it would be to have a magnolia tree on our property.

If I’m going to be completely honest, I didn’t much care for the tree at first. Don’t get me wrong, I love the actual magnolia flowers it produced, but the leaves and pods that drop in late spring and early summer were absolutely irritating.

But now I’ve learned to appreciate all that this beautiful magnolia tree has to offer. These gorgeous leaves are perfect for making DIY projects such as beautiful garlands and wreaths. The glossy leaves, and the velvety textured rich and rust-colored underside of the leaf, create an amazing contrast.  

Magnolia Leave Options if You Don’t Have a Tree

If you don’t have a magnolia tree or a neighbor who does, most floral nurseries have magnolia leaves in the bundles. A single stem has quite a few leaves on it, so it doesn’t take many. You can really use one branch, and then wire the bundle to the wreath.

Purchase artificial wreaths and garlands from a craft store or online. These can be easily decorated and customized for your personal style and theme.

Buy fresh greenery like pine, cedar, or holly branches at a local florist or garden center.

Materials Needed for a Fresh DIY Magnolia Wreath

The Steps to Making a DIY Fresh Magnolia Leaf Wreath

You can choose to only use magnolia leaves for your wreath and will look beautiful. For this wreath, I’m adding a few natural elements to not only create interest but also to add contrast.

Step 1: Bundle Magnolia Leaves and Clippings

Bundle about 3 to 4 branches of your tree clippings, and trim them so they are all the same height. Cut a long piece of floral wire and wrap it tightly around the base of the clippings to secure. Leave enough wire on both sides to tie to the wreath.

Note: I found that it works better to use one continuous piece of wire for the entire wreath because it’s more secure. It’s a personal preference.

If you choose to use this method, be sure to anchor the wire to the wreath frame by twisting it back around itself to secure it.

Step 2: Wrap the Magnolia Leaves Around the Wreath

Wrap each bundle around the wreath form with floral wire, overlapping them so that the stems are covered by the leaves of the next bundle. Place slightly offset of the tree branches then secure to the wreath with wire.

Step 3: Continue Wrapping to Complete the Wreath

Continue making the greenery sets, working around the wreath, and layering one set on top of the other as you work around the wreath.

Step 4: Make Sure Your Wreath is Secure

If you have decided not to use a continuous piece of wire to attach the branches, take the floral wire and wire wrap all the branches together to the wreath about every 3 inches until you complete the circle, to make the wreath more secure. 

Step 5: Add Dried Oranges (Optional)

*Use this step if you are going to use dried oranges on your wreath.

Using the floral wire, create dried orange bundles (each with three slices) by threading the wire through the orange slices. Gently twist the floral wire to secure each bundle. Leave enough wire on your bundles so you can attach them to the wreath. Attach the dried orange bundles throughout the wreath.

Step 6: Add Seasonal Decor

Add ribbon, bows, pinecones, raffia, or anything else to your magnolia wreath to create and personalize it and make it your very own.

Create magnolia wreaths for Christmas as well as for the fall season. They are a great seasonal decor piece for both inside and outdoors.

Common Questions About Making DIY Fresh Magnolia Leaf Wreaths

How Long Will a Fresh Magnolia Wreath Last?

The longevity of a fresh magnolia wreath depends on various factors, including the environmental conditions, how it’s cared for, and the freshness of the magnolia leaves when the wreath is made.

On average, a well-maintained fresh magnolia wreath can last anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks or even longer under the right conditions.

Keep the wreath cool and spritz with water every few days. Refresh the wreath if you notice some leaves are browning or becoming brittle by removing them and replacing them with fresh magnolia leaves.

How Do You Make Cut Magnolia Leaves Last Longer?

Magnolia leaves are known for their beautiful glossy green appearance, but they can start to wilt and brown relatively quickly once cut. To make cut magnolia leaves last longer and maintain their freshness, you can follow these steps:

The leaves will become more brittle as the wreath ages, so wipe it gently with a soft cloth to clean it without breaking the leaves.

What Can You Spray on Magnolia Leaves to Preserve Them?

Spraying magnolia leaves with a preserving solution can help maintain their color and prevent them from drying out too quickly.

Clear acrylic spray sealer, hairspray, pressed flower and leaf sealant, or a solution of one part glycerin to two parts water are all options to help preserve the magnolia leaves.

Keep in mind that preserved magnolia leaves may still change color slightly over time, but these preservation methods should help them retain their shape and texture for an extended period.

What Season is a Magnolia Wreath for?

Because of their versatility, a magnolia wreath can be used for various seasons, including fall and winter.

Can you believe how easy it is to make a DIY fresh magnolia leaf wreath? I hope you’re inspired to make your own wreath for the fall season or for the Christmas holiday season.

If you have any questions or additional suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with anyone who may want to make their own magnolia wreath for the fall and winter seasons.

Until next time,

Happy Wreath Making!

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More Inspiration For You…

My friend Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms has created some incredible outdoor planters for winter. Make sure you check out her blog. She’s one of my favorites!