How to Make a Magnolia Garland

Magnolia Leaves and Blossom

Magnolia leaves are large enough to create beautiful garlands for your doorway or to wrap around your staircase. You can add magnolia blossoms periodically across the length of the garland to add color and design interest. Aside from the magnolia leaves and flowers, you can find everything else you need to make a garland at your local craft store. You'll need between 250 and 300 magnolia leaves to make a 6-foot length of garland and as many blossoms as you like to complete the look.

Things You'll Need

• Magnolia leaves
• Floral wire
• Wire cutters
• Twine
• Scissors
• Floral tape
• Magnolia blossoms

Instructions

1. Arrange the magnolia leaves in sets of three in a fan formation with one in the center and one on each side. Cut a 5-inch length of floral wire, and wrap it around the stems at the base of the three leaves to join them together.

2. Cut a length of twine to fit the desired length of your garland, plus 6 inches. Make loops 3 inches from each end of the twine and secure the loops in place with floral tape. The loops will allow you to hang your garland more easily.

3. Attach the first cluster of three magnolia leaves to one end of the twine with a 5-inch length of floral wire. The leaves should cover the loop, with the stems facing the opposite end of the twine.

4. Continue making magnolia leaf clusters with three fanned leaves and attaching them to the twine. Overlap the leaves so that each successive leaf cluster covers the stems and attachment wire of the previous cluster. You can make your garland appear fuller by placing the leaf clusters closer together. Cover the length of the twine.

5. Attach magnolia blossoms along the length of the garland, placing them as close together or as far apart as you like. To attach the flowers, cut the blossoms so that you have at least 3 inches of stem attached. Attach the stem to the twine with wire so that the stem and the wire are covered by the magnolia leaves.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray the leaves and the flowers with water every day to help them stay fresh for as long as possible. Adding the flowers to your garland will significantly decrease its longevity, but the leaves themselves can last for weeks.

References

• Making Floral Garlands

Resources

• Making Garlands