How to make a beautiful DIY magnolia leaf garland to hang in your home for the Christmas holiday.
Are you ready for Christmas yet? I have to confess that all of my decor is up and my first handmade Christmas decor is complete. I made a fresh magnolia leaf garland for our big kitchen window.
This window is one of the reasons why I love our little cottage so much. It lets so much light in and the view of the woods next to the house is beautiful. There's nothing like it.
I think we appreciate it so much because we had 2 small windows in our Illinois kitchen. Not only did they face North but they also looked out onto our neighbors back door, that was about 25 feet from our house. They were nice enough neighbors but they could sit on their deck and see everything we were doing. Needless to say we always had the windows covered.
Anyway, last year I wanted to do something special to decorate our big kitchen window and bought a beautiful live garland. I loved it but it was expensive and, of course, it didn't last long. (you can check out last year's holiday kitchen, here).
This year I wanted window garland again but I wanted to try using fresh magnolia leaves. I've used them in my decor before and they always dry beautifully so you can keep them a bit longer.
I looked online and the prices for a magnolia garland were way more than I was willing to spend. Our window is 8 foot long so we need something that's about 13 feet in length.
Eeek...that equals a lot of money.
Not giving up on my plan (because those words aren't in my vocabulary), I started looking into making my own. I don't have a magnolia tree in my yard but I do have plenty of neighbors that have them and they were very generous.
Even if you don't have a generous neighbor with a magnolia tree, you can find them online. Yup, you can even buy a box of fresh magnolia leaves on the internet. You can get a box of around 350 for right around $50 (I checked).
I've never done this kind of craft before but figured out a plan and, as soon as they were picked, the hubs and I set to work wrapping the magnolia leaves.
Supplies to make a DIY Magnolia Leaf Garland
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
- fresh magnolia leaves (we used about 325 for a 13' long garland)
- floral wire
- natural vine covered craft wire
- wire cutters
- work gloves
This was really easy to do but it did take some time. We ended up spending about 2 hours, over the course of 2 evenings, to make our leaf garland.
We started out by wrapping 3 leaves together using floral wire.
How to string a magnolia leaf garland
Once we got a good pile going, hubs continued wrapping while I started attaching each trio to the covered craft wire.
There was no measuring involved. I just started attaching them so that the stems all faced one way, about 1 ½" apart.
The goal was to hide the stems and wire. You'll notice that this is a flat garland, meaning that there is only one pretty side. I would have loved to do both sides but it would have been difficult to hang it in the window (and the hubs would have killed me 😉 ).
I didn't wear gloves to do this but I recommend them, if you can. The floral wire really did a number on my fingers.
A little tip about the natural covered craft wire I used. Hubs wanted me to use cotton string we already had but, with that big expanse and the weight of the leaves, it probably would have stretched and drooped. I thought it would be wiser to use the covered wire and I was really glad that we did. It was really easy to use and there's no worry about it drooping.
And, because I love decorating with magnolia leaves so much, I crafted my own magnolia leaf wreath for our front door (and there's a video).
Don't miss our holiday home tour - Christmas dining room. I went in a different direction with our holiday decor this year and I'm really loving the change. Oh, and I also crafted some easy DIY dried orange slice ornaments if you want to check that out.
Maria Brittis says
What a gorgeous garland! Thats quite a bit of work involved and it is a piece of art work! I think it pretty full and it look perfect! Lovely cottage and love the windows.
Maria
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Maria! It did take a while but it was really an easy project to do. I'm glad we gave it a try. 🙂
Lou says
I might live close to you in NC, next time you need magnolia leaves email me.. Love the idea,
Kristi says
Awww, that's so sweet! I may just take you up on that. 😉
Roxanne says
That window is stunning and your beautiful garland is the perfect accent!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Roxanne. I'm so happy with the way it turned out.
Kim R says
Beautiful! I can get the magnolia leaves free, so there's no excuse for me not to try this myself, right? Thanks for the detailed tutorial!
Kristi says
That's right, Kim. Free magnolia leaves equals many homemade garlands. Woot!
Thanks! Hope you give it a try. 😉
laura says
Looks great Kristi! How long did it take to make the garland? Love it! laura
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Laura. It took us about 2 hours to make the whole thing. It's not a quick project but it wasn't bad.
Rose says
Love it. Always a plus to add natural elliments. I noticed in the pictures that you have two different horses. I also love the cut shelf that sits on the counter. Can't wait to see more.
Kristi says
You get the prize for being most observant. 😉 I was trying out different decor in the window with a couple of shots. I know it's not good for continuity but sometimes I just can't help myself. 😉
Thanks so much for stopping in Rose, and for your sweet comment.
Debbie H says
I first saw a magnolia garland in a little country church. The altar rail and various other places had garland and magnolia wreaths draped with burgundy bows. It looked so elegant and classy. The church members were very wealthy so I am sure they bought them. I always think of that church at Christmas time. Your hubs is very supportive. I couldn't imagine mine sitting for two hours making a garland. LOL Looking forward to seeing the complete room. Debbie
Kristi says
I never really saw magnolia anything until we moved South. A couple of years ago I found a huge magnolia wreath in a floral supply (in Chicago) and it was gorgeous. It kind of reignited my love for it.
Ah, the hubs. He wouldn't normally offer to help me do a craft but he was in the doghouse and wanted to redeem himself. I did appreciate the help. 😉
Jillian says
Wow, you deserve a creative crafters medal! Nice job, love your holiday window...already loved the window anyway.
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Jillian. 🙂 I don't consider myself a crafter (or should I say a good crafter), so I really appreciate your comment. I do love how it frames the window.
Marlene Stephenson says
I love your garland you made, and i too think they are so beautiful. I am surprised at where you found your leaves. Have a great week and a Happy Thanksgiving.
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Marlene, I appreciate it. I think you can find most anything on Etsy nowadays. It's my go-to for so many things.
Happy Tuesday and I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cynthia Chilson Finger says
Your magnolia garland looks beautiful! You did an awesome job. Thanks for the tutorial!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Cynthia, I appreciate it!
Brenda Lane says
Brenda, Florida
WOW, love the garland! You do nice work and have a lot of patience. I haven't started decorating yet because here in Florida it is still 80 degrees and it doesn't seem like the holidays yet.
Kristi says
You are so sweet, thanks Brenda! I actually enjoyed doing this project.
I don't blame you for not wanting to decorate in 80 degree weather. I felt the same when we lived there. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! xx
Jane says
I think your garland looks spectacular! I always have window envy when I see your kitchen window, and the magnolia garland is the perfect holiday dressing for it!
Kristi says
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Jane! Who knew that decorating a window could be so fun? Painting it was the pits, but the decorating part...definitely my cup of tea. 🙂
MaryJean says
Kristi, love the garland! Boy, what I job! You have more ambition then I do. I love your kitchen. It is very bright and cheery.
I have about a half acre of woods to look out on. When we bought our house we had two small windows and a back door facing the woods. We eventually added an attached garage and move the entry to yard with a sliding Frenchwood door in our dining room and added a bay window area to our kitchen. Now everyone can sit at the kitchen table and look out at our woods and all our woodland creatures.
Umm, Dec. 2nd is a Saturday, not Friday. Just thought you'd like to know. 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks so much MJ! I don't like all aspects of holiday decorating but the window is a fun thing to do.
It sounds like you have a beautiful view from your kitchen as well. It's something that I never take for granted.
Thanks for the head's up on the date. I typed it out and forgot to double check it. It's all fixed now. 😉
Kim says
This is so pretty, Kristi! You are a very patient crafter. Now I wish I had a magnolia tree!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Kim! I wish I had a magnolia tree too! 😉
Florence says
Kristi, what a beautiful garland, and I know you are enjoying having something natural at your window! It looks plenty full to me. Don't we wish the natural elements would last a bit longer! It's so festive looking! Pinned. Visiting from BF group.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Florence! Yes, I wish it would last longer. I thought about using faux but I just couldn't do it. 😉
I appreciate you stopping by and pinning. Happy Thanksgiving!
Julie says
This is a beautiful garland. You did a great job. It looks pretty easy to do. I love how the leaves turn brown. Do you think it will keep from year to year? Looking forward to your holiday house tour!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Julie! It was really easy to do, just took some time. I'm not sure this one will keep past this year but I did have a wreath once that lasted quite a while.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Carol says
Your garland looks fantastic! You make it look like anyone could make one and it really does look great on your window. I've used real Christmas garlands in the past and not only don't they last, but the needles end up everywhere. Pinned. Visiting from Blogging 50.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Carol! This really was easy to do and I'm thrilled with the way it turned out. I had a garland that shed needles last year so that is why I went with magnolia leaves this year. I want to make a few adjustments but will probably do it again next year.
I appreciate you visiting and pinning. 🙂
Runningonempty says
That looks wonderful and really suits your kitchen . Congrats to both of you!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, I appreciate it! We really love the way it turned out.
Kayla says
How long did the wreath last? I'm thinking of making a bunch for my wedding, and were trying to see when we need to start making them.
Kristi says
Hi Kayla! I made my wreath in December and it did dry out but it's still very pretty. It should last quite a while (I plan on using it again next year). Hope this helps. Congrats on your wedding!
KATIE says
How long did it take the leaves to start turning brown? I am thinking of doing something similar for my summer wedding, but I would like to know how long they will stay green before they start to turn brown. I'd like them to still be relatively green when at my wedding!
Kristi says
Hi Katie! Congratulations on your wedding! I think it really depends on the weather and temperatures. Mine stayed green for a long time but I had it hanging outside in the cold weather. The leaves did dry out quickly but they stayed green. I think you need to worry more about the leaves drying out before turning brown (if that is an issue for you). Once the leaves are dry although they're still green, they do lose their shine. If you want to see how my wreath looked after a year of hanging in my basement, check out my Christmas porch blog post from this past December (https://www.chatfieldcourt.com/rustic-christmas-front-porch/). Hope this helps and makes sense.
Christy Little says
Beautiful! I do love how magnolia dries! Love a good TV craft! Ha, ha! Going to give this a try!
Kristi says
I love the look of dried magnolia leaves too! Thanks Christy!
Sara says
Your kitchen window is stunning; hard to believe it could be any better but the garland is beautiful!
Sara
Kristi says
Thanks Sara! The kitchen window is so fun to decorate during the holidays.
Anita Holland says
What a cool idea to use magnolia leaves, I would never have thought of them. It looks really great, I love the look of your kitchen.
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Anita! The magnolia leaves work well in a garland because they dry so nicely.
Michelle Leslie says
WOW Kristi, the leaf garland looks amazing. Nothing beats a touch of greenery and I Love, love, love your kitchen. All that beautiful light streaming. I wouldn't mind making supper in a beautiful space like that.
Kristi says
That's so sweet! Thanks so much, Michelle! I love our kitchen too. It's small but you can't beat all the light that pours in. 🙂
Cindy says
This is gorgeous and great tutorial! Pinned!
Cindy
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Cindy! I appreciate it!
Maria says
In my
Bucket list to do a magnolia wreath! Love your garland
Kristi says
Thanks Maria! I've done a magnolia wreath too. Both projects are really so easy to do. 🙂
Kim Purvis says
What a great idea! So pretty and what a great kitchen you have! Pinned
Kim
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Kim! I loved how the garland turned out.