Are you ready for Christmas yet? I have to confess that all of my decor is up and my first craft is complete, a magnolia leaf garland that I made 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 to use a garland again but I wanted to try 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 leaf 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, and I don’t know anyone who does, so I bought a box on Etsy (affiliate link).
Yup, you can even buy a box of fresh magnolia leaves. 350 to be exact for right around $50. I know…it would be better to get them for free. Maybe I need to plant a magnolia tree in our yard.
I’ve never done this kind of craft before but figured out a plan and, as soon as they arrived, the hubs and I set to work wrapping 350 magnolia leaves.
Supplies for a DIY Magnolia Leaf Garland
- magnolia leaves (we used about 325 for a 13′ long garland)
- floral wire
- natural 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 garland.
We started out by wrapping 3 leaves together using floral wire. 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 1/2″ apart. The goal was to hide the stems and wire. You’ll notice too 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 inexpensive and easy to use. There’s no worry about it drooping either.
Maria Brittis
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
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
I might live close to you in NC, next time you need magnolia leaves email me.. Love the idea,
Kristi
Awww, that’s so sweet! I may just take you up on that. 😉
Roxanne
That window is stunning and your beautiful garland is the perfect accent!
Kristi
Thanks so much, Roxanne. I’m so happy with the way it turned out.
Kim R
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
That’s right, Kim. Free magnolia leaves equals many homemade garlands. Woot!
Thanks! Hope you give it a try. 😉
laura
Looks great Kristi! How long did it take to make the garland? Love it! laura
Kristi
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
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
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
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
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
Wow, you deserve a creative crafters medal! Nice job, love your holiday window…already loved the window anyway.
Kristi
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
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
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
Your magnolia garland looks beautiful! You did an awesome job. Thanks for the tutorial!
Kristi
Thanks so much, Cynthia, I appreciate it!
Brenda Lane
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
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
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
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
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
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
This is so pretty, Kristi! You are a very patient crafter. Now I wish I had a magnolia tree!
Kristi
Thanks so much, Kim! I wish I had a magnolia tree too! 😉
Florence
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
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
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
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
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
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. 🙂