How To Make a Magnolia Wreath

Magnolia wreaths are gorgeous, but they can be expensive to buy―especially if you need 17, like Dave and Susan Shuler do. That's why, many years ago, they decided to make their own. This Santee, South Carolina, couple's tried-and-true process is so easy, we hope you'll be inspired to make your own too. Just think of the money you will save!

Dave and Susan start by clipping individual leaves from the magnolia growing in their front yard. Rather than cutting whole branches and wiring bundles together, Dave finds it easier, and just as showy, to insert individual leaves into presoaked 15-inch florist foam wreath forms. Voilà―the results speak for themselves.

• Start with a 15-inch florist foam wreath that has been soaked in water. Note: Dave prefers the OASIS brand.
• Set the form atop an empty 3-gallon nursery pot. The groove on the bottom of the form fits perfectly on the pot, keeping it stable.

• Insert individual leaves directly into the foam so they are perpendicular to the form. No need for wire or glue. Four concentric rings of leaves should cover the wreath.
• To hang your wreath, tie fishing line to the form and loop over a galvanized finishing nail driven into the top of the window frame. Red velvet ribbon looped through the wreath hides the line and nail. Finish with a red velvet bow.

Save Money: Dave reuses his bows and wreath forms each year. To get an extra year of life out of the foam, unsnap sections from the plastic form, flip them over, and use the other sides.