

How to Make a Magnolia Leaf Garland

Magnolia's broad leaves are ideal for making a natural garland to drape around your home—and their neutral shade saves them from being strictly seasonal.

Bjorn Wallander

Step 1: Measure the length of the space you plan to hang your garland, including an estimation of how many loops you plan to hang (add a half foot to a foot more, per loop, to your final measurement).

Step 2: Gather magnolia leaves (or any similar leaf of your choice). Plan to collect approximately 25 leaves for every foot of garland.

Step 3: Flip the leaves over, exposing their lighter-colored backside. Pair them, front sides facing, and wrap floral wire around their stems to hold them together. Repeat, until you have multiple paired sets of leaves.

Step 4: Cut heavy twine to the length of your original measurement plus another foot. Then, starting at one end of the twine, begin adding leaves: Tie on the first pair using a simple overhand knot. Add the next and following pairs by looping the twine under, over, and back around their stems to hold them in place, pushing them right up again the first pair. Repeat until the garland is complete, tieing an overhead knot around the final pair. Hang your handiwork, and admire.

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