DIY: Make a Fresh Magnolia Wreath
Learn how to add a statement piece to your front door with these easy-to-find evergreens
Materials and Tools
- Magnolia sprigs
- Evergreen fillers like eucalyptus and boxwood
- Pumpkin tree bunches (I found mine at a local market)
- 16-inch box-style wreath frame
- Floral shears
- Floral wire
- Clear acrylic sealant
- Disinfecting wipes with bleach
How to Make Your Wreath
Since this wreath is for autumn, I chose miniature pumpkin branches as a colorful accent. If you can’t find them in your area, you can add contrasting accents such as dried hydrangeas or cotton stems for a fall look.
1. Make sure your miniature pumpkins last as long as possible. Be sure to choose pumpkins that are blemish-free — if they have holes or dark spots, discard them. Next, clean the pumpkins using disinfecting wipes with bleach to kill surface bacteria. Lastly, spray them with a clear acrylic sealant.
Since this wreath is for autumn, I chose miniature pumpkin branches as a colorful accent. If you can’t find them in your area, you can add contrasting accents such as dried hydrangeas or cotton stems for a fall look.
1. Make sure your miniature pumpkins last as long as possible. Be sure to choose pumpkins that are blemish-free — if they have holes or dark spots, discard them. Next, clean the pumpkins using disinfecting wipes with bleach to kill surface bacteria. Lastly, spray them with a clear acrylic sealant.
2. Place one magnolia sprig in your hand, folding the leaves slightly upward, and layer one or two evergreen clippings on top.
Tip: If your neighborhood doesn’t have magnolia trees, try your local floral nurseries. They usually have magnolia trees planted or for purchase.
Tip: If your neighborhood doesn’t have magnolia trees, try your local floral nurseries. They usually have magnolia trees planted or for purchase.
3. Once you have the evergreens and magnolia leaves in place, add one pumpkin branch on top. Clip the ends with the floral shears so that all of the branches are the same length. Then wrap floral wire tightly around the base, securing the bundle.
4. Lay the bundle on top of the wreath frame. Wrap floral wire around the base and then the frame three or four times to keep the bundle in place.
5. To make the wreath fuller and to space out the accent foliage, use one full magnolia sprig in between the bundles of magnolia leaves, evergreens and branches with mini pumpkins.
6. Continue filling the frame, alternating between the bundles and the single magnolia sprigs.
7. Once you’ve completed the wreath, use the remaining magnolia leaves to fill any gaps. Use floral wire to secure loose branches.
You can enjoy your fresh magnolia wreath indoors or outdoors. Mine is pictured here on my front door.
Over the next few weeks, the leaves will dry naturally but the contrasting colors will still look lovely. When you do take the wreath down, you can reuse your wire form for a winter wreath.
Show us: Did you decorate your front door with a wreath? Share a photo in the Comments below.
More Wreaths to Make
Sophisticated natural wreath for fall and winter
Traditional fresh holiday wreath
Fragrant wreath for your front door
More wreath DIYs
Show us: Did you decorate your front door with a wreath? Share a photo in the Comments below.
More Wreaths to Make
Sophisticated natural wreath for fall and winter
Traditional fresh holiday wreath
Fragrant wreath for your front door
More wreath DIYs
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If you’re in an area that has plenty of magnolia trees, like my neighborhood in Dallas, then making your own wreath can be easy on the wallet. Plus, it’s really simple and takes very little time.
More wreath DIYs