When I moved into this house in 2017, one of the things I just loved about it was the huge magnolia tree in the front yard. I had never had a magnolia tree before and I couldn’t wait for it to bloom for the first time. And I won’t lie … I was super excited about crafting with the large, waxy leaves {smile}. I’ve always loved the lush look of natural elements in home decor and when I was thinking about adding some greenery to my home, I came up with the quickest way to make a magnolia leaf garland! This idea is so easy and you can have a long garland together in just minutes … which means my house is going to be completely decked out in magnolia leaves next Christmas {wink}!
To make a magnolia leaf garland, you’ll obviously need a pile of magnolia leaves, with stems intact, and you’ll need my secret and inexpensive item: balloon garland strip!
This stuff is amazing for making balloon garlands in no time but it works really well for this type of garland too.
You may also want to have a glue gun close at hand to add a few dabs here and there for added support.
To make the magnolia leaf garland, cut a piece of balloon garland strip the length you want it then poke the stems of two or three magnolia leaves through each hole in the strip.
The number of leaves you poke through each hole will depend on the thickness of the stems but you want the stems to fit fairly tightly in the holes. If there’s too much movement, add a drop of hot glue to the spot.
Continue down the strip until you’ve placed leaves in every hole on the balloon garland strip …
… then place the garland where you want it and fluff it or move the leaves around as needed.
This technique makes a really lush, full garland …
… that adds color and warmth to any decor for any season.
I placed a garland across the top of the dry sink in my gathering room and I love the way it looks with my vintage thermoses nestled among the leaves.
I tucked a few extra leaves into the cake dish that always sits on this piece {along with a fun vintage flashcard that serves as a cute reminder for my kiddos}.
Making a magnolia leaf garland doesn’t have to take a long time and this quick and easy technique is the perfect solution!
I’d love to hear how you make leaf garlands and where you place them in your home!
For another fun and crafty way to use magnolia leaves, be sure to check out these colorful magnolia leaf place cards!
I love this. Never heard of the balloon garland strip before.
This is great! Could you tell me how long the leaves looked nice and green without having to preserve them? Thanks 🙂
Magnolia leaves tend to last a long time so this garland lasted about a month before the leaves were just too brown for my liking.