How To Preserve Your Magnolia Leaves For A Wreath That Will Last And Last

Magnolia wreaths are a beautiful way to decorate your house for any occasion, whether you want to swap out your regular fir wreaths for something a little different during the holidays or decorate your front door with something cheerful during spring. No matter the time of year, a magnolia wreath will add that special touch to your home. However, if you buy it from big box stores like Target or Walmart, it will likely cost a pretty penny. For example, a 24-inch version costs $43 at Target, which makes it quite a splurge. But if you're lucky enough to live near a magnolia tree, you can just DIY one yourself using the extra magnolia leaves in your yard. Or you can buy fresh sprigs from a nursery or big box garden center, like Walmart or Home Depot. The trick is to use Mod Podge to preserve them. 

Without the Mod Podge, the leaves will eventually dry and crumble, making it a wreath that is useable only for a couple of weeks. If you want to create something you can use for seasons to come, then you need a way to safeguard the leaves, stopping them from decaying. That's where the glue-like substance comes in. Here's how to properly preserve magnolia leaves.

Your first step is to wash your leaves. Since you're bringing them in from the outside, you want to thoroughly rinse them to remove any grime or potential insects. Once you spray them down in the sink, wipe them dry with a paper towel and allow them to dry for a few hours. This step is crucial since painting damp leaves with the gluey substance will have them whitewashed after a week. Waiting until they're thoroughly dried ensures they will keep their deep green color. 

Then, grab a sponge paintbrush and a jar of Mod Podge to start the preservation process. You can easily buy both at the dollar store, allowing you to keep costs down. Dip the sponge applicator into the gluey substance and gently spread it across one side of the leaf, including the stem and sides. Allow it to dry, and then paint the backside. Allow it to cure for a few hours, and then add a second layer of Mod Podge. Allow it to dry for a full day before arranging it into a wreath. 

There are a few caveats to keep in mind when doing this project. First, it's best to use a sponge brush rather than a bristled one because it will give you a smoother cover. A bristled brush will leave behind faint lines created by the individual bristles, whereas the sponge brush will create an even cover. This will make the project less of a hassle and help you coat the leaves much faster.

Second, you can choose between matte or glossy Mod Podge. Depending on which substance you pick, your leaves will take on a different aesthetic. For example, the shiny version will give your leaves an intense gloss, helping them reflect more light but also making them appear more artificial. On the other hand, matte Mod Podge will provide them with a slight sheen, but they will look much more natural. Both look great; it just depends on which aesthetic you prefer. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be decorating your home for the holidays like Joanna Gaines in no time!