{Christmas DIY} Magnolia Wreath

I think all my projects are starting to catch up with me...I actually fell asleep twice during the massage on my hooker hookie day with Mama Sugarplum yesterday!!?? I'm sure it had nothing to do with the huge fajita feast we had first. But we did have a great time, and thanks for the sweet comments.

Remember when I knocked-off Ballard's Burlap Vases? I love perusing home catalogs and being struck with the hope knowledge that I can reproduce something similar....for, of course, much cheaper!

I loved this Magnolia Wreath in the latest Pottery Barn Catalog, but didn't love the $99 price tag:

(Don't think I'm not eyeballing the metallic wreath too!)

Especially since I have a Magnolia tree in my backyard! Mr. Sugarplum spends the summer cursing it for dropping little pods in the pool, but I'm pretty thrilled about having it right now!

(Note to self: wash windows and reposition rug pad!)

Let's start with what you need...ring form, glue gun and a mini-pile of glue sticks, Command hook...and of course, Magnolia leaves. I had Mr. Sugarplum do some unnecessary pruning on our tree, plucked off the leaves, then hosed them down in the kitchen sink (in case there were any critters).

Once the leaves were dry, I attached them one at  time with only a dab of glue. They are placed on an angle around the circumference, then I glued a second, staggered layer. I prefer the leaves without the extra stem, so I just snipped those off.

Next I flipped the wreath over and glued a layer around the back. These leaves only protruded the center of the wreath by a couple of inches and were placed at the opposite angle of the front layer.

The leaves set very quickly so there is no wait time between layers. Finally, I flipped the wreath back over and glued a ring of smaller leaves around the middle to cover the base of the stems.

A little ribbon attached to a handy-dandy Command hook, and you're good to go!

The leaves have a gorgeous natural shine, and the color is so fresh and vibrant. We don't have a real Christmas tree, so I love being able to bring some natural elements in elsewhere.

We aren't spending a lot of time in the backyard these chilly days, but if we were, the wreath would be a pretty view from the back as well.

(oops, nice reflection of crazy crafter in her pajamas!)

I had leftover supplies, so I made a smaller version for the picture window in the breakfast room. You can see the Command hook I used (those things are genius!):

Oh! And did I mention my version was only $2? I only had to buy the ring....glue and ribbon I had on hand, and nature provided the leaves. How do you think they compare?