Magnolia Leaves

Magnolia leaves have a style that is all their own. They’re large and sturdy with deep green fronts and soft brown backs. The two-toned effect is what brings these leaves to life, creating realistic drama and contrast.

SUPPLIES

Green and brown felt

One 18˝-long piece of 18-gauge floral wire

Magnolia leaf template

Needle-nose pliers

Wire cutters

Scissors

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Iron (optional)

STEP 1: Cut the pieces. Follow the magnolia leaf template to cut out three green leaves and three brown leaves. Cut the 18-gauge wire into a 12˝ piece and a 6˝ piece.

STEP 2: Fold the leaves. Place one brown leaf and one green leaf together. Fold them lengthwise down the center with the brown leaf on the outside. If you’re using wool or wool-blend felt, iron the crease in place.

STEP 3: Attach the first leaf pair. Liberally apply hot glue to the bottom half of a brown leaf. Place one end of the long piece of wire in the crease of the leaf, then press a green leaf in place on top. Add glue to the top half of the brown leaf and press the top of the green leaf in place. If needed, add additional glue to the edges to the leaves to secure them. If there is any felt that isn’t lined up along the edges of the leaves, trim it away.

STEP 4: Attach the remaining leaves. Take the short piece of wire and repeat Step 3 to attach a pair of leaves to each end.

STEP 5: Attach the wire pieces. Twist the short piece of wire onto the main stem until the bottoms of both leaves touch the stem. If it is difficult to wrap the wire tightly, you can use a pair of pliers to help.

STEP 6: Finish. If you weren’t able to iron the leaves in Step 2 or would like them to have a more dramatic crease, add a tiny drop of glue to the base of each leaf and pinch the sides together.