Magnolia and Oyster Shell Fall Wreath

by Lynn @ Nourish and Nestle

5 Materials

t's time to get your fall wreath put together. Can you believe it!?
I’ve been looking for ways to use my stash of oysters that I acquired for my recent Oyster Shell Clusters. And since I live in coastal North Carolina in ‘oyster territory’ and September begins oyster season, I thought it was fitting to use oysters in my fall wreath. I also incorporated other local flora and fauna in my wreath with Spanish moss, magnolia leaves and magnolia seed pods. Pheasants are found in my area as well, so their feathers needed to make an appearance in my wreath.
This was an easy wreath to make, and I’ll give you a step by step to show you just how easy.

magnolia and oyster shell fall wreath, crafts, flowers, gardening, wreaths

What You Need to Make a Magnolia and Oyster Shell Fall Wreath:

24″ Wire Wreath

Magnolia Leaves. After going back and forth for way too long, I finally decided to use silk magnolia, despite the fact that I have all the magnolia leaves I could ever need within 20 feet of my front door. My decision to ‘go faux’ was because I hope to use the base of the wreath several times a year and it’d be nice to have it done the next time I want to put a magnolia wreath on my door. I purchased 3 Ashland Magnolia Leaf Bushes at Michaels, which was just perfect for the 24″ wreath.

Spanish Moss. I just went around the corner and pulled some off of a tree, but if you need to purchase it, you can find ithere.

Oyster Shells. Try your local fish market and ask for their discarded shells. But…if you need to buy them, here is a link.

Magnolia Seed Pod. Once again I was able to get these in my yard and I am shocked to learn that you cannot find them on Amazon! I think it’s a first. But you can find them on Etsy.

Florist Tape

Florist Wire

Drill and drill bit

Wire Cutter

How to Make a Magnolia and Oyster Shell Fall Wreath:

If you are using ‘fresh’ Spanish moss, then put it in the oven at 250° for an hour to kill any chiggers that may have taken up residence in it.

Because I was using the ‘faux’ magnolia leaves, I cut the bush apart to have individual stems.

Then I began taping the branches to wire frame. I attached the branches to the ring one in from the outside. I just went all the way around, having my branches all pointing in the same direction.

Once all the leaves are on, it’s time for the moss. Pull the moss so it is in long strings as opposed to clumps and begin wrapping it around the wire base, making sure not to wrap the leaves. I glued it in places on the back of the wreath to secure it.

Drill holes in the oyster shells, near the hinge end.

Cut pieces of wire approximately 10″ long. Thread the wire through the hole in the shells and then twist the wire as close to shell as possible. Continue to twist to make a wire pick