How to Preserve Magnolia Leaves & DIY Magnolia Wreath

Beachwood Place LLC
by Beachwood Place LLC

I have been preserving my magnolia leaves for about a week now. It's super easy!

All you need is:

  • Magnolia leaves/branches
  • Glycerin Water
  • Containers
  • Hammer

In a bowl or container, add 1 part glycerin, two parts water. Stir the mixture, then place leaves in the mixture making sure not to overlap. You will need to lay another container or plate on top of the leaves to keep then submerged into the mixture. Leave for about 3-4 days, then pat dry with paper towels. You can use the same technique for preserving your branches with the leaves still on them.Cut the ends of the branches, then lightly hammer each end of the stem to reveal the veins. Arrange the branches in the glycerin solution for about a month. Make sure you keep them out of direct sunlight.

I'm excited to share how easy and inexpensive it is to make your own magnolia wreath! Visit Beachwood Place to see how. Also on this post, a 10 minute diy Fall vase for only $12!

http://beachwoodplace.blogspot.com/2014/08/ten-minute-fall-vase-diy-magnolia-wreath.html wreath


DIY fall crafts

For more creative autumnal projects, discover Hometalk's best fall leaf decor ideas here.

Frequently asked questions
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3 of 19 questions
  • Mary Mary on Aug 29, 2020

    Where can I find glycerin water?

  • Deb Deb on Dec 17, 2020

    after 3-4 days of soaking leaves, can I re-use glyercin bath for another set fo leaves?

  • Deb Deb on Dec 24, 2020

    I think someone else asked this same question, but I didn't see an answer. I soaked leaves in bath, after 3-4 days some of the leaves have developed some brown spots on them. Did I do something wrong. Others in the same bath were fine!

Comments
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4 of 26 comments
  • Bar21094213 Bar21094213 on Oct 11, 2017

    Just found this info, my leaves have been air drying in the stem for about 3 days. I was told to purchase dried flower preservative from Hobby Lobby. After I cut the leaves off the stems I found I had to do this outside. Its night time and raining so I had to wait till this morning now they are more dried and curling. Can I still do this with glycerin or is it too late

    • Beachwood Place LLC Beachwood Place LLC on Dec 17, 2020

      Hmmm, I’m really not sure, you could try, it depends if you think they still look decent!

  • Lisa Stinson Lisa Stinson on Apr 22, 2020

    I cut just the leaves not the whole stem off so do I still have to pound ends with a hammer

    • Beachwood Place LLC Beachwood Place LLC on Apr 23, 2020

      I’m not completely sure as I’ve never done it that way! I’m sure you don’t have to though since you’ve cut them off!

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