You all know I am so NOT a DIYer. I’ve accomplished a single DIY on this blog which were these Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie treats. They’re adorable, but let’s be honest, this is not my strong suit. This is why I’m so excited I teamed up with Jaime Roberts. She made all my DIY holiday dreams come true. Her tips are super easy and the real secret to this garland is going to blow your mind. I know it did mine and it made me feel confident that I can do this at home all by myself without her help.
I don’t know about you, but I think garland is just oh so pretty. Whether draped around your doorway, along a buffet, or down the center of your table for dinner, it’s such a festive and fresh accent to your home. To make this garland you just need a few things and some patience (which I lack).
How To DIY Magnolia Garland
Things You Need
- Magnolia leaves (just grab your shears and find some on your next walk or hike)
- Any other greenery, I loved these long strands she found, no idea what they’re called
- Faux garland (this is the SECRET to creating this)
- Shears or good scissors
- Other fun things to add – berries, pinecones and anything else you like!
- Command Hooks or nails – I use these
How To Make The Garland
Step One
You’ll want to start by trimming down your pieces a bit to make it easier to build this as you go. Keep decent sized chunks of greenery for a dramatic effect too.
Step Two
Once you have your supplies, you’ll begin by taking your faux garland (the most genius hack there is) and start building on it. The thing that makes the faux garland so great as your base is that it makes it SO much easier to build as you need zero additional tools. It’s got wire already built in so you use the “pine” branches to attach your real greenery to it wrapping it around the branches to secure it. It also provides an easy guide to build onto.
Start layering your greenery, mixing them up, and twisting branches with the faux garland branches. Before you know it, you’ll have a stunning garland that no one would know was built on something that was faux.
Step Three
Hang your garland!
TIP: To keep your garland looking fresh, you can spritz it with water every few days to keep it hydrated. I don’t think the magnolia leaves will care too much, but any sort of pine you add will benefit from a good water bottle spritz.
Once you work your way through the garland creating a giant masterpiece, you’ll want to hang it! All Jaime did was hammer two nails on either side of the mirror to place the garland. She draped it onto those nails and then had it cascade down one side. I really loved the one-sided garland versus something perfectly symmetric. It makes it feel more fun and modern. Once it’s up, you can add in some more leaves where they made need it. It’s sometimes easier to see it once it’s up too.
I have also used Command hooks to hang my garland up in other areas of my home. I use floral wire to create a “hook” and hook it onto these.
TIP: If you want your garland to have lights, just buy the faux garland that are pre-lit. It’ll make life easier and you’ll still be able to see most of the lights once you add your greenery.
PS check out these fun ways to use garland and how we styled this magnolia garland above a holiday buffet.
Photos by Hannah Michelle
