Magnolia Wreaths

I sat down last Saturday (during a lazy afternoon of thunder storms) and made over a dozen magnolia flowers using the Magnolia Memory Dies from the Magnolia Lane Suite. I had in my mind’s eye a wreath using a grapevine as the foundation.

Since the Grapevine Wreath was about 10″ in diameter (much larger than anything I have worked with), I used the Balloon Punch to create larger blooms. The secret is to use a bone folder to curl the petals. I also”pinched” the tips to hold the shape and once each bloom was assembled I curled each bloom in my hand — cupping my hand over them to form a loose ball to give them more shape. Once the flowers were assembled and formed, I spritzed lightly with water and let dry on a window sill for a couple days.

I found a great tip for making the leaves. Thank you to WOW NOLA Creations, a SU Demonstrator — Susan L. (who shared a cab with me to the airport while in Atlanta for On Stage last year!) for the steps to create leaves using the Corrugated Embossing Folder (fold cardstock in half and run through your machine at a 45 degree angle) — check out her “how to create a rose using the balloon punch video”! Very simple and it allows you to cut the leaves to any size. Since I had a wreath in mind; I wanted bolder, bigger leaves. This technique suited the project perfectly.

TIP: If you are seriously considering a project like this…I recommend putting 2 Framelits sets in your cart. It sped up the production line and saved me time making over a dozen flowers.

To refer to my earlier posts on assembling the flowers use this LINK.

Living here in the south, where Spanish Moss festoons mature Oak and Magnolia Trees — I couldn’t resist picking up a bag of moss from my craft store to add to my wreath! I think it add the perfect touch!

My ON LINE store has all products featured to make the flowers and ribbon for embellishment. Please check out my Video Tutorial for how to assemble this gorgeous wreath! Leave a comment! I love to get your comments!

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Products Featured:

CARD STOCK:
Whisper White, So Saffron, Mossy Meadow or Pear Pizzaz
INK/COLORING TOOLS:
Mossy Meadow, So Saffron, Early Espresso, Sponge Dauber
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon (hang and drape around wreath)
Adhesives: Mini Glue Dots, All Purpose Glue & Hot Glue Gun
Tools: Magnolia Memories Framelits, Hot Air Balloon Builder, Corrugated 3D Folder (151811) (page 199 of catalog)
Punch, Bone Folder, Stampin’ Spritzer with water
Non-SU products: Grapevine Wreath (10″ diameter)