Making of Wreaths 5

Magnolia leaves, commercially prepared and supplied by florists, are a reddish brown in color, easy to work with when damp, though very brittle when dry. The amateur can prepare leaves that will last for one season, though not indefinitely, as the commercial ones do. The leaves of the swamp magnolia (Magnolia glauca) are gathered when they turn brown and drop, and are then dipped in melted paraffin and ironed between sheets of newspaper.

For a flat wreath leaves are wired in threes, spread out like a fan. (Drawing 5, center) A 12-inch piece of No. 20 wire is inserted through the lower ends of the leaves and twisted around the stems several times. The remainder of the wire suffices to fasten them to the frame. The three leaves should be overlapped or assembled in the same pat­tern in each group so that the wreath will be uniform all around.

An effective magnolia wreath is made by starting in opposite directions on the frame and working groups of leaves down each side. Decoration is used only at the bottom, where the stem ends meet. The junction may be rounded out with smaller leaves. A little gilt paint on the tips of the lowest leaves gives a pleasing effect. Gilded acorns, love apples, bittersweet or artificial fruits may be similarly applied. Kumquats are suitable in size and color. (Drawing 5)

A permanent wreath may be stored safely if it is dusted, wrapped in waxed paper and packed in a box. If a change is desired when Christmas comes around again, the gilt can be painted over with aluminum paint. Sprays of bay-berry may be used in place of the fruits. Illustrations of magnolia wreaths appear in Drawing 5. In these, the leaves were wired in groups of three. Then each leaf was folded forward in half. A 12-inch length of wire was in­serted through the base of the leaves and around the stems as shown at top of Drawing 5.

The nut wreath takes the most time to make, but the result is worth it. My original one made over ten years ago is still my favorite. For the first year of storing it was necessary to put dichloride crystals in the box, in order to prevent weevils. Now the nuts are thoroughly dry and the wreath keeps as well from season to season as an artificial one.

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