Easy New Year's wreath (for free!)

I love the order and cleanliness of my house without its Christmas decorations. But somehow it always feels a little sparse and lonely without the festive decor. This year, I took the leftovers of my favorite Christmas decorating element--magnolia leaves--and made a New Year's wreath. Here it is:

Here's how I did it.

I pulled the magnolia leaves off the branches and spread them out on boards. Using spray paint I had on hand, I sprayed some of them shiny silver:

some hammered silver:

and some white. When the white ones were dry, I doused those with spray adhesive and sprinkled on Epsom salts. Some white glitter would have been nice, too, but I didn't have any, and I was determined to keep this project free.

Then I simply used one of my wreath forms and my glue gun and layered on all the various kinds of leaves, including a few that I left in their natural green. And voila! A pretty, wintry wreath!

Now I don't feel quite so wistful about taking down the Christmas decorations.

How about you? Are you all finished taking down your Christmas decor? Any fun winter decorations? I'd love to see!

I'm joining these parties:

Crafting with Leftover Christmas Items at The CSI Project

Tutorials and Tips at Home Stories A to Z

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Open House at No Minimalist Here

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage

Inspiration Friday, At the Picket Fence