Paper Botanicals – Fraser’s Magnolia
Paper Botanicals – Fraser’s Magnolia
June 4, 2026, 9:00AM – 3:30PM
Instructor: Cynthia Woodsong
Celebrate the beauty of one of the Southern Appalachians’ most distinctive trees in this hands-on botanical art workshop focused on Fraser’s Magnolia (Magnolia fraseri).
The workshop will begin with a short introduction to Fraser’s Magnolia led by Dr. James Costa, Executive Director of Highlands Biological Station. Participants will learn about the natural history, ecology, and identifying characteristics of this remarkable tree species.
Following the introduction, the group will take a short walk on the Highlands Biological Station grounds to observe Fraser’s Magnolia in its natural setting. Participants will receive a checklist of botanical features to look for as they examine the tree closely, encouraging careful observation of leaf shape, flower structure, and other identifying details.
After returning indoors, botanical artist Cynthia Woodsong will guide participants through the process of creating a detailed paper replica of a blooming Fraser’s Magnolia branch. Using carefully prepared materials and step-by-step instruction, participants will construct their own botanical sculpture while learning techniques used to create accurate plant replicas.
This workshop combines field observation, natural history, and artistic practice, offering a unique opportunity to study a native plant and then recreate it through craft.
Participants will leave with:
• A completed paper Fraser’s Magnolia branch
• A deeper understanding of the plant’s botanical features
• New skills in botanical paper craft and observation
All materials and tools will be provided, and no previous experience working with paper or botanical art is required.
About the Instructor
Cynthia Woodsong is a North Carolina Master Naturalist with a certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration from the North Carolina Botanical Garden at UNC Chapel Hill. Her work focuses on creating paper replicas of flowering plants native to the southeastern United States, rendered with careful botanical accuracy.
These paper plants may be displayed in clay pots or incorporated into botanical plates created in watercolor or colored pencil.
Cynthia’s work can be viewed at woodsongbotanicals.org and at the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.