Hi Traci~
I've done sculptural flowers, but not magnolias. As far as I can tell, the main differences between flowers are the shape/color of the petals and how they are attached to the base. My first plan of attack would be to do a search for pictures that show the object from several different angles:
http://garyweiss.net/images/still_li...the-season.jpg
http://www.ameliaclark.com/magnolia_duet.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/labels/3088704434/
http://www.findmeplants.co.uk/photos...aven_scent.jpg
http://www.ebsqart.com/ArtShows/cmd_...ries_7_5_G.htm
and then look at discussions or tuts on similar items (one of these is a home made petal tool), and discussions of sculptural flowers in general:
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=43634
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=52884
and especially post #2 in this thread
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=11462
I'm thinking what makes magnolias so luscious is the subtlety of the color variations, so you might think about doing a little enamel action along the edges. Here's a free introduction to enamels:
http://www.jcherrell.com/MZJCPropertiesandSafety.pdf
I know none of that is directly what you're asking for, but it may help you think about the project. Good luck!
Jo