Wreath-making is a holiday tradition that goes back hundreds of years. While materials and technology continue to evolve, the joy that comes with the craft is evergreen.

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is hosting an event that teaches how to make the “a-door-able” decoration. It will take place at Buffalo Creek Nature Park on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m., with materials and refreshments provided.

Registration is required, with a reduced fee for society members. The organization will host other make-and-take events throughout the season, with crafts ranging from Yule logs to mini Christmas trees.

Rachel Handel, communications director for Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, said the tutorials will involve the state’s rich natural resources.

“We are going to be decorating a wreath using natural materials … to bring you closer to nature,” Handel said. “It truly is something you can create just by being outside in Western Pennsylvania.”

The society will provide a wire frame and precut evergreen branches for attendees to weave together. Afterward, the group will walk the park and pick natural decorations to add to the wreath.

“The typical things bought at the store — those are based on things you find outside. This can be as simple as pine cone or berries,” Handel said.

When making a wreath, having a premade frame is an easy way to get started. However, the art itself predates mass-produced craft tools.

If you’re interested in using a more traditional method to make a wreath, there are options for this as well.

The tradition of hanging a wreath on your door began around the same time as Christmas trees. The frames often were made of bundles of sticks, where families would stick in excess evergreen trimmings and weave them together.

The wreath became important symbolically for Christians, as they claimed the circular shape symbolized Christ’s never-ending love.

Now, wreaths are as synonymous with winter as snow itself.

Want to carry on the tradition? Residents can get started by going in their own backyards.

You will need:

● A wire frame (you can make it yourself with crafting wire) or sticks

● Evergreen branches, real or fake

● Additional decor, such as berries, pine cones or other natural materials

● Florist or crafting wire

● Wire cutters

Optional:

● Pruning shears to cut branches from trees

● Store-bought decor such as bows, paper snowflakes, etc.

● Glue

If you would like to create your own wire frame, you can do so by winding several strands of wire tightly together and creating a ring shape.

Alternatively, you can bind wooden sticks together into a circle with the wire. Be sure there are multiple layers of sticks so it is easier to put things between them later.

It will make your wreath appear full and decadent if you put branches into little bundles before adding them to the base. You are also free to attach one branch at a time.

Wrap wire around your branch or bundle and secure it to the frame.

Repeat this step until your form is covered in greenery all the way around. Aim for there to be no wire showing to give a more natural look.

Use glue or wire to attach the additional items you have collected. You can stick things like flowers that have a long stem in the frame’s holes.

For extra fun, color coordinate the items to foster your ultimate holiday aesthetic. It’s all up to you and your creative vision.

Whether your materials come straight from the earth or are entirely store-bought, your homemade wreath is sure to dazzle guests this holiday season — and you will have fun in the process.