In an age in which décor is more often purchased rather than made, the North Carolina Estuarium is hosting an event that promotes a hands-on approach to decorating.

The Estuarium’s annual holiday tradition of natural wreath-making will continue this year with Peg Franklin, a member of Washington Garden Club, heading the class. The class will be held Dec. 10 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and costs $10 per person. There are 12 available openings for the class, according to Russ Chesson, operations and programming specialist at the Estuarium.

Wreath-making participants will decorate wreaths provided by the Estuarium, using pins to attach natural flora, according to Chesson. Franklin will teach how to use boughs of holly, sprigs of cedar, magnolia bundles and more to make one’s own wreath for the holiday season. Frankin said she learned how to make wreaths from her mother and grandmother growing up and got her experience in arranging working as a florist, as well as through a project that entailed making wreaths for the county courthouse where she lived in Virginia.

“I’ve just done it a lot, and I enjoy doing it,” Franklin said. “I’m there to help them. My favorite thing about this is working with the natural materials.”

Linda Boyer, former program specialist and educator, ran the class and similar programs, and the Estuarium hopes to carry on the traditions Boyer started, according to Jennifer Watson, the Estuarium’s director.

“I feel it’s important to carry on the tradition, and it goes back to a time where we were using our natural resources around us, not purchasing our decorations,” Chesson said. “I also think it’s a good way to remind people that although we stay inside a lot during winter, there is still a lot of growth and happenings going on outside. This is a good way to bring that in.”

Those interested in attending the Estuarium’s wreath-making workshop can call 252-948-0000 to make a reservation. Reservations are required.