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Spend a relaxed four hours at Parkwood Estate crafting a hand-poured soy candle and a chunky knit blanket. Perfect for visitors and locals looking for a tactile, memorable souvenir and a low-key creative afternoon.
Spend a relaxed four hours at Parkwood Estate crafting a hand-poured soy candle and a chunky knit blanket. Perfect for visitors and locals looking for a tactile, memorable souvenir and a low-key creative afternoon.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
At Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, a four-hour workshop turns two home crafts into a single, restorative afternoon. Held in the Carriage House and checked in at the Gift Shop, the Candle & Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop invites makers of all levels to hand-pour a scented soy candle and stitch a plush, oversized blanket under guided instruction.
The session is led by Diane of Three Wicks Candles and Maureen of Moe’s Knits. Diane breaks down the details of working with 100% soy wax: measuring, melting, scent blending, and the finishing touches that produce a clean burn and maximum scent throw. While the candle cures, Maureen introduces an arm-knitting technique using soft, chunky yarn—no needles required—and guides participants step-by-step until each person leaves with a finished blanket. Both instructors emphasize simple care practices so your candle and blanket enjoy long lives in daily use.
What makes this workshop distinct is the setting and the format. The historic Parkwood Estate provides a quiet, focused interior—the Carriage House—and a sense of place that elevates a craft class into a small cultural experience. With space for just ten participants, the workshop favors hands-on attention and friendly conversation. Materials and tools are included, and the finished items are yours to bring home the same day.
Practical details are straightforward: the program runs about four hours, check in inside the Gift Shop ten minutes before the start, and participants must be 18 or older. The Carriage House is wheelchair accessible, and organizers request carpooling when possible because on-site parking is limited. There are no refunds, so plan carefully.
Why travelers might book this while visiting the Durham region: it’s an opportunity to slow down and make something tangible after a day of hiking, beach walks, or museum visits. The workshop complements outdoor exploration with tactile, indoor craft, and it’s an appealing option for couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking a low-impact creative experience. For locals, it’s a repeatable seasonal treat; for visitors, it’s a memorable souvenir you build yourself.
Expect a warm, instructive pace, the scent of a freshly blended candle, and the soft rhythm of chunky yarn turning into a cozy blanket—an unexpectedly restorative stop in Oshawa that blends craft, history, and hands-on learning.
Booking is limited to ten guests per session, ensuring close instructor attention. Reserve early; workshops run seasonally, and the no-refund policy means swaps or gifting ahead work best. The tactile result—one artisanal candle and one handmade blanket—makes this a thoughtful gift or a compact souvenir that communicates time well spent. Whether you’re pairing the class with a weekend of trails or a cultural tour, arrive ready to relax and leave with two handcrafted reminders of Oshawa hospitality. Bring patient curiosity.
easy.
4 hours.
Low physical demands — requires seated hand work and light standing; suitable for most fitness levels.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Check in inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes prior to your workshop start time and present your receipt.
Yes — all materials and tools for candle making and chunky knit blanket creation are provided.
There are no refunds; plan accordingly or arrange a transfer with the operator if needed.
Yes — the Carriage House is wheelchair accessible.
On-site parking is limited; organizers encourage carpooling and note additional parking nearby or paid lots at local facilities.
Parkwood Estate is described as a historic estate in Oshawa and serves as a cultural venue for workshops and public programs.
The workshop uses 100% soy wax and reusable materials where possible; participants are asked to carpool to reduce parking pressure and local impact.
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario preserves a rich cultural setting and offers a broad calendar of public programming that blends historic interpretation with hands-on experiences. The site presents guided tours and interpreted performances such as Servants' Tours and themed walks, alongside practical workshops in crafts, food, and floral design. Programming includes seasonal markets like Retro Fest Vendor Market and Winter Fest Vendor Market, community-focused events such as Parkwood Christmas Tours and The Way Home Film Location Bus Tour, and creative workshops covering stained glass, candle making, holiday wreaths, pottery, perfume making, and culinary demonstrations. Several workshops are taught by named instructors or partners noted in event listings — for example, stained glass sessions led by Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy and perfume-making presented by Dakaari Fragrance House. Parkwood also stages horticultural programs in its greenhouses, including floral arrangement workshops and guided garden tours led by site staff. Parkwood’s event listings show a mix of ticketed and free events and seasonal sell-outs, reflecting active community engagement. The site's public programs combine interpretive tours with hands-on learning opportunities across craft, food, horticulture, and holiday-themed experiences. All descriptions and event listings are presented in third person and reflect the programming and partnerships publicly listed for Parkwood National Historic Site.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site