THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend an afternoon at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa crafting a hand-poured soy candle and a chunky knit blanket. This small-group workshop supplies everything and teaches approachable, professional techniques for two take-home keepsakes.
Spend an afternoon at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa crafting a hand-poured soy candle and a chunky knit blanket. This small-group workshop supplies everything and teaches approachable, professional techniques for two take-home keepsakes.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
At Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario, a four-hour creative workshop stitches two hands-on crafts into a single afternoon: hand-pouring a scented soy candle and learning the easy, ribbon-free technique of arm knitting a chunky blanket. Held inside the Carriage House and checking in at the Gift Shop, this workshop is led by Diane of Three Wicks Candles and Maureen of Moe’s Knits, and it's designed so newcomers walk away with a finished, usable candle and a plush, ready-to-enjoy blanket.
The setting matters. Parkwood Estate is a historic estate with period architecture and expansive grounds that set a relaxed, focused tone; the Carriage House channels that history while offering an accessible, comfortable workspace. Expect small-group attention - the maximum group size is ten - clear, step-by-step instruction, and all tools and materials provided. Participants must be at least 18 and the event is wheelchair accessible, which makes this one of the more inclusive craft workshops offered in the region.
Candle making begins the session. Diane guides you through selecting and blending fragrance oils, measuring soy wax, and mastering pour technique. You'll learn safe handling and pro tips for maximizing burn time and scent throw, then let your candle set while you take a short break. The second half of the day is devoted to chunky knitting with Maureen. Using oversize, ultra-soft yarn and a hands-on method that requires no needles, you'll be taught the motions, tension control, and finishing touches needed to create a clean edge and strong, warm fabric.
Practical details matter: check in inside the Gift Shop ten minutes before start, be aware there are no refunds, and parking is limited - carpooling is encouraged. What you'll leave with is tangible and personal: a hand-poured soy candle scented to your taste and a hand-crafted chunky knit blanket large enough to use at home or gift.
This workshop is ideal for a low-impact, creative afternoon during a visit to Oshawa. It's a social, tactile experience that suits first-timers and those who enjoy slow, useful making. For anyone traveling through Ontario and looking to pair a cultural stop at a local landmark with a memorably hands-on activity, this Parkwood Estate workshop offers both instruction and an inviting space to create objects you'll actually use.
Materials are sustainably chosen: the workshop uses 100% soy wax and the blankets are worked with luxurious, soft yarn provided by the instructors, so you won't need to bring anything. Because class size is small, instructors offer individualized troubleshooting and finishing help - ideas for custom labeling your candle, or stitching a neat border on your blanket. The atmosphere tends toward relaxed conversation and hands-on focus, perfect for a date, a friend outing, or solo creative time. Reservations sell quickly for this limited-capacity event regularly.
easy.
4 hours.
Minimal physical exertion required; comfortable mobility for sitting and some standing is sufficient.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Yes — the event notes that it is wheelchair accessible and the Carriage House accommodates mobility access.
Yes — all materials and tools for candle making and chunky knit blanket creation are included.
Maximum group size is ten, which allows for individualized attention from both instructors.
Please note there are no refunds for this workshop.
Check in inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes prior to your workshop start time and present your receipt.
Parkwood Estate is described as a historic estate with period architecture that frames the workshop's setting.
The workshop uses 100% soy wax and provides materials to reduce waste; participants are encouraged to reuse packaging and minimize leftovers.
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