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Spend three focused hours at parkwoodestate’s Carriage House crafting a honeycomb stained glass suncatcher. Instructors Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy guide beginners through foil, solder, and finishing to leave with a bright, hangable piece.
Spend three focused hours at parkwoodestate’s Carriage House crafting a honeycomb stained glass suncatcher. Instructors Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy guide beginners through foil, solder, and finishing to leave with a bright, hangable piece.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
parkwoodestate’s Stained Glass Workshop — Honeycomb turns classroom time into a tactile, luminous craft session in Oshawa, Ontario. Held in the Carriage House, this three-hour hands-on workshop is led by Emilie Shipman-Wight of Feather and Fibres and Meghan Murphy of Meghan’s Glass Creations. The goal is simple: build a seven-hexagon honeycomb sun catcher, learn foil and solder techniques, and finish the piece with patina and polish to make the colors glow.
The workshop centers on a compact geometric design: seven pre-cut hexagons in a palette of textured and colored glass. Participants choose their combination, then learn to wrap each piece in copper foil, apply solder to join panels, and add patina for contrast. All materials and equipment are provided; organizers supply gloves and safety guidance. The schedule reserves time for demonstration, individual practice at soldering stations, and final finishing. Check-in is inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes before the start time; the meeting point is the Carriage House. Note: participants must be 18 or older, wear closed-toed shoes and long pants, and pregnant or breastfeeding guests should not attend.
What makes this offering feel like a local must is the workshop’s blend of approachable instruction and slow, hands-on craft in a historic setting. The honeycomb motif echoes geometric trends in contemporary studio glass while the techniques taught—foiling, soldering, patina—are century-old practices that connect makers to stained glass traditions. Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone who wants a focused evening away from screens, the class delivers a finished work you can hang and enjoy year-round.
Practical notes: the workshop lasts three hours and holds up to 14 people; parking is limited so carpooling or nearby paid lots at Lakeridge Health are recommended. Food and beverages are not permitted near soldering stations, though water can be kept in a designated area. Expect attentive, patient instruction from experienced instructors and a steady rhythm of demo, hands-on time, and finishing touches.
Why book it? You’ll walk away with an original, handcrafted suncatcher and practical skills—foil, solder, and finishing—that demystify stained glass. For visitors to Oshawa looking to combine heritage architecture, tactile craft, and a small-group creative experience, parkwoodestate’s honeycomb workshop is an efficient, memorable way to make something beautiful by hand.
Accessibility is strong: the Carriage House is wheelchair accessible and the instructors adapt stations to accommodate mobility needs. Bring a work apron if you want extra protection for clothing; gloves are provided during soldering. The cancellation policy is strict—there are no refunds—so schedule accordingly and arrive on time. Because group size is capped at 14, spaces fill quickly for weekend sessions; booking through the provided fareharbor link secures your spot. This is a tidy, practical craft experience with a bright, hangable reward.
easy.
3 hours.
Minimal fitness required—ability to stand for short periods and use fine motor skills for soldering and foiling.
No—this workshop is designed for beginners. Instructors demonstrate foiling and soldering and provide hands-on guidance.
Yes, participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Yes. The Carriage House is wheelchair accessible and stations can be adapted to accommodate mobility needs.
No—food and beverages are not permitted near soldering stations; water may be kept in a designated area away from workstations.
Please note there are no refunds; plan accordingly before booking.
Parking is limited on site—carpooling is encouraged and additional paid parking is available at nearby Lakeridge Health lots.
The techniques taught here tie into long-standing stained-glass practice, and the Carriage House sits within the broader parkwoodestate heritage setting.
Workshops emphasize responsible material use: glass offcuts are sorted for recycling and solder waste is managed to minimize environmental 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