Make a Butterfly Suncatcher: Stained Glass Workshop at the Carriage House in Oshawa

On a bright Saturday morning in Oshawa, the Carriage House fills with the clink of tools, the scent of solder, and the soft colors of glass laid out like jewel trays. The Stained Glass Workshop — Butterfly invites makers and curious beginners to spend three focused hours learning how to foil, solder, and finish a sun-catching piece under the guidance of Emilie Shipman-Wight of Feather and Fibres & Meghan Murphy of Meghan’s Glass Creations. Set in a historic estate outbuilding on the edge of town, the session balances hands-on technique with relaxed conversation, leaving you with a finished, stained-glass butterfly to hang where sunlight will set it alight. This is a class built for first-timers and practiced hobbyists alike. A variety of pre-cut colours and textures are available so you can compose wings that range from translucent pastels to dramatic cathedral glass. Instructors walk you through layout, copper-foil wrapping, soldering seams, and the finishing touches: patina and polish. Gloves are supplied, and the workshop enforces safety rules—closed-toed shoes, long pants, and water kept in a designated area are required—so you can focus on composition rather than cleanup. Why this workshop stands out in Oshawa is the dual pairing of two local makers with distinct crafts: Feather and Fibres brings a textile artisan’s eye to color and pattern, while Meghan’s Glass Creations contributes deep glassworking experience. The result is a small-class setting (max 14) where technique is taught with patience and plenty of encouragement. The Carriage House setting — wheel-chair accessible and intimate — gives the day an approachable studio vibe without the intimidation of a larger school. Practical details are tidy: check in at the Gift Shop 10 minutes before start time, bring any protective apron you like, and allow three hours for the session. No prior experience is required; all materials and equipment are included, and you leave with a completed, ready-to-hang suncatcher. Note the minimum age is 18 and the class is not suitable for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Refunds are not offered, so plan accordingly. For visitors to Oshawa looking for a creative break between hikes, waterfront walks, or museum visits, this workshop offers a tactile souvenir you can’t buy in a shop: a personal object made by your own hands. Whether you want to try a new skill or deepen an existing hobby, the Butterfly session turns sunlight into a small, luminous reward you can enjoy for years. All tools and glass are provided, and instructors demonstrate safe soldering techniques while mentoring color choices; expect friendly conversation, practical tips for hanging and care, and the chance to exchange local recommendations with classmates before you head back into Oshawa’s parks and shoreline and summer festivals.