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Spend a creative morning in Oshawa learning foil-and-solder stained glass techniques and build your own mushroom-shaped suncatcher. No experience required—everything is provided; just bring closed-toed shoes and curiosity.
Spend a creative morning in Oshawa learning foil-and-solder stained glass techniques and build your own mushroom-shaped suncatcher. No experience required—everything is provided; just bring closed-toed shoes and curiosity.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
At the heart of an easygoing creative afternoon in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, the Stained Glass Workshop — Mushroom turns a familiar folk craft into a social, hands-on experience. Presented by Emilie Shipman-Wight of Feather and Fibres & Meghan Murphy of Meghan’s Glass Creations, this three-hour class gathers up to 14 adults at the Carriage House to make a mushroom-shaped suncatcher from raw materials to finished patina. You’ll choose from a palette of pre-cut colours and textured glass, learn to foil edges, solder seams, and apply patina and polish so the piece catches light at your window. Workstations are set up with soldering irons and safety equipment; gloves are provided and instructors guide each step, making the process accessible for people with no prior experience. The session balances technique and creativity: expect practical demonstrations, individual coaching, and plenty of time to lay out your design before committing to solder. Practical details matter. The workshop runs three hours; check in inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes before the start time and meet at the Carriage House. Participants must be 18 or older, wear closed-toed shoes and long pants, and note that the activity is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding persons. The space is wheelchair accessible. All materials and equipment are included, and you’ll leave with a personalized, ready-to-hang suncatcher that brightens a home and carries a maker’s story. This class stands out in Oshawa’s local scene because it pairs two named artists with a compact, focused format: small group size, guided metalwork, and finishing techniques most workshops skip. For visitors curious about craft culture in the region, it’s an efficient, satisfying way to learn a tangible skill and take home a keepsake you made yourself. Plan to carpool if you can; parking on site is limited and overflow is available in adjacent neighbourhoods or paid Lakeridge Health lots. For safety, food and beverages are not permitted in the work area, though a designated space holds water away from soldering stations. Bring an optional apron to protect clothing, and arrive with an open mind and steady hands—this is low-impact, arresting work that rewards patience and focus. Beyond the workbench, the class is ideal for visitors seeking a low-risk, high-satisfaction creative detour: the finished suncatcher makes a memorable gift or keepsake, and the techniques you learn translate to repairs or future projects. Group size is capped so instructors can tailor coaching to your pace. Book early—the intimate format fills quickly—and expect to walk away with a polished object and confidence in a hands-on craft.
easy.
3 hours.
No special fitness required; you should be comfortable standing or seated for up to three hours.
No. The instructors teach foil-and-solder techniques step by step; all skill levels are welcome.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older to join this workshop.
Please note there are no refunds for this workshop.
Yes. The workshop space is wheelchair accessible; if you have specific accessibility questions contact the operator ahead of time.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the work area for safety; water may be kept in a designated area away from soldering stations.
Yes. Gloves and necessary safety equipment are provided, but participants must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.
Stained glass has long been a craft practiced in decorative and functional contexts; workshops like this keep traditional techniques active in contemporary maker culture.
Instructors emphasize safe handling and proper disposal of glass fragments and flux; minimizing material waste and following studio safety reduces 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