Adventure brief
Spring Candle and Wreath Workshop
Spend a creative morning at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa making a custom 100% soy candle and a grapevine wreath. This three-hour workshop with Diane of Three Wicks Candles and Sherri of IdleWild Designs Canada delivers hands-on instruction and all materials—you’ll leave with two finished pieces and practical care tips.
On a bright spring morning at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario, the Carriage House hums with the soft clink of tools and the warm aroma of hand-poured wax. The Spring Candle and Wreath Workshop brings together two makers—Diane from Three Wicks Candles and Sherri from IdleWild Designs Canada—for a three-hour, hands-on pairing that turns simple materials into personal keepsakes. Participants learn to hand-pour a 100% soy wax candle, choosing and blending fragrance oils under Diane’s guidance, then move to wreath construction on a large grapevine base with Sherri, using succulents, greenery, and seasonal florals.
The experience balances craft technique with convivial instruction: Diane demonstrates safe pouring temperatures and candle-care tips that maximize scent throw and burn life, while Sherri breaks down design principles—weight, balance, and focal placement—so each wreath looks intentional and home-ready. All tools and materials are provided, and you depart with a fragrant, poured candle and a one-of-a-kind wreath suitable for a door or interior accent. What makes this workshop distinct is its setting and flow.
The Carriage House at Parkwood Estate provides accessible, sheltered space that feels part studio, part salon; the estate’s gardens and architectural character create a calm backdrop without distracting from hands-on learning. The use of 100% soy wax and living plant materials highlights a low-impact, tactile approach that feels both seasonal and conscientious. Limited group size keeps instruction personal—expect a thoughtful pace that suits beginners as well as repeat makers.
Practical details: the session runs three hours; check-in is inside the Gift Shop ten minutes before start. Participants must be at least 18 years old; the workshop is wheelchair accessible and capped at about twenty guests. There are no refunds, so plan accordingly, and parking is limited—carpooling is encouraged.
This class is perfect if you want a creative morning that results in usable, decorative objects: a custom-scented candle you’ll burn for months and a wreath that refreshes a room with texture and living color. It’s also a memorable small-group activity for friends, a thoughtful date, or a quiet solo treat where you learn by doing rather than watching. If you’re visiting Oshawa and looking to add a hands-on arts moment to a weekend of local sights, this workshop pairs craft education with a relaxed, true-to-place atmosphere.
Bring comfortable layers and closed-toe shoes for moving between worktables and gardens, and a box or tote to protect your finished wreath during transportation; delicate succulents benefit from gentle handling. Expect to leave with both a finished candle and a wreath that make thoughtful gifts or a seasonal update to your home; instructors offer personalized advice on scent pairing and wreath placement so your creations continue to look and scent their best long after you head home.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Check in earlyessential
Arrive 10 minutes before start and check in at the Gift Shop to save time and settle in.
- 02Carpool if possiblewarning
Parking is limited at Parkwood Estate; share a ride or plan for nearby paid lots.
- 03Protect your wreathinfo
Bring a box or tote to transport your grapevine wreath safely—succulents and florals can shift in transit.
- 04Dress for hands-on workinfo
Wear comfortable layers and closed-toe shoes for moving between tables and the garden area.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Apron
Protects clothing from wax, glue, and plant debris while you work.
EssentialClosed-toe shoes
Safe and comfortable for standing at worktables and moving between spaces.
EssentialBox or tote for transport
Keeps your finished wreath secure from damage and shifting during the trip home.
EssentialPhone or camera
Capture step-by-step progress and finished pieces for reference and sharing.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
The Carriage House workspace—quiet, well-lit, and intimate for hands-on learning, Nearby estate garden beds and architectural views that offer a pleasant stroll before or after class
Local fauna
songbirds (various local species), squirrels
Historic heritage
Parkwood Estate is a locally significant historic estate and garden that hosts cultural events and workshops, offering a heritage backdrop to creative classes.
Mindful exploration
The workshop uses 100% soy wax and living plant materials to reduce petroleum use and encourage sustainable craft practices; carpooling is encouraged to ease limited parking and reduce local impact.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- At the pouring table to capture wax flow and hand technique, Overhead of the wreath table for layout compositions, Close-up of succulent clusters and finished candle labels for texture and detail
- Subjects
- craft details (wax pours, hands at work), finished wreaths and candles, instructor demonstrations and tools
- Best times
- late morning light, early afternoon for indoor detail shots, golden hour for exterior garden views
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Where do I check in?
Check in inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes prior to your workshop start time and present your receipt.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the workshop location (Carriage House) is wheelchair accessible.
How long is the workshop and what does it include?
The workshop runs three hours and includes all materials, tools, professional instruction, a hand-poured soy candle, and a hand-crafted wreath to take home.
What is the refund or cancellation policy?
Please note there are no refunds; plan accordingly before booking.
How large are the groups?
Groups are limited to about twenty participants to keep instruction personalized.