Make a Mushroom Suncatcher: Stained Glass Workshop in Oshawa

Workshop · Oshawa

Stained Glass Workshop - Mushroom

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.

View experience
Duration3 hours
LocationOshawa, Ontario
OperatorParkwood National Historic Site
Price shownCheck dates

Adventure brief

Stained Glass Workshop - Mushroom

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.

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.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Arrive Early

    Check in at the Gift Shop 10 minutes before the start time to get settled and choose glass pieces.

    essential
  2. 02
    Dress for Safety

    Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants; gloves are provided and an apron is recommended to protect clothing.

    essential
  3. 03
    Parking & Carpool

    On-site parking is limited—carpool or plan to use adjacent neighbourhood parking or paid Lakeridge Health lots.

    info
  4. 04
    No Food in the Studio

    Food and drinks are not allowed in the workshop area for safety; water is permitted in a designated spot away from soldering stations.

    warning
DifficultyEasy
Duration3 hours
FitnessNo special fitness required; you should be comfortable standing or seated for up to three hours.
Technical skillsNone required; instruction provided

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Closed-toed shoes

Protects feet in the workshop where tools and glass are in use.

Essential
02

Long pants

Required for safety around soldering stations and sharp glass edges.

Essential
03

Work apron

Protects clothing from flux, patina, and solder splatter.

04

Phone or camera

Capture progress shots and the finished suncatcher for reference and sharing.

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Check the Gift Shop before your workshop for local crafts and occasional maker goods, Spend a few minutes at the Carriage House entry to take in details of the meeting point and layout

Wildlife

Local fauna

Gray squirrel, Common songbirds

History

Historic heritage

Stained glass has long been a craft practiced in decorative and functional contexts; workshops like this keep traditional techniques active in contemporary maker culture.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Instructors emphasize safe handling and proper disposal of glass fragments and flux; minimizing material waste and following studio safety reduces environmental impact.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
Backlit window showing the suncatcher’s colours, Close-up of soldered seams and foil edging, Overhead of your workbench layout before soldering
Subjects
Backlit stained glass, Hands at work—soldering and foil, Finished suncatcher hung in a window
Best times
Golden hour for backlit suncatcher photos, Midday for even indoor light, During finishing when patina and polish catch the light

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

Do I need prior experience?

No. The instructors teach foil-and-solder techniques step by step; all skill levels are welcome.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be 18 years of age or older to join this workshop.

Are refunds available?

Please note there are no refunds for this workshop.

Is the space accessible?

Yes. The workshop space is wheelchair accessible; if you have specific accessibility questions contact the operator ahead of time.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Food and beverages are not permitted in the work area for safety; water may be kept in a designated area away from soldering stations.

Are gloves and safety gear provided?

Yes. Gloves and necessary safety equipment are provided, but participants must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.

Parkwood National Historic Site

Make a Mushroom Suncatcher: Stained Glass Workshop in Oshawa