Make Soy Candles and Gold Hoop Ornaments at Parkwood Estate Workshop

At Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario, the Winter Candle and Ornament Workshop offers a hands-on holiday craft afternoon that feels like a quiet creative retreat inside the Carriage House. Over three hours, makers of all skill levels work with Diane from Three Wicks Candles and Sherri from IdleWild Designs Canada to hand-pour a scented soy candle and assemble four gold metal hoop ornaments using evergreen materials and festive accents. The session begins with candle making: Diane walks participants through choosing and blending fragrance oils, filling molds with 100% soy wax, and learning burn-care techniques to maximize scent throw and longevity. As wax cures, the group moves into ornament design. Sherri demonstrates construction and wiring techniques for hoop ornaments, then lets you build layered arrangements with spruce, cedar, fir and several eucalyptus varieties, plus accents such as berries, pinecones and bells. Parkwood Estate's Carriage House provides a bright, accessible studio with tables, tools and all materials included; the listing notes wheelchair access and a 20-person group size that keeps instruction personal. You'll leave with a hand-poured candle and four finished ornaments—versatile pieces that work as tree decor, gift toppers or refined table accents. The workshop is social and relaxed, suited to individuals, friend groups or a creative date; adults only (minimum age 18). Check-in takes place inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes before start time. Practical details matter: the three-hour format balances instruction and hands-on time, but the event is non-refundable, and parking at the estate has limits—carpooling or nearby paid lots can save a stress headache. All tools and materials are provided, so you only need to bring curiosity and a willingness to get your hands a little fragrant. Instructors share trade tips on scent blending, candle care and floral balance so your creations are both beautiful and long-lasting. Why book this rather than a generic craft class? It pairs two specialist makers—one focused on clean-burning soy candles, the other on preserved greenery design—in a single, efficient workshop. The focus on evergreen species native to seasonal decor and the use of gold hoop frames gives outputs a timeless, elevated look that fits both rustic and modern homes. For travelers staying in Oshawa or visiting Durham Region attractions, this workshop is an easy, low-impact way to take home a handmade memory tied to the estate's atmosphere. Spaces are limited; reserve through the referral link to secure your spot and arrive ready to make something you'll actually want to give. Instructors cover safety for hot wax and wiring, and they demonstrate cleanup and packing strategies so your candle and ornaments leave the estate intact and ready to gift or display once you return home, with written care instructions and scent notes included.