THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a summer evening at parkwoodestate crafting a painted glass lantern. In two hours, artist Sarah Shaw teaches enamel techniques so you leave with a one-of-a-kind 5x5x12-inch hurricane lantern.
Spend a summer evening at parkwoodestate crafting a painted glass lantern. In two hours, artist Sarah Shaw teaches enamel techniques so you leave with a one-of-a-kind 5x5x12-inch hurricane lantern.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
At parkwoodestate in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, summer evenings glow a little longer thanks to a hands-on craft that turns simple glass into porch-ready light: the Summer Lantern Painting Workshop. Over two hours in the Carriage House, artist Sarah Shaw leads a small class through enamel techniques designed for beginners, teaching how to paint dragonflies and flowers on a 5x5x12-inch hurricane lantern. The result is a durable, colorful piece that brightens an outdoor bench, patio table, or front step. This workshop is practical and playful. Materials and equipment are provided, so you arrive ready to paint; no prior experience is required. Check in inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes before the start time, and expect instruction to move steadily from design exercise to layered enamel application, with tips on curing and care so your lantern survives sun, rain, and warm-weather evenings. Seats are limited to 15 people, and the event is wheelchair accessible; the minimum age is 14. What makes this offering special for Oshawa is how it complements the estate's visitor experience: instead of a passive guided tour, you leave with an object that reflects the region's summer light and garden motifs. The lantern's motifs—dragonflies and local flora—echo the nearby public gardens and green spaces that draw walkers and photographers to the area, making the class a creative capstone to an afternoon outdoors. Practical notes matter: there are no refunds, so confirm plans before booking. Due to limited onsite parking, organizers encourage carpooling; if the lot fills, nearby neighbourhoods and paid parking at Lakeridge Health lots are available. The class's small size allows one-on-one guidance from Sarah Shaw and plenty of time to personalize color choices and brushwork. Beyond the basics, the workshop offers creative value: learning enamel on glass is a technique you can transfer to vases, frames, and small window panels. It's also a low-barrier way to introduce teenagers and adults to studio craft within a relaxed, social setting. For visitors staying in Oshawa, this two-hour session can pair with a stroll through local gardens, dinner in town, or a long summer sunset along Lake Ontario. If you want a memorable take-home from your visit rather than a postcard, this class delivers—that lantern becomes a functioning light and a souvenir handmade during a clear, instructive evening. Book early to secure one of the 15 spots and arrive ready to paint. Bring a small sealed container if you plan to transport the lantern immediately; painted enamel needs time to cure before heavy handling. Workshops often sell additional lanterns and extra paints at the Gift Shop. This class makes a thoughtful, locally made present and an easy creative evening for visitors and Oshawa residents alike. Arrive with comfortable clothes and optimism.
No—this workshop is designed for beginners; Sarah Shaw guides every step and all materials are provided.
Each participant paints a 5x5x12-inch hurricane lantern provided by the workshop.
Yes—the venue and class are listed as wheelchair accessible.
The minimum age is 14; younger children are not permitted unless otherwise noted by the organizer.
Please note there are no refunds, so double-check your schedule before booking.
Check in at the Gift Shop inside the venue 10 minutes prior to the workshop start time and present your receipt.
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