Discover Stone Manor Studios' Rereats

Since 1923, The Poplars Lodge has been the heart of hospitality on Newboro Lake, where generations of guests have gathered to rest, reconnect, and savour the beauty of the Rideau. Nestled along the tranquil Rideau Canal—Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site—this family-run resort blends rustic comfort with timeless charm. Its century-old main lodge—with its grand stone fireplace, sweeping lake views, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals—welcomes guests into an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and restorative. Becky and Dave, the resort’s gracious owners, are known for their warmth and personal touch. Whether it’s greeting you at check-in, ensuring your room is perfectly set for a weekend of creativity, or serving a lovingly prepared dinner, they make every guest feel like part of The Poplars family. With the changing seasons, you can experience the delightful Newboro Canada weather, perfect for outdoor activities. Between painting sessions or wellness workshops, take time to stroll the waterfront, relax on your porch, or explore the heritage village of Newboro, just up the road. Right on the Rideau Canal, this charming village offers a self-directed historical walking tour—simply pick up a map and step back in time through its storied streets and canalside landmarks. From there, Stone Manor Studios is only a short walk away—just across the famous Ledge Street (once fondly known as Lover’s Lane), through a quiet forest path that leads directly to your creative escape. It’s a beautiful three-minute walk that feels a world away.

Welcome to a retreat where simplicity becomes extraordinary. This Zentangle® retreat is a fully curated, immersive experience designed to help you step away from the everyday and settle into a quieter, more focused rhythm. It is a chance to clear the plate, to permit yourself to pause, and to spend dedicated time creating in a setting where everything has been thoughtfully prepared for you. Over three days, you will step into a space where pen meets paper, where structure meets freedom, and where something beautiful unfolds one deliberate stroke at a time. The Zentangle® Method offers a deeply meditative approach to drawing, one that encourages presence, focus, and a gentle unwinding of the mind. 

This retreat is designed for those with some Zentangle® experience who are ready to deepen their practice. New techniques will be introduced, materials will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own kit to continue building your personal approach. Guided by Certified Zentangle Teacher Melissa Fregonese (CZT21) and artist Kim Mastromartino (CZT21), this immersive Zentangle® retreat unfolds over the weekend, fostering calm, skill, and community. 

We begin on Friday night with a welcoming evening of connection, grounding ourselves in the philosophy of Zentangle®: gratitude, presence, non-judgment, and trust in each stroke. Together, we set personal intentions for the days ahead and are reminded, through your previous Zentangle® experience, how simple, deliberate marks on paper can create both intricate beauty and a quiet sense of calm. This shared foundation establishes not only a technical understanding but also a supportive atmosphere where comparison falls away, and curiosity leads.

Our first session focuses on Fragments and Pattern Making, laying the structural groundwork for the retreat. We will be exploring reticula (structured frameworks) and fragments—the small pattern components that can be repeated, rotated, and combined to create beautifully complex designs. Through this exploration of how fragments interact within different reticula, you’ll begin to see how patterns relate spatially and rhythmically. This foundational exploration strengthens your understanding of pattern construction and empowers you to move beyond copying tangles toward creating your own variations with confidence.

From structure, we move into dimension with our second session on Cast a Shade on Zentangle®, learning how graphite adds depth, contrast, and dimension, bringing patterns to life. Experience the joy of new tangles and discover how shading reveals depth and movement. What began as structured linework now lifts from the page.

Our third session plays with Watercolour and Zentangle® (ZIA). We layer transparent washes of colour to enhance and support our tangles. Rather than overpowering the linework, watercolour becomes a playful partner—soft backgrounds, subtle gradients, and luminous accents that complement patterns and Zentangle® compositions.

Our final session explores the expressive and playful world of Zen Kin® creations. With a solid understanding of fragments, shading, and colour, you are ready to bring personality into your work. Originated by artist Katrina Thiebaut, Zen Kin® are whimsical, shoulder-up characters whose “hair” is composed of tangles. Each Zen Kin® is named and dated, emphasizing connection and individuality.

In this retreat, you would have gathered to reflect on your journey, share your work, and celebrate the confidence and calm cultivated over the weekend. You will leave with portable art tools, completed pieces, expanded understanding, and a renewed trust in your creative instincts. More than a series of workshops, this Autumn Zentangle® Retreat is a carefully guided progression—one that builds skill, fosters community, and honours the quiet power of mindful creation.  

Step into a place where history, art, and community meet. Tom Thomson & Friends is more than a workshop; it’s a full retreat experience designed to inspire, restore, and connect. Nestled in the heart of Newboro, Ontario, you’ll spend your days learning from rug hooking artist Carol Shewan, drawing inspiration from the iconic works of the Group of Seven and Emily Carr. By night, you’ll relax at The Poplars Lodge, a lakeside resort that has welcomed guests since 1923. This is your chance to step away from the everyday, to surround yourself with colour and creativity, and to immerse yourself in the landscapes that inspired Canada’s most beloved artists.

The Poplars Lodge – Historic Lakeside Charm

Tucked along the shores of the Rideau Lakes, The Poplars Lodge is a place where time slows down. With its cozy cottages, hearty meals, and original 1923 lodge complete with a stone fireplace, The Poplars embodies a spirit of simple luxury and rustic comfort.

Here, you’ll find:

Cottages by the water, available in single or double occupancy

Hearty breakfasts and dinners served in the historic lodge dining room

Fireside evenings filled with rug hooking games, conversation, and laughter

A BYOB atmosphere—bring your own wine or favourite drink to enjoy in good company

The peace and beauty of the Rideau Lakes right at your doorstep. From the moment you arrive on Friday afternoon, The Poplars becomes your home away from home.

Stone Manor Studios – A Creative Sanctuary

Your days will unfold at Stone Manor Studios, a restored 1860s carriage house turned creative retreat centre. Sunlight fills the high-ceilinged studio, while the attached conservatory and surrounding gardens offer tranquil spaces to rest between sessions.

Here’s what awaits:

Daily rug hooking sessions guided by Carol Shewan (Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM)

Lunches served at the Manor, indoors in the dining room or outside in the Victorian gazebo if the weather allows, making it a perfect spot to enjoy Newboro Canada weather.

A peaceful off-site working space, designed for creative focus and reflection

Surrounding gardens and a private forest trail for mindful walks and quiet moments. Stone Manor is a place that invites you to slow down, look closely, and create with intention.