Stone Manor Studios

06/05/2026

This past weekend, Stone Manor Studios was filled with wool, creativity, laughter, and the quiet rhythm of hooks pulling loops as we welcomed the wonderful participants of our Tom & Friends Rug Hooking Retreat.

Under the guidance of Carol Shewan, participants spent the weekend exploring colour, texture, design, and the landscapes that inspire their work. Between meals shared around the Manor House table, afternoons in the studio, and evenings overlooking the water Poplars Resort, new friendships were formed, and old ones strengthened.

One of the highlights of the retreat was our Collaborative Retreat Board. When asked what colour they were most drawn to, the overwhelming answer was green. Participants spoke of nature, hope, renewal, rebirth, and the beauty of spring unfolding around us. Memories of Algonquin Park, canoe trips, childhood cottages, provincial parks, gardens, and quiet mornings by the water inspired many of the pieces being created.

Perhaps our favourite reflection came from a participant who shared that one of the most important lessons learned from fellow hookers over the years is that patterns are just suggestions.

Thank you to Carol for her generous instruction, to Becky and Dave at The Poplars for their warm hospitality, and to every participant who brought their creativity, stories, and enthusiasm to the weekend.

What a joy it was to gather, create, connect, and be inspired together. Maybe next year we can do it again?

Create. Connect. Reset.
Stone Manor Studios

06/01/2026

When Light Leads the Brush: An Immersive Impressionist Painting Retreat

What if you stopped painting what you see and began painting what you feel?

Join artist Margaret Martin for a three-and-a-half-day immersive painting retreat inspired by the great Impressionists. Set amidst the gardens, forest paths, and historic surroundings of Stone Manor Studios, this retreat invites you to slow down, observe deeply, and allow light, colour, atmosphere, and intuition to guide your brush.

Through demonstrations, personal instruction, studio painting, and a guided en plein air experience, you'll explore the techniques that made Impressionism revolutionary: expressive brushwork, broken colour, optical blending, luminous palettes, and the confidence to trust your own artistic response.

Weather permitting, we'll paint outdoors and enjoy an Impressionist-inspired picnic lunch on the grounds, embracing the same spirit of observation and connection that inspired Monet, Renoir, their contemporaries, and even the Group of Seven.

Whether you are looking to loosen your style, deepen your understanding of colour and light, or simply spend several days immersed in painting, this retreat offers a beautiful balance of learning, reflection, creativity, and community.

June 21, 22, 23, & 24, 2026
Stone Manor Studios, Newboro, Ontario
$529

Come paint where light leads the brush and discover a new way of seeing.

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

The sunnis shining. Creativity blooms! The sunflower in stained glass brings such joy. We invite you to participate in our boutique experiences at Stone Manor Studios! Our historic Studios, 1860s estate, and our location along the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways, makes our time together more than just a class, it’s a whole experience. We can wait to meet you and watch you bloom!

05/18/2026

Only a couple of spots left for Spring Landscape Weaving with Tara Morris at Stone Manor Studios!

Join us Sunday, May 24, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM during the final weekend of Daffodil Days: A Celebration of Creativity for a beautiful afternoon of weaving, colour, texture, and slow creativity.

Inspired by the quiet renewal of spring, this welcoming workshop invites participants to create a small woven tapestry landscape using yarns and fibres that evoke fields, sky, gardens, and new growth.

Guided by textile artist Tara Morris, participants will learn:
🧶 foundational tapestry weaving techniques
🧶 warping and working on a small loom
🧶 colour blending and texture
🧶 simple approaches to landscape design
🧶 the calming rhythm and joy of weaving by hand

This workshop is perfect for beginners while still offering plenty of creative exploration for experienced makers.

All materials are included, along with refreshments, small class sizes, and the warm Studio atmosphere that makes Daffodil Days so special.

You will leave with a finished or near-finished woven tapestry and the deep satisfaction of learning a beautiful new craft by hand.

We would love to welcome you to the Studios for this final creative weekend of spring.

05/14/2026

I’m so grateful to be speaking tonight in Merrickville! Thank you for having me!

05/12/2026

There is something beautifully calming about putting pen to paper, slowing down, and letting pattern, rhythm, and creativity unfold one line at a time.

This spring and summer, we are delighted to welcome Certified Zentangle® Teacher Melissa Fregonese (CZT21) to Stone Manor Studios for a growing series of Zentangle® experiences designed for both beginners and returning tanglers alike.

Upcoming Zentangle® Experiences at Stone Manor Studios:

Beginner Zentangle®
May 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM
A welcoming 3-hour introduction to the Zentangle® Method. Perfect for complete beginners or anyone looking to reconnect with their creativity in a gentle, supportive way.

Zentangle® Renaissance Garden
May 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Designed for participants with a little Zentangle® experience. You do not need to be an expert; simply one beginner class and you are ready to continue the journey.

Additional Zentangle® Days:
June 15, 2026
August 11, 2026

And then, our season culminates in a special Zentangle® Retreat Weekend at Stone Manor Studios:
September 18, 19 & 20, 2026

Melissa brings together over 30 years of teaching experience with a warm, welcoming approach that makes Zentangle® accessible, relaxing, and deeply rewarding. Whether you are discovering the method for the first time or continuing to grow your practice, these experiences invite you to slow down, focus, and create in the peaceful setting of the Studios.

Visit Stone Manor Studios for full details and registration information. www.stonemanorstudios.ca

05/12/2026

Our beautiful area is coming alive with activities. At Stone Manor Studios, Daffodil Days: A Celebration of Creativity, is blooming with creative workshops in stained glass, pen-and-ink drawing, felting, weaving, and zentangling! We are holding on to the joy of spring for a short while before the beautiful summer descends on our gorgeous Rideau Lakes!

Experience Rideau Lakes
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
Stone Manor Studios

05/06/2026

Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed artists, gardeners, first-time painters, and curious visitors into the Studios during Daffodil Days: A Celebration of Creativity. There has been something very special about seeing people gather around art, conversation, spring colour, and the simple joy of making something by hand.

As part of Spring into Rideau, our historic Newboro property continues to come alive with workshops, forest walks, watercolour classes, painting experiences, and creative gatherings set along the UNESCO Rideau Canal.

Upcoming workshops still have a few spaces remaining, including painting, mixed media, and seasonal creative experiences designed for all skill levels. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of Newboro in spring, local shops and cafés, and the peaceful charm of Rideau Lakes during one of the year's most beautiful seasons. Visit our website to discover all our creative experiences!

Create. Connect. Reset.

Stone Manor Studios
Newboro, Ontario