71 At some point during the pandemic, a friend shared some stunning artwork she had been making. It was abstract yet familiar; reminiscent of Escher but still unique; intricate but calming; and unlike anything I’d encountered before. My friend told me it was created using something called the Zentangle Method.
What’s the Zentangle Method?
In simple terms, it’s a guided approach to meditative drawing that helps people access their inner creativity. Developed by life partners Maria Thomas (an artist) and Rick Roberts (a meditation enthusiast), they combined aspects of her illustration and calligraphy skills to create a method anyone can use to produce striking artwork-all while encouraging that elusive state known as “flow.” Here’s how Rick and Maria describe it. I found myself really curious. Especially since I’ve spent most of my life believing I have no artistic ability at all, I was attracted to the Zentangle Method’s assurance that anyone could do it. So when I learned that Stone Manor Studios in Newboro was hosting consecutive introductory Zentangle workshops, I signed up right away.Why Choose Stone Manor Studios?
Stone Manor Studios owner Kim Lulashnyk. I had met Kim Lulashnyk, the owner of Stone Manor Studios, a few years back while traveling through Eastern Ontario for my book Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide. She kindly showed me around the studio, which is situated in a 19th-century former carriage house nestled against woods in Newboro. Next door is her beautiful stone home, giving the studio its name. Kim has a background in pottery. After she and her husband bought Stone Manor in 2021, she initially wanted to create a pottery studio. However, she soon decided to expand her offerings to include classes across various media. Now, she teaches some classes herself while others are led by guest instructors. The schedule features courses at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels-and Kim frequently updates the topics to keep things interesting. “You have to keep things fresh,” she says. Ever since visiting the studio, I’d wanted to participate in a workshop there. Given my interest in Zentangling already, these classes felt like the perfect chance.A Breakfast Detour
If you’ve been following this site for any time at all, you probably won’t be surprised that I arrived last for the morning session starting at 9am. It wasn’t due to leaving late-I actually departed Ottawa around 6:45am, and getting to Newboro takes about an hour and a half along lovely rural roads. But naturally, I wanted to make an extra stop along the way. The Bastard Coffee House in nearby Delta had great reviews so I thought I’d grab breakfast there and still make it to Stone Manor with plenty of time left over. When I got to Delta though, I saw that lighting was perfect for taking new photos of the Old Stone Mill-a national historic site. The Old Stone Mill in Delta. Then I struck up a conversation with the cook at Bastard Coffee House while she processed my order before heading back into the kitchen to heat up the grill (I was first hot-food customer of their day). Of course, I couldn’t resist snapping some pictures of this Instagram-worthy coffee shop located within Jubilee Block-an ensemble of shops constructed for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee back in 1897. And knowing social media loves food shots made me take several pictures of my breakfast sandwich just for fun! By the way-the base sandwich-a fried egg with cheddar cheese and bacon on an English muffin-was only $5! After adding pesto, tomato slices and caramelized onions though it became $6.50-but well worth every penny considering how good it tasted alongside a big cup of Earl Grey tea ($3.25). Definitely got great value! But… then again-I started running behind schedule! Keeping within speed limits while glancing at my watch made me zip out from Delta towards Newboro quickly enough just in time as parked down street from Stone Manor without missing too much! (Just remember not following my example-give yourself ample time so you can enjoy both drive AND arrive early enough). I rushed up stairs into studio right into last open chair available!My Morning Experience with Zentangling at Stone Manor Studios
Considering this took place on weekday morning meant most fellow students were retired or semi-retired individuals-and interestingly enough-all women! What truly caught me off guard though was how far-flung everyone came from! Like myself-not only did several travel from Ottawa; one even ventured down south past Perth too!Studio owner Kim mentions clients come from diverse regions throughout Ontario & Quebec-including groups occasionally coming all way Toronto seeking artistic escape during weekends here!(Stone manor offers numerous multi-day retreats/classes too.)“I’m amazed where people show up from,”she remarks.
All together we formed group numbering ten seated around tables forming semi-circle shape. I positioned myself next Kim who also joined us since learning about Zentangles would be new experience her too. We faced sunny side front where certified instructor Melissa Fregonese set everything needed materials-wise ready ahead.
Each table provided small fabric bags containing supplies alongside squares sheets referred “tiles”.
Photo by Kim Lulashnyk.Melissa introduced herself putting everyone more relaxed. First thing asked if any among us ever believed incapable even drawing stick figures?
Naturally raised hand sheepishly among others feeling same!
Noting our concerns reassured us saying “There are no mistakes In zentangle.”That statement resonated perfectly within what needed hear!
Before long embarked journey began no need going further explaining details-they might deter potential participants joining later. Melissa guides kindly through each step effectively.
Essentially divide small paper tile freely sections using pencil(sometimes stenciled outline helps), then fill spaces different “tangles”. These simply shapes/patterns repeated filling entire area completely!
Seemingly simple…but having Melissa guide helped tremendously. Her work projected screen above allowed easy following along! Photo of Melissa Fregonese by Kim Lulashnyk.
Suddenly feeling like only five minutes passed when nearly ninety elapsed-it marked mid-morning break time. Turning moment happened when artfulness really kicked-in.More Than Just A Coffee Break
We headed downstairs exiting toward cozy sunroom found inside Kim’s home instead-settling comfortably chairs. Kim disappeared returning shortly after holding trays brimming antique teacups filled yogurt/fresh fruit alongside small glasses granola iced green teas served gold-rimmed goblets!
Her effortless hospitality reflected thoughtful effort behind scenes, she shares,”I’ve done extensive reading/research regarding gathering art-it enhances overall experience!” Afterwards returned upstairs finish ZENTANGLES here’s outcome piece produced. Astounded seeing results achieved under guidance-truly given poor artistry skills once playing family games attempting draw bunny resulted guess being coyote?! So creating something beyond mere scribbles felt major achievement!Lunch Followed By More ZENTANGLING Morning session concluded noon most students left however four remained opting partake second lesson focused additional techniques.For those staying lunch offered flatbreads salad homemade cake enjoyed dining room setting historical home belonging kim circa nineteenth century.
I Want Create Something That Lasts Forever:
Kim expressed feelings stewardship preserving history future generations enjoy remaining legacy structures facing changes times ahead ourselves…… but why bother worrying entirely? Enjoy moments cherished now without distractions surrounding technology interference before embracing challenges tomorrow bringing wisdom today inspires young folks alike hoping future generations learn craft continue passing traditions teaching others inspire create magic happen… …we sat enjoyed another three-hour session exploring butterfly stencil shading techniques enhancing pieces created earlier. …One fascinating instance occurred prompting volunteers display completed works easel despite following instructions distinctly showcased individuality made each composition stand apart grabbing attention beautifully! Here are collective creations showcasing progress throughout morning event… Overall fantastic day granted chance disconnecting computers indulging pure creativity allowing freedom self-expression flourish liberating mind body spirit nourished experiencing joys arts crafting newfound friendships blossoming. Kim aims inspire absolutely anyone-even those lacking confidence artistry talents like mine! Her vision focused elevating abilities producing relaxation reminding capable creation touch own hands departing enriched experiences overall achieving goals laid forth during lessons taught daily… Mission accomplished indeed! Already enrolled upcoming zentangling session scheduled August next month eagerly await return adventure awaits..
