Hiatus

The blog is on the backburner while I get through the end of term and then Christmas preparations.  But I'll be back soon!

Monday photo

Our unusually mild and bright weather is slowly giving way to more seasonable temperatures.  Though it's still quite pleasant for November, here's a not-so-subtle reminder that winter isn't far behind.

Kiwi Loves...Opals

Fireflies Glass Opal Earrings by laralewis

Vintage Opal Glass Jewel Necklace by mylavaliere

Misty Morning Bracelet by groovymooncreations

Dramatic Opal Ring in Sterling Silver by samantharose

Sunset

Along with the unusual weather, we've had some unusual skies, even for Saskatchewan -- which calls itself "Land of Living Skies" for good reason.  Tonight's sunset was spectacular.

 

Good morning!

Sunrise over my neighbourhood.  Haven't seen one like this in awhile.

Happy Monday!  Have a great week!

Kiwi Loves...Knits

Sea Waves Shawl by LamaWorks

Gauntlett Style Smittens by Waysideviolet 

Chunky Mobius Cowl by Pixiebell 

White Cable Mittens by KindredKnits








Truly only a micro sampling of my faves.  There are so many more I'd like to buy, or try to knit, for myself or as gifts!

Monday photo

Despite our unseasonably warm and sunny weather this past week, I'm seriously missing summer. I've been sorting out my summer pictures and I was pleasantly surprised to recall taking this one.  I photographed this inquisitive fellow on a lovely summer afternoon in Niagara Falls.

The Friday File

Just bought the pattern for these mittens, not because I'm a huge fan of Twilight (actually the whole Twilight thing utterly perplexes me -- another post for another day, perhaps) but because I *love* gauntlett-style mittens.  They are really the ideal mittens to wear for a Saskatoon winter.  The Saskatchewan winter wind gets into your clothes everywhere and feels like a million tiny razors slashing your skin.  Rather like the Florida equivalent of sand in your bathing suit, without the beach, or the sun, or the ocean. These mittens will cover my arms up to the elbow and give me just one more layer of protection.  In case you're curious, no, you never get used to  a Saskatchewan winter.

The really exciting part, though, is that knitting these mittens will represent my first attempt at a cable pattern, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. I just finished crocheting a vintage-inspired cover for a throw pillow,  and so was in need of a new project.  Now to pick the wool -- something durable and warm, I think, in red or burgundy, perhaps? We'll see how they turn out!

Kiwi Loves...Pearls

A micro-treasury of my favourite pearl-themed items on Etsy.

Vintage Bloom Necklace by Lillyella

Xenon Bracelet by ThePeachTree

Twig Line Drawing Pearl Ring by kathiroussel

Sterling Silver Freshwater Pearl Earrings by asecondtime

Monday photo

A cheery image with which to start the week.  Is there anything more beautiful than a perfect autumn day?

Kiwi Loves...Sterling Silver

A micro-treasury of my favourite Etsy items.  Today’s theme: sterling silver.

Kitty Bangle by Michelle Chang

Moonstone Turret Ring by Sudlow

Set Adrift Necklace by ShopClementine

Tiny Hearts Earrings by 2TrickPony

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog for Nadia's Rose Garden, my Etsy shop.  I have always been a passionate lover of jewelry, and I have dabbled in creative arts for as long as I can remember, but I have only recently merged these two passions.

The current items for sale in my Etsy shop were inspired by a year of loss.  My family lost two beautiful women.  My shop is my way of celebrating their lives and honouring their memories by raising money for their favourite charities. Please consider checking out the shop, and if you see something you like, fantastic!  You'll get some handmade jewelry, and you'll be donating to charity, too!

Particularly close to my heart right now are the Nadia Earrings.  Named for my cousin, taken from us violently and far too soon, all of the profits go to her favourite charity, the Animal Hospital of Kitchener, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.  Right now, I have two styles for sale:  Nadia in Sparkling Pink, and Nadia in Ruby Red.  I plan to expand this line to include many more variations;  right now, I have designs in mind that incorporate blue, red, and orange.

Nadia's Rose Garden is also a tribute to my grandmother Rose, and the Rose Collection is in development now.  For sale in the shop today are the Crystal Rose Earrings, and all of the profits from these are earmarked for Granny's favourite charity, the St. Vincent de Paul Society. 
Moreover, a portion of the profits from all the items in the shop will be divided equally and donated to those charities.  This is my way of remembering two loving, kind-hearted, and generous women.

I hope you will visit my blog often.  I plan to cover a variety of topics:  recipes, interviews with other artists, books, gardening, possibly even contests/giveaways.  Please feel free to email me with suggestions for topics you'd like to see!

In the meantime, thanks for dropping in!