One girl's field notes as she visits with ROSES and tromps through the garden and the woods and the cupboards.
WILDROSE & EVERS VALENTINE BUNDLES
These winter smudge bundles make lovely valentines. You can exchange and collect among friends- so many combinations to use throughout the year, and a really fun twist on just trading blossoms.
I started with a traditional base of white sage and added evergreens - cedar and pine and after a few bits of lavender and then wrapped it all up in roses. The process is clumsy and that adds to the charm. It is beautifully aromatic - sweet and earthy. You can hang them in a garland on the mantle, add these to your winter fire or burn a bit to cleanse the space and rejuvenate. They're both rustic and delicate and more dreamy than chocolate. |
WHIMSYROSE AMBER TUTU
Roses are beautifully complicated. They tell the full story - sweet, soft, gorgeously fragrant blossoms, and the brittle sharpness of their fabled thorns. Layers of texture to sort out carefully.
This wooly tutu has pinks and amber yellows with highlights of deeper reds. The texture is cast with hand spun yarn, vintage lace, soft feathers and silk ribbons. The rose fairy is found on the fringe of the wild and in winter her rosy cheeks can be spotted from across the forest. She loves parties and dress up and sweet cakes but especially loves bringing people together. Her song is the sound of laughter and tears. |
WONDERLITTLE ONE AND THE ROSES PAINTING
In the morning the sheep amble in the pasture. They are royalty in the fields, checking on the trees and smelling flowers and herbs for little delicacies. Their wool catching all kinds of magic like a soft butterfly net.
When no one is looking they throw tea parties and the rose bush gives them flower crowns. Hours later they still hold the perfume and smile with their peaceful secret. The littlest one forgetting to take her crown off. I painted this collage with inks and acrylics. It sits on a base of vintage ephemera that has been further stamped, charcoaled sketched, and smudged. |
OTHER *ROSE* NOTES OF IMPORT
Little bits of knowledge from traipsing through libraries, internets and life. I focus on northern climate, North American varieties and techniques.
DISCLAIMER: I try to provide footnotes and links if possible but please be safe and do your homework. This is not meant as advice or consult.
DISCLAIMER: I try to provide footnotes and links if possible but please be safe and do your homework. This is not meant as advice or consult.
FOOD
You can eat rose petals and they're beautifully fragrant and lovely on cakes or other dainty foods like tea sandwiches. A Rose Hip Tea can also be made by boiling the berries found at the base of the blossom in late fall and early winter (see photo above). |
TOPICAL MEDICINE
Rose oil (distilled from the petals) is wonderful for the skin - particularly dry or aging. The oil is also great for aromatherapy as it calms and soothes. Rose water also has antibacterial properties and can be used as a cleansing spray. |
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Rose hips are very high in vitamin C and can help treat cold & flu. They also help with stomach issues. The petals, roots, bark are all used to create specific treatments. See links below for more. |
NATURAL DYE
The fresh petals from rose buds can be used to create a dusty colored natural fabric dye. Depending on your color of roses it can come out a nice rouge or a soft tea color. |
DIVINATION
Roses have a long history of being used to communicate with or symbolize higher beings, angels, cherubs, ancestors, or even one's own inner energy or qi. They are often used during prayer ceremonies to bring a deeper energy and focus. |
GROWTH
Companion planting can help enhance their health and care. Garlic, onions, chives, basil and tomatoes all bring a good healthy balance to the (sometimes temperamental) rose garden. |