SAMANTHA MACKINNON
As published by The Guardian
Of Marcella Rosenberg’s six years on Prince Edward Island, her best moment came a week ago. During the 10th annual P.E.I. Craft & Giftware Buyers’ Market Awards, Rosenberg’s handmade necklaces were recognized as the best new product.
She lived in Argentina all of her life until moving to the Island.
“It’s a tiny place, with big, big heart,” she said in describing Prince Edward Island.
The necklace is part of her Princess collection. It has a sterling silver chain and frame around a piece of aqua, turquoise, blue and lime green glass. She said the colours depict the ocean and it captures the essence of her entire collection.
She said most people tell her that the necklace reflects serenity.
Jewelry is something she has worked on with all of her passion.
“This is really the launching point for my collection,” Rosenberg said.
She said a necklace can mean a lot.
“A woman can wear the same black dress and with a change of necklace, the dress is different.”
Rosenberg began making jewelry after a trip to a craft show in Halifax.
“I had background in making jewelry and just thought, ‘why am I not doing this?’ ”
The recent P.E.I. buyers’ market was filled with great people, she said.
“I met wonderful people, including the artists, who I had fun with, and the kind buyers.”
Back in November 2008, Rosenberg attended the P.E.I. Craft Council and met Cynthia Ryder from New Brunswick. Together, they collaborated and developed the necklaces Rosenberg now sells.
Much thanks from Rosenberg is directed to Marie Walsh, the craft co-ordinator with P.E.I. Business Development.
“She’s been so helpful, and much like a mentor.”
Rosenberg said she’s lucky to live in a place where she feels such
a strong sense of community.
“I’m a privileged woman to live in a place where everyone is friendly.”
Rosenberg’s collection can be purchased at the P.E.I. Company Store as well as her studio and gallery in Stratford.
Another winner at the recent show was Darlyn and Cindy Lentz, who walked away from the Buyers’ Market with a prize for Best Booth of 2010.
The couple owns a pottery company, Right Off The Batt Pottery, and have wanted to create a booth for a few years.
It included three carts that allowed the products to be stored inside as well as a room where buyers could watch the pottery being made.
“It may not seem like a lot, but it was a huge achievement to us to win,” Cindy said.
