Creative Crafts and Holiday Events
InfoLink - Fri Dec 07, 2012
The holidays have arrived at InfoLink! (And yes, that is a star on the top of our tree.) Our staff have put together a list of a few creative crafts to tide you over this holiday season, and have even found a few holiday themed events that you might enjoy... after your exams of course.
Creative Crafts
Make some "Grown Up" hot chocolate.
Try making your own wrapping paper! You can use special craft paper, newsprint (for those who like to stay up on their current events), or you can use some colourful paper that you've decorate with your own fancy drawings.
(Add a sketch of a moustache or thick framed glasses to make it Hipster friendly!)
You can always take a crack at making the classic paper snowflake. (Or to really spice things up, attempt to make a Star Wars themed snowflake!)
Do you like staying warm? Is Bill Cosby your fashion icon? Do you enjoy wearing cute critters and/or lots of sparkles? Then why not make your very own Ugly Sweater! (You can decorate it according to the holiday or occassion of your choice.) Here's how you can make your own:
- Visit the ever so lovely Value Village.
- Find one oversized red or green sweater.
- Find as many tacky ornaments, stockings, head gear, etc that you can find within the store.
- Hot glue in one giant mess to your sweater.
Other Fantastic Alternatives:
- Pin some battery powered lights to the sweater.
- Wrap your self in garland.
- Deck yourself out like a Christmas tree.
Once you're finished making your sweater, why not invite your friends to make their own? Then you can have your very own "Ugly Sweater Party."
Edmonton Events
- Visit the Citadel to see “A Christmas Carol”
- Join Edmonton’s finest choirs for evenings of song at the Legislature building, each evening in December a different local choir or group of musicians sings to get you in the Christmas spirit. Free and hot chocolate is usually offered. (Plus, they decorate the foyer so beautifully!)
- Edmonton’s Singing Christmas Tree at the Jubilee auditorium is surely a sight to see! (December 7th and 8th.)
- Experience an olden timey holiday at Fort Edmonton Park!
- Join fellow students in the Myer Horowitz on Dec 11th for a marathon movie day beginning at 11am. The Lord of the Rings trilogy will be playing, so come a de-stress while watching the amazing series!)
- Check out the Butterdome Craft Sale... and speaking of the Craft Sale, here's what we learned when we visited it yesterday:
The Butterdome Craft Sale
Wondering what all those people are doing hanging around the Butterdome? This weekend is the annual Butterdome Craft Sale, which will run until this Sunday at 5 p.m. With more than 240 artists, designers and artisans from all over Canada displaying their wares, you're sure to find that perfect gift for your loved ones!
What’s more, you’re sure to have a good time doing it! The annual fair brings together some of the most innovative artists in Canada, who are always more than happy to tell you about their art and to send you off grinning.
Here are some of the must-see booths, featuring beautiful and innovative Canadian art:
Betty Froese, Shilo Glass
Betty Froese from St. Albert recycles wine, beer and vodka bottles, transforming them into cheeseboards. These creative glass creations have a myriad of uses as serving platters or even just as an innovative decoration. Be sure to check out this fun and environmentally friendly artwork at a very reasonable price! For more information on the artist click here.
Darlene Kokotailo, Authentic Egg Artistry
Using a high-powered drill, Darlene Kokotailo from Calgary creates unbelievably intricate designs in ostrich, rhea, emu, goose and quail eggs. Painted and occasionally even covered in crystals, these eggs make beautiful cabinet pieces and Christmas decorations. Kokotailo’s eggs are truly stunning works of art and a visit to her booth is well worth a visit. For more information (and galleries) on Darlene and her art, visit: www.eggart.ca.
Bill Anthony, Unique Stained Glass Works
Hailing from Didsbury, Alberta, Bill Anthony will be more than pleased to talk to you about his unique art which makes use of recycled circuit boards. Bill started out as a stained glass artist, but after a trip to New York, he was inspired by the way that the city streets at night looked like a computer’s circuit board. The rest is history. Since the soldering technique used in stained glass works equally well on circuit boards, he has been able to integrate circuit boards into his designs, creating such works of art as frogs (above), owls, lamps, clocks, and miniature christmas trees. Made out of recycled materials, his art is reasonably priced and makes a great gift for the techy on your list. For more information on Bill and his work, visit his website: www.usgworks.com.
Claude Duperron and Linda Westrom, Rhythms Artglass
All the way from Chemainus, BC, Claude Duperron and Linda Westrom make beautifully colourful glass pieces. They make their own glass in their studios and create intricate and often three-dimensional designs, based around different themes (featured here: “Roots” and “Marine Gardens”). Be sure to visit that artists to learn about the fascinating process involved in making these works of art, and maybe take home one of their elegant glass creations. For more information, visit www.rhythmsartglass.ca.
To visit these and other exciting booths, make sure to drop by the Butterdome Craft Sale on only this weekend! Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and youths. Children 12 and under get in free. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information on vendors, hours, admission and more, visit www.butterdome.ca
