-Barbara Bruederlin

If you happen to be standing in line at Safeway and you spot a woman checking you out a little more closely than you think warrants, don’t get too concerned that you cut her off at the lights or that she’s going to hit on you.  It could just be Cindy Anderson, dreaming up what kind of bracelet she would design for you.

Cindy is the owner and designer behind Bead Happy, a Calgary-based business that specializes in unique jewelry fashioned from handcrafted glass beads.  She possesses an uncanny ability to tell, just by looking at someone, what jewelry will be right for them.  “I am not entirely sure how I come up with what I think they will like,” she admits.  “It is mostly good observation skills.  I look at what colours they would look good in and the style they would like.  Some people suit loud, bold beads while others suit quiet more subtle beads.”

Although she admits to spending her queuing time dreaming up bead designs for strangers, most of the time she creates custom orders in consultation with her clients.  She will often design beads for special events, like the Santa snowmen beads that she was commissioned to create for the Bon Soo festival in Sioux Ste Marie, or the matching pieces that she was asked to design for a group of friends to wear during their recent Oprah appearance.  “Probably the strangest request was from my 19 year old son and his friends who wanted ‘boobies’,” she laughs.

Cindy stumbled upon her passion for glasswork and bead design five years ago while on vacation in Invermere.  A little fed up with the realization that she was cooking and cleaning while the rest of the family played, she went for a walk and happened upon a glasswork class being offered at a local shop.  The appeal was instantaneous.

Now with her torch, propane tank, dental implements, and a rainbow of glass rods that she molds and bends into an endless variety of unique beads, Cindy devotes an average of 2-3 hours per day, 3 days per week to Bead Happy, indulging her passion for jewelry design.

She has never had any trouble finding sources of inspiration for her bead creations and always has an ongoing project waiting in her studio.   “I am going out to my cousin’s farm to see his baby lambs,” she tells me, “and yes, I can make little lamb beads.”  She has been known to craft beads to resemble dogs, sheep, hedgehogs, fish, rabbits, abstract golf ball, and carrots.  At one point she fashioned beer mug beads, which ended up serving as something more than just a decorative purpose.  “I give them to kids that are 18 to put on their key chain to remind them not to drink and drive,” Cindy explains.

With many of her beads being custom work, Cindy rarely carries much of an inventory, and is in the enviable position of selling mostly everything that she makes as quickly as she can make it.  Presumably this includes any “boobie” beads she happens to design.

www.bead-happy.net

Hey folks! I haven’t been around for a while and its a shame!  I’ve been mighty busy starting a new job, getting full swing into Holiday party season, and dealing with the suddenly cold and snowy weather here in Calgary.  In fact — I was snowed in all weekend so nothing but old movies on tv, fine company, and cocktails for me.  Not to worry though, because all of the shows I had planned to attend this weekend were also cancelled — Sun Parlour Players trapped in Ft Mcleod on Friday night when I thought I would be tapping the hardwood floors of Broken City — and The Moby Dicks stranded in their home of Lethbridge.  I thought those guys were tough! Hmmppf!  Anyways, since I have no new music to blog about I thought I would do a top 10 list of my favourite Christmas-time Canadiana items.  Enjoy!

#1  Roots Maple Syrup and Maple Syrup Candles: Pure genius and pure Canadiana. I picked up one of these maple syrup candles in a tin from Roots today and it has filled my entire home with Eastern Canadian pancake romanticism.  I am in love.  I am heading back for the Circa 1973 Maple Syrup.  I don’t have to Greyhound to Banff anymore to stock up!

#2 Shaw Cable Holiday Log: Christmas-time just wouldn’t be the same without everyone gathered around the old television set, warming their hands and hearts to the Shaw Cable holiday log.  The crackles, the pops and the never ending anticipation of seeing the infamous HAND poking the fire.

#3 Plaid Everything: A modern Canadian adult should indulge in as much plaid as possible during the winter months.  Mix and match different colours and size of plaids!  Try feeding as many deer as possible while wearing plaid too!

#4 Hudson Bay Blankets: A true Canadian classic, I have a 100-year old one at the foot of my bed keeping my woolsocked feet even warmer.  These blankets are expensive but are worth it and will be in your family for generations.

#5 Boyfriends in Curling Sweaters with Reindeer: Must I say anymore?

#6 Fake Christmas Trees: Who needs a real tree?  Prevent the loss of forests everywhere and purchase an amazing tinsel tree!

#7 Twinkle Lites: Twinkle lights everywhere people.  They cheer up any dreary room and add that daydreamy feel to a romantic evening!

#8 Turkey: Yum, turkey. More turkey dinners please!

#9 Vintage Hockey Sweaters: I saw some repro vintage Canadian hockey sweaters at the mall this weekend with my boyfriend.  If you can get your hands on a real vintage one or one of the repros you will sure be a hit with the ladies.

#10 Mistletoe:  Sure, you don’t really need a tiny plant hanging from the ceiling to smooch your lover, but there is nothing a like a little but of old-fashioned tradition to get you in the spirit.  Whip out some mistletoe and plant one on him/her.

I met Annie at the White House with a backpack full of garments, accessories, and makeup. Annie met me with a bag of instant cameras and film. We hopped on our bikes and rode around town taking pictures, getting lost, and changing behind trees.

And clearly the masks of the swine flu are far more stylish. Look at everything on sale online.

I personally prefer to masquerade Venetian styles or masks with large feathers.

Which is why I will be at Green Fools/CJSW/Uptown’s Masqueradio this Saturday in a fabulous new mask from Don’s Hobby Shop.  The Green Fools know how to throw one hell of a party; over the last 5 years I have seen operas, people scaling walls, mind boggling acrobatics as well as a fowl mouthed goblin hosting hilarious costume contests.

The other popular masks this season are being used on stage.

Calgary is lucky to have Alberta Theatre Projects presenting I,Claudia by Kristen Thomson until November 8. This hilarious and touching one woman show is performed by actress Liisa Repo-Martell.  What is incredibly fascinating and unique about this show is that she wears a different extremely expressive mask for each of the 4 characters. The play portrays the thoughts of an adolescent, her Dad’s new girlfriend, the school janitor and her grandfather. To sneak a peek at these clips of 3 of the characters in the 2004 film adaptation of the play view here: http://www.crowstheatre.com/season_01vid.htm

So whether you are using a mask to prevent the flu, dress up for halloween or to tell a compelling story on the stage, I highly recommend that you pick one up this winter since they are a must-have accessory.

Cheers,

Allison Moore

You should go:  Make It is a retail show devoted to creating positive opportunities for local artists and designers. On the flip side, Make It is a shopping event that gives enlightened shoppers the opportunity to buy unique, ethically made items from top artisans from all over Canada. The vibe at the show is funky and modern with music is spun by top local DJs! Make It is about appreciating creativity, connecting entrepreneurs, and giving conscious shoppers an alternative to the mall. Exhibitors will be selling anything from art, fashion, home décor and accessories!

When:  November 6  - 8, 2009

Where: Chinese Cultural Centre 197 1st Street SW

Price: $5 at the door!

This pin is great.  You should go based solely on the mission to get one of these pins.

Learn about Ron Mueck, one of the world’s most exciting sculptors today, during a gallery tour of the Real Life exhibition with curator Jonathan Shaughnessy from the National Gallery of Canada

7:00 pm All welcome! Please RSVP to rsvp@glenbow.org

Rachel and I received photo training from Calgary Fashion for this 
photo. Posing on the red carpet is harder then I thought. I was 
distracted by the tape on the floor and the logos behind me. You know 
you work in marketing when you are more distracted by the brands 
behind you then trying to pose for the photo.

The show was at The Banke and truly this venue is made for events. The 
team did an amazing job preparing the ballroom for the event. The 
lighting and music was also incredibly well done.

The ceiling though did look like the perfect ceiling for Batman to 
drop in through to make a dramatic entrance.

Stream of thoughts as I enter the room:

*Everyone is wearing black and I missed the memo again
*I wish straight men wore hats like that
*Clearly, I should replace all my lighting to chandeliers
*Nice art, I wonder how long that has been on the wall
*No matter how cool it is, I am not wearing a headband across my forehead

No, I did not spray on a bad fake tan — this is how I look in fancy 
accent lighting.

The show began with a gorgeous collection by Lael Osness. I loved the first dress since the back was green and the dress had an amazing red belt.  

Next up there was gloves! I love gloves! Gloves and floral patterns - this is my kind of fashion. The yellow collar was a gorgeous addition to this dress.

I love how dramatic this piece is.

Love the boots and the hair, this would be a good New Year’s Eve dress.
Love the back and love the gloves!

This model had the most amazing legs. I think I am as tall as her knee.

    
A couple favorites of the evening. Beautiful colours.

The last piece was a stunning open dress.

Next up was Rock Steady which opened the show with this stylish hooded 
dress.

The collection had a bright neon palette and a consistent print used 
for a variety of different designs. The other element that was 
integrated was hoops. Some pieces had hoops to adorn the back of the 
dress while there was also a bikini and strapless dress that 
integrated the hoops.

Apologies for the ghetto photos, despite wearing huge heels the models 
move fast!

For the last 3 shows we relocated to the upper balcony to see if we 
could get a better view.

Next was the collection of Hali Sweet who had some phenomenal prints 
and tights. All the models had black lipstick which I think the 
fashion gods would call fierce.

Caitlin Power was up next. There is a last name I would make a husband 
accept as their own. Who wouldn’t want to be Mr. Power?

Each model had the most amazing feather ring. I was so distracted.

Gorgeous ruffles.

This is my personal favorite and the back was fabulous as well.

I want this skirt. Everyone needs a flower on their hip. The coat is cool too — it reminds me of Samantha Jones.

This dress was hot. I feel like you could take over the world in it. 

Fashion world domination could be achieved.

***photos + story by allison moore

Now when she mentioned that it would be to blog about it, that was another story. Then it occurred to me that opportunity to play fashion police for a week was far to entertaining to pass this up. I accepted the challenge hoping that being exposed to Alberta fashionistas wouldn’t brainwash me into thinking someone who is 5 foot 2 can wear thigh high leather boots since they are all the rage.

With my new identity as a fashion blogger I decided the only way to properly prepare for this new role is to head to the fashion mecca and observe fashionistas in their natural habitat. Good thing the largest Holt Renfrew in Canada just opened in Calgary.

A little Holt Renfrew secret for those of you who don’t dare to enter the doors because you live on an arts budget like myself – they do sell hats for under $50. Take the hat test, go there and pick up 5 hats and check the price, most will be $120-220 but 1 will be $45-$50. I know this because I have a felt hat addiction and monitor the hat department stock. The grey one had my name on it.

Now with my fancy new Holt Renfrew pink bag I went home to put my outfit together. I already knew I was going to represent Calgary in a Shisomiso skirt. This skirt has a funny story I actually eyed it for months and couldn’t afford it – only to be reunited with it a year later in a consignment store in Vancouver. I was elated to say the least. Consignment stores in Vancouver are the best – my favorite is Mintage.

Everyone in the fashion industry wears black so I put on a black sweater to make me more legit as a fashion blogger.

Since you have to wear something edgy that doesn’t look like it makes any sense I donned my new space boots to see how people would react.

The guy in my elevator told me they reminded him of the 80′s. Sweet validation.

Now for the ultimate debate do I match my purse with my coat? And should my fabulous Joe Fresh gloves match my shoes or my hat? Seeing how this was fashion police tryouts the pressure was on.

If you purse matches your coat should the fashion police arrest you?

I got into the lineup outside at Seven Restolounge and have already broken 2 personal rules.

1.  The only thing worth waiting in line for in Calgary for over 20 minutes is Globefish sushi.

2. I loathe the term restolounge

As I was reflecting on how pop culture makes you associate fashion shows with NYC and Sex and the City ironically I looked down and my new line friend Denise was sporting a fabulous bag quite similar to the bag Carrie gave Louise for Christmas in the Sex and the City Movie.

I think to myself how I should have worn crinoline but it is Calgary in October and -10 outside.

Stream of thoughts are I enter the room:

Wow I missed the memo to wear 7 inch heels

I think I am the shortest person in here

I could never date a guy with that much hair product

I wonder if any men in here are straight

Wow she looks angry

I can’t see the bar they are all too tall

Then I was pleasantly surprised to see a friend of mine debuting on the red carpet as a fashion photographer. Noted fashion photographer David Austin (said in the same tone Tyra says for Nigel) was nice enough to take my photo on the red carpet.

As I wonder to the back of the room it occurs to me that the room is full of people that look like they are trying not to smile. Attempting to fit in I fail as I start smirking at different outfits in the room. I make my way to the front of the people without seats thinking maybe it was a good thing I wore flats.

Then my friend Sean comes over looking good in green.

He needs a favour, for me to be security. Seeing how I was Deepa Mehta’s bodyguard back in the day at the CIFF and one year for halloween I looked like Whitney Houston from the Bodyguard – clearly I am qualified for this new fashion assignment.

My task is to ensure people don’t walk in front of the camera during the show. Meanwhile I started surveying the crowd for their thoughts on my spaceboots. I was really hoping to find someone tell me they hate them however people were very polite – my favorite comment being that they had a ‘jetsons’ look to them.

Then finally the show began with Solsticio by Maria Orduz.

The dresses were very nice but very tight and very short.  I decided if I had to hire a model I would hire this one as she would have passed all of Tyra’s tests.

Coming from a marketing background I was shocked how short models posed for photos. I would have thought that there would have been more time for the media to get a shot of the product for promotional purposes. Silly marketing logic probably doesn’t match with the beat of the music and the timing of the show. Clearly I would have to find a better place to stand at the next show since my photos are blurry.

Next came Broken Ghost Couture by Jana Foehrenbach.

I have to admit I was thrilled to see pink on the runway since I am a huge fan. I really enjoyed the layering and patterns of the different fabrics.

The after party/factory party was at The Banke. This venue has had many different faces in Calgary. Originally the Bank of Nova Scotia it has also been a club and restaurant in the past.

I really enjoy the art installations at the factory parties in town however it drives me nuts that you have no idea what artist did which piece. Nonetheless the venue was impressive as was the art.

As you entered the basement of the building you had full access to the vault. It would be a good place to lock up fashion victims arrested by the fashion police. On this evening though there was an art installation in the vault. I will leave the interpretation up to you to ponder.

***photos & story by Allison Moore.

The ever-minty-fresh Uppercase Bookstore and Art Gallery in Calgary’s artCentral is currently hosting a Call for Submissions for their CONFECTIONS art show this Winter 09.  The details are as follows:

Now accepting submissions for our November/December exhibition!

Clever designs, pretty packaging, zany wrappers, colourful names and elegant detailing have as much appeal as the tasty treats tucked inside. The Confections show celebrates the fine art of candy packaging. We invite artists to illustrate and design their own wrappers. Come up with an irresistible cover for a novel treat or create a new design for an old favourite. Send us your eye candy!

The best designs will be featured in the winter issue of the magazine. Submit your artwork file via email info–at–uppercasegallery.ca (images should be at least 6 to 8 inches wide at 300dpi).

Also accepting candy-related artwork, photography and suggestions.

Deadlines:

October 23 (for inclusion in the exhibition, Nov 5 – Dec 31) 
November 1, 2009 (for possible inclusion in the magazine)

For more information check out the Uppercase Journal.

EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society presents: HOME by Lydia Karpenko

September 23-30th, 2009
EMMEDIA Screening Room
EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society
Opening Reception Friday, September 25th, 2009
7-10 pm

In this installation, Lydia Karpenko draws parallels between her various places of residence and their intrinsic relationships to each other. Through the use of ethereal, nomadic cube structures and subjective imagery, the artist explores ideas of displacement and cultural assimilation. Home transforms from a solid four-walled structure into a poetic, ephemeral state that is both a feeling and memory. 

The installation includes three simultaneous video projections on three suspended soft cubes. The non-linear arrangement of video clips and animated elements cycle through the projections. The audience is encouraged to interact with the work by walking around the space and getting inside the 1.5 meter-wide fabric structures.

About the Artist 

Lydia Karpenko is Ukrainian-born, Calgary-based interdisciplinary artist. Her work includes various forms of interactive installation, video, and fibre art exploring the juxtaposition between digital media and handcrafted objects. Working with a combination of traditional textile techniques and new media, she examines how personal narrative structures can shape cultural self-identity.