Category: Christmas in Markerville

Robert Braun

Wood turning has been Robert E. Braun’s passion for the past twenty years. Born and raised in a Northern Ontario lumber town, he developed his love of wood early in life. And, inspired by a craftsman he met in Greece who was turning his olive wood vases out of a store front studio, he was intrigued by the whole process of turning.

He prefers to turn while the wood is wet or “green” to allow it to distort and find its own shape. In addition, Robert has made over 30 of his own cutting knives. As the wood turns on the lathe, the grain patterns emerge and the adventure begins. It piques his interest to see what lies within.

Each piece he turns is chosen for its creative potential, making use of such features as burls, spalt, and bark inclusions. This ensures a unique creative result. One of his greatest pleasures is searching for exotic wood on his travels.

Bowls, vases, wall platters, and urns are examples of his work. Carving caricatures is another one of his passions.

Bob’s Woodturning
abbraun55@gmail.com | bobsworld53@gmail.com

Hilda & Kristy Gamble

Our names are Hilda and Kristy Gamble, a mother/daughter duo that has spent many hours taking classes, going to and running quilt retreats, learning and practicing our skills through fun, and now also teaching others. We play with both yarn and fabric.

Our yarn play has us create items such as slippers, mittens, hats, scarves and afghans of different sizes, weights and colors. Our fabric play has us create items such as placemats, hotmats, table runners, centrepieces, children’s books, table cloths and wall hangings.

Then there are the quilts! From small baby quilts to couch throws, twin quilts and sizes on up, there are always several quilts on the go. We create what we are inspired to as well as items we are commissioned to make for those who have specific wishes but perhaps neither the time or the skills to do their own.

We offer our creations for sale to others through markets, word of mouth and the occasional on-line posting. We are also happy to donate items several times a year, on our own, as well as through the two crafting groups in our area that we belong to. We like to think of our donations providing a smile or a warm hug to the recipients from someone in their community who cares.

We run quilt retreats and classes throughout the year, please contact us for details.

The Stitchin Nest at 22 Birdwalk
403-559-4536 | kgmickey@hotmail.com

Aims Abson

From Heirloom to Art: The 2026 Collection at Big Blue Barn Designs

At Big Blue Barn Designs, we believe every piece of silverware has a story. As the winner of Best Mixed Media Jewelry Atelier (LUXlife Global Excellence Awards 2025), I am thrilled to unveil our 2026 collection!

Alongside our famed Spoon Lady necklaces, snap-button silverware bracelets, and chime ball pendants, you’ll find our newest whimsical additions: silverware snails and fork bugs. These little characters are joining our established lineup of cat and dog necklaces, also uniquely crafted from repurposed silverware. For those who love a bit of sparkle, our new silverware suncatchers feature intricate designs from which cut glass prisms dangle, catching the light to fill your room with gorgeous, refracted color.

Beyond these featured items, a wide variety of handcrafted earrings and jewelry are available, with new pieces being constantly created at the workbench.

Have your own family silverware tucked away? I love meeting clients at my market stalls to discuss personal history! Bring your silverware with you, and I will work with you to identify the perfect commissioned pieces, from custom spoon rings to wind chimes. It is a truly novel way to transform those treasured items into new heirlooms to pass onto your children and grandchildren.

Big Blue Barn Designs | bigbluebarn@gmail.com

David Todd

I’m lucky to be able to live in Markerville with my own home studio. This will be our sixth year hosting Artists on the Avenue on the front lawns of our homes on Johnson Avenue.

Since moving here, I’ve finally gotten to offer a wide range of functional work in many different styles of pottery. Using electric kilns, a gas kiln and a raku kiln there is bound to be something that you would like to take home.

There is quite a selection of bowls, cups, plates, trays, mugs, and kitchen utility pieces in both high- and mid-fired clays.

To help you remember your visit to our hamlet, Markerville souvenir mugs are offered in several different designs.

Winter offers a great opportunity for the making of my art pottery creations which are displayed in the gallery and yard. Drop in, you never know what you will find!

Otter Pottery | 74 Johnson Avenue, Markerville, AB
403-638-5177 | otter@otterpottery.com

Christmas in Markerville

Otter Pottery and Marlene’s Krafty Korner will be open for the annual Christmas in Markerville festivities for 2024! The businesses are located just west of the Church on Johnson Avenue, and both Dave and Marlene invite you to drop in when you’re in the area checking out the Christmas Display at the historic Church!

The first Friday in November is set aside each year for a three-day weekend Christmas Market and Markerville’s Cookie Walk. Beginning Friday, November 1st you can build your own goodie bag of homemade treats! Christmas Vendors including Big Blue Barn Designs, Second Nature Studio, Bob’s Woodturning, and The Stitchin Nest will be set up in Fensala Hall and the Creamery with handmade items for sale including earrings, necklaces, soaps, bath bombs, woodturned bowls & vases, quilts, scarves, afghans and more for all three days, November 1, 2 & 3, 2024.

Lunch will be available at the Fensala Hall. The Cookie Walk is set up at the Creamery.

A Quilting Display will be set up at the Markerville Lutheran Church featuring the work of Roxanne Reorda.