Alberta: Wild Rose Country

Eggplant Blank Notebook
By Farren Square

In the late 1700’s, the area that is now the province of Alberta was populated only by small groups of First Nations peoples, including the Blackfoot, Beaver and Sarcee tribes. As European settlers in Eastern Canada and the US increased, other tribes such as the Cree and Assiniboine also made their way into the Alberta area.

The first European settlement was founded by Peter Pond on behalf of the North West Company, at Fort Chipewyan. It was founded in 1788, and provided the departure point for Mackenzie’s exploration of the rivers of Western Canada. The Hudson’s Bay Company soon began planting it’s own flags on the westernmost prairie, sending David Thompson and Peter Fidler to explore and map the area. Later, the two companies would merge, and the entire area would be under the control of the Hbc.

Bicycletta T-Shirt
By Lucky Lucy Style

In 1870, the Canadian government claimed the lands for their own, and created the North West Territories. The territory stretched from Manitoba to the Rockies. The progression of the prairie settlements was slow, but steady. When the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Calgary in 1883, settlers trickled in with a bit more speed. After the end of the Long Depression, populations boomed.

The rivalry between Alberta’s capital, Edmonton, and the southern city of Calgary is a long standing one. It likely started with the arrival of the competing trading companies of Hbc and the North West Company, but it continues to this day. Both cities host NHL hockey teams, and games between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are viewed with excitement by fans on both sides.

Flower Shower Baby Quilt
By Blue Elephant Stitch

The metropolitan area of both cities is home to just over 1 million people. Edmonton is also home to the world famous West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping centre in North America. In addition to offering more than 800 shops, it is also an indoor amusement park. Visitors can enjoy miniature golf, roller coaster rides, submarine adventures and much more.

Calgary is famous for The Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo and exhibition. The event is host to a variety of trade shows, musical guests, amusement rides and agricultural exhibits. Each year the Royal Canadian Mounted Police perform the historical Musical Ride - a traditional display of skill that is a great symbol of our Canadian heritage.

Lavender and Rose Soap
By Maple Creek Soapworks

Alberta is also the paleontology center of Canada, and home to the dinosaur capital of the world. In 1884, J.B. Tyrell discovered the first Albertasaurus skull in the southern badlands. It would be the beginning of a unique and interesting future for the town of Drumheller. Today, visitors can learn about the history of the area, and dinosaur science, at the Royal Tyrell Museum.

The province of Alberta has been home to many important and famous Canadians. Some of our prairie-grown celebrities include Elisha Cuthbert, Kurt Browning, and the Hart family. Long before the invention of the television that helped to create these stars, there were many important personalities helping to shape the face of our country.

Owl Hair Bows
By Footprint Designs

The Famous Five - a group of strong minded women from across Canada - worked from the province to achieve equal rights for Canadian women. Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Nellie McClung are still inspiring young women with their determination and achievements. The work of the Famous Five contributed to the eventual success of the women’s suffrage movement, changing the country’s political and cultural landscape forever.

Thanks to women like the Famous Five, many Canadian women are able to make choices about their lives, families and careers. Many of today’s Canadians enjoy the freedom to create art, and run their own business. To see examples of these great entrepreneurs, visit some of our proud Albertan team members:

Knitted Snowman Hat
By Barefoot Tams

Pondhopper Handmade Upcycled Clothing and Accessories
Blue Root Press Floral Hair Accessories
Glass Circus Fused Glass Jewelry and Home Decor
Splurge Modern and Simple Handmade Jewelry
Golly Gee George Handmade Finger Puppets

To see more handmade creations by Canadians, add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your seaches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Curious Color

When designers, artists, and even treasury curators go for a color theme, it's usually something common. Sky blue, leafy green, cherry red are always favorites. Today, the Oh Canada Team presents a collection of treasuries that are simply stunning, and feature some unexpected color palettes.

Burnt Orange by Footprint Designs



Champagne Glow by soapstar



Gorgeous Grays by Simple Sundries



Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Aromatherapy Eye Pillow

Swing Toss Eye Pillow
Originally uploaded by boutiquekarma.

With Mother's Day only a few short weeks away, it's the perfect time to look for a unique handmade gift. Presents that pamper are always a favorite, like candles and soaps and spa accessories.

This handmade eye pillow features a natural filling that can be heated or chilled for soothing relief, and dried lavender provides a relaxing aroma. The pretty decorative cover is removable, so it's washable and durable.

To see even more hand sewn accessories and gifts, visit Boutique Karma. Add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your Mother's Day searches on Etsy.com to find handmade and vintage gifts from Canadian artisans.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Enjoy the Earth

Beach Debris
Photo Credit: Aaron A. Aardvark.

Earth Day is fast approaching, and eco-conscious people are doing their best to spread the word about green living. The more we learn about climate change, pollution and the overall health of our ecosystems, the more important it becomes to change our lifestyles for the sake of future generations.

Of all the things that humans have created since the industrial revolution, none of them is more hazardous or devastating than plastic. Toxic chemicals in our water, clear cut logging and fossil fuels have done plenty of damage, but when humanity is no longer a dominant entity on the Earth, nature will eventually heal. Plastic is not only a huge problem now, but it will continue to pollute our planet for millions of years.

The chemical properties of plastic that make it so durable also make it impossible for it to break down and return to it’s base elements. Throw away an orange or a book, and eventually it will become dirt again. Plastics only become smaller and smaller. As this happens, they also become more and more dangerous.

One of the things that anyone and everyone can do to reduce the amount of plastics that they use and throw away is to make the switch to reusable cloth shopping bags. After only a few trips to the market, they pay for themselves - and they’re incredibly fashionable.

This wonderful treasury by Oh Canada Team member The Art of Zen Crochet is a Tribute to Earth Day, and features a great selection of reusable bags that are also handmade - no sweat shops involved! There are also some fabulous handmade, recycled and natural goodies.

Congratulations to Oh Canada Team member Bovine Bubbles for making it into the Leisurely Lunch Etsy Finds tribute to spring picnics. Why not have a picnic, and get out to enjoy nature during Earth Week, April 16th to 22nd? But don't forget to clean up your litter!

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Canadian Landmarks: Victoria Hall

Victoria Hall - Cobourg
Photo Credit: Chris Creamer.

Victoria Hall has presided over the main street of Cobourg, Ontario for almost 150 years. In the 1850s, Cobourg's leading citizens decided to express their confidence in the future of Cobourg by building themselves a fine town hall. They held a design competition which the was won by the famous architect, Kivas Tully. In 1856 the cornerstone was laid by Sir Allan MacNab and construction was completed in 1860.

It was in that year that Edward, the young Prince of Wales and the future King Edward VII, came to Cobourg during his Canadian tour of 1860. On September 6th he officially opened Victoria Hall which was named for his mother, Queen Victoria. Much to the delight of the local citizenry, he remained for the Grand Ball and midnight supper.

The foyer, the deep-well courtroom, the two grand staircases and the Concert Hall are the most impressive areas. The Courtroom is modeled on that of the Old Bailey in London's criminal courts and is one of the few remaining deepwell courtrooms in Canada. It was still in use until very recently.

The Concert Hall is the magnificent core of Victoria Hall, featuring a beautiful painted ceiling. The Art Gallery of Northumberland is also housed within the hall's galleries.
This year Cobourg celebrates the 150th anniversary of Victoria Hall, with a Grand Ball planned to honour the event on May 29th 2010. Here's to the continued success of this regal landmark!

This Canadian landmark was nominated by Queen Victoria's namesake & proud Cobourg resident Vicky from soapstar.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Coral Earrings

Coral. Earrings
Originally uploaded by joanniel.

These beautiful dangles are a work of art for your ears, featuring oxidized brass filigree connectors and high quality Czech glass, with surgical steel ear wires. Now that the big winter jackets are being put away for another year, it's time to break out the big, bold jewellery! You can find a great collection of fashionable designs like these Coral Earrings by visiting Joanniel Creations.

Also in the spotlight today is a fun treasury of Spring Critters. These Canadian made creatures were chosen by PickStitch.

And congratulations to Oh Canada Team member soapstar for being featured in the Spring Break edition of Etsy Finds.

To see more creations by Canadian artists, add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team