WOW! We were overwhelmed by the quality and ingenuity of Airdrie makers. From beer to blankets, soups to sauces, Airdrie is home to a ton of talented people and their passions. airdrielife is pleased in partnership with Cooper’s Crossing to present all 27 entries on the pages of airdrielife. While some did not qualify for adjudication – we still want to showcase the pride of so many local makers. Watch for the products shown here to be featured in displays at the new Cooper’s Crossing show homes at 600 and 604 Reynolds Crescent starting in mid-December.
TWO WAYS TO WIN for READERS:
- Visit the NuVista and McKee show homes and enter to WIN a $100 gift card for your favourite maker!
- Vote for your favourite maker here for your chance to win an Airdrie Made gift basket of products. We will reward the Reader’s Choice Maker a special certificate!
Eligible entries will be adjudicated in January by a special panel and awards will be announced on February 5, 2020 at a special Meet the Maker party at the Cooper’s Crossing show homes. Watch for event details in our social media feed.
948 Brewing Company
Category: TASTE
About us:
We’ve produced six different beers in the last 15 months.
Patio Krusher Kolsch – Light, easy drinking german style Kolsch.
Extra Terrestrial Bitter – English style bitter. Balanced malty sweet with hoppy bitter.
California Sunburn Jalapeno Pale ale – Yup, Jalapeno Pale ale. Little spice that hits you but fades quickly. You’ll never eat nachos without it again.
No Joke IPA – Hoppy and delicious.
Choconut Porter – A dark, delicious chocolate coconut candy bar beer.
Lord Grey Stout. Earl Grey tea infused into an easy drinking, low alcohol dark stout
Where to buy:
Extra Terrestrial bitter Cans are available at the Airdrie Curling Club, Sobey’s Liquor – 8th Ave , Sierra Springs Liquor, Sobey’s Liquor – Sierra Springs, Noodlebox and Titan Liquor.
We have beer on tap available at Sorso Lounge Espresso & Wine Bar and Main Street Beer & BBQ. As well as rotating growler bars like Highlander Liquor. We hope to have our own tap room open in Airdrie in late fall. https://www.instagram.com/948brewing/
A Fine Balance Foods
Category: TASTE
About the product:
Our signature product is the Samosa Chip. They come in six flavours: Chili & Lime; Chili & Lime Extra Hot; Lemon & Pepper; Cinnamon & Sugar; Plain; and our newest – Tomato & Beet. They are made from the tortilla shells normally used in our samosas.
Where to buy:
They are currently available in several Safeway, Sobeys, and Coop stores in the Calgary area. Please phone your local store to confirm availability. http://afinebalancecatering.ca
Airdrie Furniture Revival
Category: HOME
About us:
I rescue old forgotten furniture from landfills and give it new life with paint, stain, images, and hardware. All of my pieces are refinished in my shop located at my home in Airdrie. I purchase the furniture secondhand, or some clients bring their items to me and hire me to refinish them. The process is always done from start to finish at my home, including the prep, paint, artistic finishes, sealing, staging and photography as well as the advertised finished item.
Where to buy:
Products are currently sold through Facebook and Instagram
Airdrie Woodworks
Category: CRAFT
About us:
All of our products are made with natural hardwoods to ensure the best possible quality while also being aesthetically pleasing. We have many variations and patterns in our products showing off the beautiful natural colours of wood from around the world. Not only do we use local woods but also exotic woods that are found in places like South America and Africa.
Where to buy:
Airdrie Woodworks will be at many Christmas markets around the area and is also available at Homegrown House & Pantry in Airdrie.
Products can also be purchased through Facebook and website will be up soon (www.airdriewoodworks.com)
Attitude Dance Wear & Costumes
Category: FASHION
About us:
I design and make costumes for dancers, figure skaters, gymnasts and fitness models. Costumes are made to measure and embellished with appliqués, rhinestones, and other decorative finishes. I create approximately 250 costumes per season.
Where to buy:
Costumes can be purchased in-store in Airdrie and online http://www.attitudedancewear.ca or Etsy.
Cookies by Jen
Category: TASTE
About us:
Melt in your mouth Homemade German Spritzgebäck cookies. An old traditional recipe passed down from her Oma. This old traditional cookie is familiar to many who had their grandmas and moms make this at Christmas time. Made year round, Jen began making these delicious, unique gourmet cookies after a head injury 3 yrs ago. Her background as a Youth Care Worker makes Jen very unique. Her love for children and families is put into every cookie. She is very personable with every person she comes into contact with. She never hesitates to donate to ACH, NICU units, Pet rescue,
Boys and Girls Clubs and many more. She is more than happy to customize orders for birthdays, weddings, etc. If she can’t do it, she will refer you to someone who can. Her smile and love and passion are in every batch. These cookies have been to over seven countries, states and provinces around the world.
Where to buy:
Products are currently sold at the Crossfield Farmer’s market, Bearspaw Farmer’s market, a variety of Christmas markets in Airdrie and surrounding areas, and are available for online shipping. www.facebook.com/Cookies-By-Jen
Cream Body & Bath
Category: BEAUTY/WELLNESS
All-natural lotions, foot creams and massage oils
About us:
For the past 16 years, we have been making handmade bath products that we have sold in our retail location as well as doing a private label. All lotions are made from natural ingredients and salts are infused with essential oils. Over the years we changed and discontinued some items but our most popular products are handmade lotion, massage oil, bath bombs, peppermint foot cream and scrub, tub truffles & sea salt and essential oil sea salts.
Where to buy:
Products can be purchased at Cream Body and Bath in Airdrie and at www.creambodyandbath.com
Cream Body & Bath
Category: BEAUTY/WELLNESS
Bath salts blended with essential oils
About us:
For the past 16 years, we have been making handmade bath products that we have sold in our retail location as well as doing a private label. All lotions are made from natural ingredients and salts are infused with essential oils. Over the years we changed and discontinued some items but our most popular products are handmade lotion, massage oil, bath bombs, peppermint foot cream and scrub, tub truffles & sea salt and essential oil sea salts.
Where to buy:
Products can be purchased at Cream Body and Bath in Airdrie and at www.creambodyandbath.com
Crocus Corner Handweaving
Category: HOME
About us:
The throws and wraps I weave from silk and Alberta alpaca yarn are soft, light-weight and oh so very cozy. The natural colours of the alpaca include a range of beige, caramel, black, brown and gray tones — a palette that is timeless and versatile. Each piece is unique and can be used for a variety of purposes: a throw or wrap; a baby or child’s blanket; a multi-purpose take-along for travellers; a lap-blanket for the ill or elderly. These pieces make ideal gifts. Some pieces also feature silk content along with the alpaca yarn.
Where to buy:
I sell out of my home-based studio in Rocky View County. My work is also sold at the Alberta Crafts Council gallery in Calgary and Edmonton. crocuscorner.com
Cunning Mantiques
Category: CRAFT
About us: 
I am a farm picker who reclaims rural items and creates rustic art and furniture with a special unique Alberta flair.
Everything is historical and arranged to create items reflecting our dusty backroads heritage.
Where to buy:
Products can be bought through Facebook
Custom Gemini
Category: HOME
About us:
I print and design custom designs to various items including various drinkware (mugs, tumblers, travel mugs) to apparel (Tanks, Tees, Hoodies, Sweatpants) and other various giftware (plaques, tea towels, pillows, key chains, bookmarks, license plates, garden flags and more).
All products start as blanks I purchase, which are then printed onto.
Where to buy:
I do all printing and applications in house. I have a home office and workshop I work from, right here in Airdrie. I primarily operate through Facebook, however, I have slowly been putting my website together as well. www.facebook.com/customgemini
Fitzsimmons Brewing Company Ltd
Category: TASTE
About us:
We at Fitzsimmons Brewing Company create small-batch, handcrafted beer! We have been in production since November 2017, and became Airdrie’s first craft microbrewery! We have four mainstay beers which we named after popular Airdrie landmarks or cultural meanings. Our first beers that were made in 2017 and are still in production today are the Big Hill Blonde (named after the provincial park and road) and East Lake Amber (named for the lake that sits adjacent to the brewery). The Amber has received numerous accolades including three medals, with a Gold Medal from the Alberta Beer Awards. Our third beer which we introduced to our line in the winter of 2018 was the O.D.R. Cream Ale (which stands for “outdoor rink” in popular culture) was named to commemorate the rich Airdrie hockey culture, and numerous outdoor rinks. The final mainstay beer introduced in the summer of 2018 was our Mainstreet Pineapple Sour which we made with the help of Mainstreet Beer & BBQ who’s chef roasted all the pineapple used in the recipe. Since these original beers, we have added numerous to our lineup, including an IPA and a Lager, in addition to numerous seasonal brews.
Where to buy:
Our beer can be served in over 20 locally-owned and independent restaurants around Airdrie, included Toad and Turtle, Abe’s, Bogey’s, Tap & Vine, Mainstreet BBQ, and Paul’s Pizza to name a few. We can also be found in chain restaurants such as Boston Pizza, Montana’s, State & Main, and Original Joe’s, among others. They are also available in sporting facilities, like the Airdrie Curling Club and Woodside Golf Course, and Hotel lounges like Best Western. They can also be found in 26 liquor stores around Airdrie, as well as province-wide distribution in all Sobey’s and Safeway liquor stores. www.fitzsimmonsbrewing.com
Hooked on Hats
Category: FASHION
About us:
Handmade hats for children ages 0-8 years old in unique and fun designs. We offer seasonal designs, fun characters and animals, classic style hats, and hats for newborns. All products are made in person by the owner.
Where to buy:
Local markets in and around Airdrie and online at www.hookedonhats.ca
Katie Mackrory, author
Category: LEISURE
*Not eligible for adjudication
About us:
A Children’s Book I self-published this past year that is in our local stores Homegrown and Sorso, but also in some Indigo Chapters locations. The book teaches children that people can have different beliefs than your own, but you can still show them kindness, love and respect.
Where to buy:
Products can be bought at Homegrown House and Pantry, Sorso Wine and Espresso Bar, certain Chapters locations, and Babes in Arms.
Lamb’s Soapworks Inc.
Category: BEAUTY/WELLNESS
About us:
The mountain shaped Mountain Fresh vegan soap bar is scented with a blend of refreshing essential oils including cedarwood, sweet orange, and wintergreen. Made with olive, coconut, sustainable palm, castor oils and moisturizing shea butter and coloured naturally with indigo powder. We’ve packaged this bar in a compostable/plantable wildflower seed paper soap sleeve.
Where to buy:
The Mountain Fresh soap bar can be purchased at Homegrown House & Pantry or Pharmasave on Centre here in town. Through our e-commerce site. Or a variety of retail locations throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, and B.C. which stock our products. lambsoapworks.com
Maxi Foods
TASTE
Guacamole, salsas and Jalapeno creams
About us:
We are proud to produce quality Mexican food. We produce six flavours of tortilla chips and corn tortillas made with Certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO corn flours, we also produce Guacamole, Pico de gallo salsa, Chipotle and jalapeno creams made with sour cream and cream cheese, we also made Vegan ones made from organic cashews.
Where to buy:
Airdrie: Home Grown in Alberta, Airdrie Farmers Market: every Wednesday (from June to 2nd week of October)
Calgary: Blush Lane Organic stores, Marda Loop Mercantile, Farmers Makers and the market at cSpace ( every Saturday)
Okotoks: Okotoks Natural Foods Olds: Uptown Market
Megan & Alana’s Crochet Creations
Category: CRAFT
Handmade crocheted hats for all ages and kitchen accessories
About us:
Quality handmade crocheted items. Hats for all ages and all sizes. Baby hats, booties & blankets. Kitchen towels, dishcloths, pot scrubbers, pot holders, swiffer covers and soap savers.
Where to buy:
Products are sold at the Airdrie Farmers Market, Bearspaw farmers market, Millarville farmers market www.facebook.com/meganalanacc
Micro Acres
Category: TASTE
About us:
We grow and sell micorgreens to restaurants, cafes, and retail establishments throughout Airdrie and Calgary.
Where to buy:
In Airdrie:
Homegrown pantry
Skyefire Bakery
In Calgary:
Planet Organic
Amaranth Foods
Calgary Farmers Market ( Cherry Pit)
Pepperking
Category: TASTE
*Not eligible for adjudication
About us:
My Hot sauce is commercial made for me in Calgary I grow most of the peppers in my greenhouse from hot to sweet peppers that go into my sauce I use no chemical’s or pesticides it is my own recipe that I use the name of the sauce is Habenero Rush the sauce is medium to hot 7 out of 10
Where to buy:
Products are sold through Pepperking.ca, Homegrown Airdrie, Some like it hot Calgary, Crossroads market Calgary.
Pink Spot Studios
Category: LEISURE
*Not eligible for adjudication
About us:
Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild By The Wardens + Lia Golemba A children’s book that takes kids on patrol in Canada’s rugged Rocky Mountains. With art + music + poetry, the book brings the majesty of the Rockies to kids across Canada, inspires a love of the outdoors, and pride in our natural heritage. Features rhyming verse adapted from The Wardens song ‘Government Cowboy’ with hand-carved art by myself. For ages 4-8.
Where to buy:
Products can be bought at Homegrown House and Pantry, Airdrie Irvines, Crossfield Carstairs Artisan Market, Carstairs Chapters Cross Iron, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton Various locations in Bow Valley (Banff, Jasper, Canmore) redbarnbooks.ca
Tasty Kitchen Creations
Category: TASTE
Carolina BBQ Sauce/Marinade
About Us:
Carolina BBQ Sauce/Marinade – is a delicious mustard based BBQ/Marinade/Dipping Sauce. A very versatile sauce that makes so many things taste delicious. Chicken, pork, smoked/grilled ribs, salmon, smokies, ham. Use as a salad dressing. Use as a dip for chicken fingers, dry ribs….even soft baked pretzels.
Where to buy:
Products are available at Homegrown, Airdrie; Farm Basket, Three Hills; Aspenrose Market & Gifts, Canmore; Big Bend Market, Red Deer; more locations being secured. Weekly farmers markets through the winter in Calgary include Hillhurst Sunnyside and Farmers & Makers cSpace. www.facebook.com/Tasty-Kitchen-Creations
Tasty Kitchen Creations
Category: TASTE
Hot Sauces -Smoky Mountain, Thai Thai, Red Juniper and hot Red Bonnet.
About us:
We have four primary flavours of hot sauce from a milder version to a hot version. Smoky Mountain is our mildest version. It is made using a blend of pepper and our aromatics and we then add roasted red peppers and poblano peppers to the mix. This is what gives it its earthy, smoky flavour that everyone enjoys. Juniper moves up the heat scale ever-so-slightly. This is again a blend of peppers and with nothing roasted it hosts a delicious fresh pepper flavour. These extremely flavourful sauces are extremely versatile and can be used anywhere you are looking for a little kick of heat. We now make a jump on the heat scale with Thai Thai. No longer blending a mix of peppers, this sauce is made with Birds Eye Thai peppers. Thai Thai has delicious flavour as well, however, the heat is considered a slow creeper, and then tends to linger around for a while. It’s a heat that keeps on giving! Our hottest sauce comes with our ever popular Red Bonnet. Made with Scotch Bonnet peppers, this is not a sauce for the meek. This sauce packs a definite heat punch however its popularity comes from, although it’s HOT, it’s still packed with a lovely sweet, fruity flavour that is the characteristic of the Scotch Bonnet pepper.
Where to buy:
Products are available at Homegrown, Airdrie; Farm Basket, Three Hills; Aspenrose Market & Gifts, Canmore; Big Bend Market, Red Deer; more locations being secured. Weekly farmers markets through the winter in Calgary include Hillhurst Sunnyside and Farmers & Makers cSpace. www.facebook.com/Tasty-Kitchen-Creations
The “Souper” Lady
Category: TASTE
About us:
Everything is made with LOVE!
I have had a passion for the culinary arts since I was a child. I was raised with many varieties of foods, spices, ethnic backgrounds. Always encouraged to try everything once! Soup has always been my comfort food. I make everything from a plain Cream of Tomato, Italian Wedding and even PHO!
In 2015 my family was in a terrible car accident and I was diagnosed with PTSD. I engulfed myself into cooking and gave away homemade soups to local Airdrie families, I was then nicknamed the “Souper” Lady.
Where to buy:
All products can be bought from my home. www.facebook.com/souperlady2015
Your Local Ranch
Category: TASTE
100% beef pepperoni in Hot Jalapeno, regular, Teriyaki and garlic
About us:
Pepperoni: Hot Jalapeno, Regular (Gluten Free), Teriyaki & Garlic Sticks – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch. Jerky- Ragin’ Cajun, Smokey BBQ (Gluten Free), Teriyaki & Regular – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch. Deli Meat – Montreal Smoked Beef, Garlic Roast Beef & Pastrami – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch.
Where to buy:
Our store, Homegrown House & Pantry, Damit Amit Food Truck, Woodside Golf Course, Glen Eagles Golf Course, Beaver Dam Golf Course, Fitzsimmons Brewery, Balzac Craft Brewing and the Airdrie 4-H Beef Club. www.yourlocalranch.com
Your Local Ranch
Category: TASTE
100% beef Jerky in Ragin’ Cajun, Smokey BBQ, Teriyaki and regular
About us:
Pepperoni: Hot Jalapeno, Regular (Gluten Free), Teriyaki & Garlic Sticks – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch. Jerky- Ragin’ Cajun, Smokey BBQ (Gluten Free), Teriyaki & Regular – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch. Deli Meat – Montreal Smoked Beef, Garlic Roast Beef & Pastrami – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch.
Where to buy:
Our store, Homegrown House & Pantry, Damit Amit Food Truck, Woodside Golf Course, Glen Eagles Golf Course, Beaver Dam Golf Course, Fitzsimmons Brewery, Balzac Craft Brewing and the Airdrie 4-H Beef Club. www.yourlocalranch.com
Your Local Ranch
Category: TASTE
100% beef deli meats – Montreal Smoked, Garlic Roast and Pastrami
About us:
Pepperoni: Hot Jalapeno, Regular (Gluten Free), Teriyaki & Garlic Sticks – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch. Jerky- Ragin’ Cajun, Smokey BBQ (Gluten Free), Teriyaki & Regular – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch. Deli Meat – Montreal Smoked Beef, Garlic Roast Beef & Pastrami – Made with 100% beef from Your Local Ranch.
Where to buy:
Our store, Homegrown House & Pantry, Damit Amit Food Truck, Woodside Golf Course, Glen Eagles Golf Course, Beaver Dam Golf Course, Fitzsimmons Brewery, Balzac Craft Brewing and the Airdrie 4-H Beef Club. www.yourlocalranch.com
