Artisan Ralph Giebelhaus poses beside one of his unique and whimsical bird houses at the Bearspaw Fall and Christmas Market on Sunday.
The three-day market opened their doors - for the 37th time - on Friday evening until Sunday evening. The market regularly attracts people from around Calgary, Cochrane, and surrounding areas.
Giebelhaus' foray into designing birdhouses began with a devastating cancer diagnosis. He left his job as a sheet metal worker to undergo treatment. During his recovery at home he decided to - out of the blue - purchase a saw and compressor from Home Depot. From there his vision for his business "Home 'Tweet' Home" came to life. His "hobbit-like" creations range in size and are decorated with river rocks, driftwood, pine cones and prairie grasses that he would collect on walks near his Calgary home.
The rustic houses are built with cedar and stained to withstand winter conditions. Giebelhaus' niece suggested he sell his houses at a market in Marda Loop in Calgary. Within an hour he sold seven. Business looked good at the Bearspaw's market too.
Giebelhaus has beat his cancer and he's thankful for the welcome distraction that made recovery just a bit easier.
For more information contact Giebelhaus at: [email protected]
