we have been here before…

Dianne’s Cariboo journey started in the late nineties when she relocated from Victoria to Barkerville, a historical site in northern British Columbia dating back to 1858 from the Gold Rush era. She was warned that the Cariboo lifestyle would deeply resonate with her. Her initial encounter was living by Dragon Lake, south of Quesnel, where catching fish for dinner right outside her doorstep was a regular occurrence.

Dianne's second move was from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, BC, to the serene surroundings of the South Cariboo. She was surrounded by trails and lakes in the charming town of 100 Mile House and the scenic 108 Ranch. The country lifestyle embraced her once again.

After several years of owning a small hay farm and a retail dealership in Kamloops BC, she and her spouse, George, returned to Sheridan Lake, also in the South Cariboo, for a third time to retire.

Every moment, every memory - George and I have tried to relive them all. We are diving back into the depths of our past and letting the waves of nostalgia wash over us. We felt the warmth when we travelled south for our first years of retirement. We have spent years camping, fishing and smelling the forests and lakes in just about every remote area of BC. We are lucky enough to hear the laughter of our loved ones echoing in our ears, and now we get to taste the sweetness of Cariboo life again.

Through this new adventure of opening a hand-crafted business, they are reliving experiences as if they were anew. Dianne has always dabbled in crafting and handmade gifts. She has made jewelry for many years, focusing on a unique boho style. However, since travelling to Japan , she learned the art of Kumihimo and has included it in her items for sale.

Over the past couple of years her passion has been sublimation and she has been focusing on custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, blankets, mugs, tumblers etc. She also made some sublimated earrings using the technique.

Dianne loves custom work and loves working with brides-to-be for precious wedding jewelry, bridesmaid thank you gifts, bachelorette party t-shirts and hats, and she offers custom candles for the bride and groom for the wedding guest tables which adds a beautiful ambiance.

“Since returning to the Cariboo, I have had to focus on my health and have been waiting for knee surgery. With time on my hands, I couldn’t help myself and started looking at ways to turn my handmade craft passion further into a small business.

Here are some of my goals. It’s a combination of keeping my health in check and keeping busy. It’s only a start, and I’m sure they will develop as I further grow my business .

• Indulge in the simple joys of handcrafting. We all deserve to pamper ourselves and revel in the little delights that bring a smile. I love soy candles because they are 100% Natural, I love soaps that have healing properties for your skin and hair.

• Treat yourself to self-care. The simple joy of a melting fragrant candles, bathing with a luxury soap, or wearing a beautiful necklace and earrings can add a touch of brightness to your day. The aroma of candles and soaps can evoke past moments and memories.

• Produce blended quality fragrances that can transport us back to relive those experiences as if they were unfolding once more.

• Stay positive and unwind in a chaotic world. Light a fragrantly clean candle, and take a moment to inhale deeply and appreciate the simple pleasures that bring happiness.

I would love to hear your feedback and would love to share the few ideas I have for moving forward.

Keep smiling! Dianne