Creative Company – Places to Shop in Merritt BC 

Unique and Beautiful handmade products in the heart of Merritt BC

“Merritt BC has a wonderful little shop called Creative Company and there you will find something for everyone.”

Places to shop in Merritt BC.  Creative Company is a shop located in our downtown core where local artisans share and celebrate the art works and skills of our Nicola Valley artists. These art pieces include: Stained Glass, Hand Woven Scarves and Tea Towels, Handbags, Silver Jewelry, Baby and Children’s Clothing and Blankets, Photography, Slate and Wood Products Western Home Decor, and much more.. So many different and neat items. You will want to go in and check out Creative Company for a special gift or grab something for yourself.

Outside of Creative Company in Merritt BC Canada

Art Places to Shop in Merritt BC

Creative Company was founded in 1989 by locals who saw a vision of bringing artisans together to display their works with the people of the Nicola Valley and with visitors exploring the valley. 

Let me introduce you to the first 4 artisans of Creative Company . I was fortunate enough to interview each one. I am sure that you will enjoy their stories as much as I have. Take some time to stop into this great gift shop in Merritt BC. Say hello and purchase something for yourself or your loved ones.

Unique Wooden Bowls by Pat Tombe

Beautiful bowls and plates made by Pat Tombe

Michelle Bacon (MB): Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Pat Tombe (PT): After spending most of my life taking things way too seriously and way too much time making a living, my wife Cathy and I made a change by moving to the Sunshine Valley outside Lower Nicola and commencing semi-retirement. This has allowed time to pursue activities that I never considered before. Instead of spending all my retirement fishing and golfing, I spend most of my time in my workshop making furniture and turnings.

(MB) : When did you start creating these beautiful bowls and join Creative Company?

(PT) : I started  wood turning in late 2017 and joined Creative Company in December of 2018. I really enjoy taking a bland piece of wood and carving it into a pleasing shape both to the eye and the hands.  Therefore my wood turning focus has been on bowls, platters, plates and hollow forms.

MB : Can you tell us a bit more about your wood working creations?

PT : I especially enjoy adding embellishments by way of carving, pyrography, dye, paint and texturing. One uses all manner of weird things in the process – guitar strings, blow torches, chainsaws, drills, hot metal, chisels, nail punches, nails, metal flakes, rust, crushed rocks, flowers etc. Also, one may start with a “plan’ but as the process is carried out sometimes I am amazed at where I end up.

And more about Pat’s work

PT : As with many things when learning something new I have applied the time proven strategy of doing everything wrong until I discover a new way – many times by accident. I still have many misadventures to cross off my list. I was amazed how involved the process can be and it sometimes may take me weeks to complete a piece. This results in having many pieces on the go. Once in a while some things turn out mostly right and with the encouragement of the nice people at Creative Company I offer these turnings to you.

If you were interested in more of Pat’s work you can email him at ptombe@tombeherrington.ca or call 250-378-9492

Vicky Martin Knitting and Crocheting

MB: Tell me a bit about yourself.

Hand crafted crocheted and knitted items by Vicky Martin.

VM : I have lived in Merritt for 40 years. I worked at Overwaitea Food for 25 years and then real estate for 5 years. Since I retired I have been very busy with my crafts. Self taught knitter and crocheter. I learned how to spin yarn and how to weave. I feel pretty lucky that I am able to do something that I love and pass it along to others through Creative Company.

MB : What products are you showcasing in Creative Company?

VM : I weave ladies and men’s scarves and tea towels. I have many crocheted items and many knitted items such as ladies, men’s and children’s toques, scarves, coats. Also, head bands, slippers, gloves, summer hats and other miscellaneous items. Hot and cold rice packs.

MB : How long have you been with Creative Company?

VM : I have been with Creative Company for 3 years.

Thank you for your time Vicky, I am sure our readers will be excited to come in and check out your beautiful creations at Creative Company in Merritt BC.

Richard Tenisch Silversmith

Sterling silver rings, earrings, buckles and more.

MB : Hello Richard, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

RT : Born and raised on a small farm in Switzerland and with the love of horses and open spaces. I decided to work as a cowboy. Then took a silversmith course 20 years ago. I have been doing buckles, earrings etc ever since.

MB : What types of products have you been sharing in Creative Company?

RT : I have buckles, earrings, conchs, pendants, rings, scarf slides, bracelets and money clips. As well as horse gear for saddles and headstalls all in sterling silver.

MB : How long have you been sharing your products in Creative Company?

RT : 6 years now I have been with Creative Company.

Thank you Richard, you have some absolutely stunning pieces of jewelry.  

You can find Richard Tenisch online at Richardtenischsilver or on Face book here.

Sheila Schwan Weaver

MB : Good afternoon Sheila, we would love to hear a bit about yourself.

Sheila Schwan weaver in Merritt BC Canada

SS : Retired to Merritt area to a small acreage off Mamit Lake Road. Started weaving about 10 years ago and fell in love with the craft. Also spin, knit, crochet, cross stitch and rug hook. 

MB : What types of products do you have at Creative Company?

SS : I have woven scarves, blankets, place mats and runners. As well as, hand spun yarn and dryer balls. Custom orders are welcome.

MB : How long have you been with Creative Company?

SS : I have been with Creative Company for 3 years now.

If you would like to see any of these artisans products then this is one of the gift shops to go to in Merritt BC.

Creative Company located at 2074 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, British Columbia V1K 1B8

Creative Company – Places to Shop in Merritt BC

Places To Stay in Merritt