About Us

Great Spirit Designs began with a spark of inspiration in May 2013, during a journey through Guatemala. In the vibrant markets of Panajachel and Sololá, surrounded by colour, warmth, and the silhouettes of volcanoes, we met artisans whose dedication and joy stirred something deep within us. A seed was planted, though it would be years before it grew roots.

By the fall of 2015, our path turned into a van-life adventure across Canada and the United States. We met countless makers along the way, people carving beauty out of simple materials and their creativity continued to shape our vision. Eventually, providence led us to the Kootenay Boundary of British Columbia, where Great Spirit Designs found its true home.

What We Create

What began as a spark has evolved into a small, ever-growing collection of handmade and thoughtfully designed goods. Today, our work spans:

Forest-Inspired Beeswax Candles

Crafted from pure Canadian beeswax and shaped by the landscapes we live in.

Handmade Leather Accessories

Wallets, hats, sheaths, and one-of-a-kind pieces made with full-grain leather and old-world techniques.

Flamingo Hand-Dyes

Our bright, retro-surf-meets-mountain tie-dye line, where every garment is a wearable art piece.
Each one is dyed by hand in small batches, making every pattern truly one-of-a-kind.

R&R Designs: Card Art - Greeting Cards

Created by our daughters, River & Rain, this growing collection features whimsical greeting cards, character illustrations, and playful mini artworks.
Each piece is handmade, imaginative, and filled with the joy and creativity of young artists finding their voice.

The Leatherwork Behind Our Brand

At the heart of our craft is Jason, whose decade of hands-on leatherwork has shaped the spirit of GSD.

Over the years, he has:

  • laid out patterns by hand,

  • cut every piece with intention,

  • stitched every hole with care, and

  • challenged himself with new techniques and forms.

This mastery naturally led to two unique styles within our brand:

  • Handmade Leather Hats, refined over the years into durable, timeless staples

  • Leather Masks, originally created as a personal challenge, now a testament to creativity, skill, and imagination

Our Newest Chapter: Leather Jacket Design

In recent years, we stepped into a new venture, designing our own line of full-grain leather jackets.

Each design is shaped by Jason’s extensive experience with leather. His understanding of hides, structure, and durability guides every decision. This allows us to:

  • choose the right leather

  • direct the pattern layout

  • control construction details

  • uphold the quality and longevity we stand behind

Every jacket in our Mountain & Hide Co. line carries the same foundation as our handmade goods:
integrity, durability, and uncompromising craftsmanship.

Our Philosophy

At the core of everything we make is a simple truth:

“Made Through Us, Not By Us.”

We believe all glory belongs to the Creator.
We are simply the hands using His materials, guided by the gifts He’s given us.

Our work is a reflection of faith, family, creativity, and the land that shaped us.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, our desire is to expand thoughtfully adding timeless pieces, sharing our story with more communities, and creating goods that carry warmth, purpose, and meaning.

From leathercraft to tie-dye, candles to jackets, every item we create or design is part of a bigger journey:
a family-run brand built on heart, craftsmanship, and the belief that beauty and integrity still matter.