MADE IN WYOMING: G and S Outdoor Living

Posted on 27 June, 201426 March, 2016 by wlmeditor

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring G and S Outdoor Living of Cheyenne, WY

Gail & Sherry Salmon, G and S Outdoor Living 4069 Butch Cassidy Trail Cheyenne, WY 82009 (307) 634-7811

Gslamon58@live.com www.gandsoutdoorliving.com

Woodworking has been a hobby of Gail’s for years. He had been researching different opportunities for quite some time before he retired. Once he did retire he had more time to devote to his craft and thus, the business was born.

For Gail, inspiration comes from the simple love of working with his hands and building something that is as comfortable and useful as it is beautiful. G and S Outdoor Living products are built by hand one at a time with the highest quality. They personally stand behind each piece with a guarantee, and will correct any issues and continue to provide support to their customers.

G and S Outdoor Living is right here in Cheyenne and they make all their products here. In addition to the furniture grade wood G and S also uses only stainless steel hardware, an all-weather glue and a high quality oil based finish. Western Red Cedar comes from Washington state and allows the furniture to be temperature neutral which means it won’t burn your legs in the summer or freeze them on a cold day. One of their favorite sights and sounds is the “ahhhh” factor. This is when someone sits on a G and S chair for the first time and that look of utter comfort followed by the “ahhh” that escapes.

G and S Outdoor Living products can be found on the web site at gandsoutdoorliving.com, or call them at 307.634.7811. Look for them under the grandstands at Frontier Park during Frontier Days; Riverbend Nursery on North Yellowstone, Wyoming Home on Lincolnway, and Global Spas on Del Range in Cheyenne.

There are a wide range of products, from custom signs starting around $30 to chairs, tables and gliders at about $450. They are always in the process of creating new products.

ON THE CALENDAR: Lander Brew Fest!

Posted on 13 June, 201426 March, 2016 by wlmeditor

Lander, WY — The Lander Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Fremont Toyota Lander Brew Festival on June 13-14, 2014. For $30 (each day, or $50 both days) visitors are welcome to taste a wide variety of beer samples. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce or at the festival.

The Brew Fest will be held Friday, June 13, 5-9 p.m. (adults only on Friday night), and Saturday, June 14, 2-7 p.m., at the soccer fields next door to Lander Valley High School, 150 Baldwin Creek Road. The Lander Brew Festival features “20+ brewers, local vendors, rockin’ music, and all-around great folks for a two-day brew tasting and epic taste-bud hop-dueling competition.”

There will be whiskey and wine tasting on Friday night only. Whiskey tasting cards will be for sale, 4 samples for $10. The wine tasting will be included in the cost of admission. There will also be non-alcoholic drinks available. Contact info@landerchamber.org www.landerchamber.org

And be sure to bring your appetite because there’ll be pizza, mexican and and lots more to keep your energy up for both days! Live music both days! Pets will not be allowed, so please keep your pet at home.

Saturday, June 14, an additional event this year includes the 1st Annual Brewers Golf Tournament beginning at 9 am at the Lander Golf and Country Club (1 Golf Course Drive). This 9-hole scramble is open for public entry ($21) and is your chance meet the festival brewers from all around the country who will be pouring beers later in the day.

The Fremont Area Road Tour (FART) will hold their ride on Saturday, June 14, and participants in the ride can get a discounted ticket into Brew Fest. This is a Recreational Road Ride with routes from 3.5-100 miles, fully supported. Proceeds go to Injury Prevention resources to provide Bike Helmets to Kids. www.landercycling.com

Also, the Central Wyoming Speedgoat Rugby Club will compete in a match on Saturday, 1:30 p.m. at the high school soccer field, 150 Baldwin Creek Road. Come watch this exciting event and then cool down with a nice cold beer at the Lander Brew Fest!For more information about event schedules and activities, call the Lander Area Chamber of Commerce 307-332-3892, info@landerchamber.org www.landerchamber.org, www.landerbrewfest.com

For a complete calendar of events go to www.windriver.org/calendar, or to request a vacation packet, please visit us at Wind River Country or call 800-645-6233.

MADE IN WYOMING: Antelope Gap Dream Berries & More

Posted on 6 June, 201426 March, 2016 by wlmeditor

This week we are featuring Antelope Gap Dream Berries & More of Wheatland

LeRoy Jons, Antelope Gap Dream Berries & More, LLC Wheatland, WY 307-322-3389 lostcowboys@q.com

LeRoy Jons grew up in the Old Battle Town area. He has always liked the “old west” mining towns. Having spent a good amount of time in the area, exploring old buildings inspired LeRoy to build bird houses and feeders to resemble an old west village with a “bird theme to make them happy.” He tries to make them similar to the old cabins and other old west ghost towns he has visited.

The feeders are made from rough cut beetle kill pine. Some of the wood is from the Arapahoe fire from a couple years ago, which is near their Wheatland-area home. There is a local sawmill that does custom cutting, primarily beetle kill, which is where he gets the lumber. Antelope Gap Dream Berries & More is a family business. Their bird houses and feeders can be customized and no two are alike. Names can be added, which makes for a wonderful, personal gift for a special occasion.

Orders can place by phone or email. The birdhouses/ feeders are sold at the local farmers market, Triple Crown Commodities Cooperative (an online farmers market in SE WY) and at craft shows. This year you can find them at the Wyoming Mercantile at the Wyoming State Fair in August.

Antelope Gap Dream Berries & More products range from $45.00 for the “Blue Bird of Happiness” outhouses, $55.00 for the “old west front stores” and $65.00 for the “home tweet home” log house and feeders.

The birdhouses and feeders are handcrafted and designed to withstand the Wyoming “breezes,” and to show people that beetle kill pine is actually a pretty wood and can be used for numerous projects. Contact LeRoy via phone or email (above) to order!

ART IN WY: Jackson’s Trailside Galleries Prepares for Summer Show

Posted on 3 June, 201426 March, 2016 by wlmeditor

Jackson’s Trailside Gallery has a variety of wonderful shows and events to enjoy this summer. For beautiful art, for the discriminating collector, be sure to visit them online and when in Jackson, visit their gallery at 130 East Broadway.

CONTACT TRAILSIDE GALLERIES:

email: media@trailsidegalleries.com

website

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Trailside Gallery Show Schedule, 2014:

High Country Summer Show, June 16-29, 2014 – Artists’ Reception 6/19/14

Masters in Miniature Invitational, July 21 – August 2, 2014 – Artists’ Reception 7/24/14

Ian Ramsey Showcase, August 4-10, 2014

Western Classics Show, August 11-24, 2014 – Artists’ Reception 8/21/14

Fall Gold Show, September 1-14, 2014 – Artists’ Reception 9/13/14

Logan Maxwell Hagege Showcase, Tim Solliday Showcase, John Seerey-Lester Showcase, Lindsay Scott Showcase Holiday Miniature – Wildlife, December 2-15, 2014

You can find these works of art and more at the High Country Summer Show, June 16-29, 2014

MADE IN WYOMING: Country Creations by Elaine

Posted on 2 June, 201426 March, 2016 by wlmeditor

This week we are featuring Country Creations by Elaine

Country Creations by Elaine — Elaine Francis, Lusk, WY 307-334-3139 esfrancis@hughes.net

Elaine thought greeting cards were getting expensive, so she started drawing her own scenes for cards to send to family and friends. As happens with many of our small companies, friends and family loved the cards so much they encouraged Elaine to have her art printed and start selling them.

Elaine does not take customer orders, however, she is open to ideas for the greeting cards.

The small blank notecards (4 1/4″ X 5 1/2″) are $2.00 each and Elaine can make a set of 12 cards for $20.00. Elaine can also make a set of whatever designs the customer would like. There are currently 16 designs and the envelopes are included with the cards. Postage would be added on to the order. At this time Elaine does not accept credit cards, but purchases can be done through PayPal. She does accept checks, and can provide the postage amount, which can be added to the payment.

Country Creations by Elaine note cards can be ordered by phone (307-334-3139) — please leave a message. Customers can also email Elaine at esfrancis@hughes.net; be sure to put “cards” in the message box or subject line. She will respond as quickly as possible.

Country Creations by Elaine can also be found at Artful Hands in Buffalo and AVA Community Art Center in Gillette.

Winemaker’s Dinner Teams Table Mtn Vineyards + Altitude Chophouse in Laramie

Posted on 23 May, 2014 by wlmeditor

click here for tickets & information on our Food + Photo Festival, May 30 & 31 in Laramie!

click here to vote for the People’s Choice in our photography competition! Voting closes May 28!

Table Mountain Vineyards creates amazing Wyoming wine, from the grapes to finished product — and you can sample their wine + a special menu at Altitude Chophouse & Brewery selected to perfectly accompany it. Join us for our Winemaker’s Dinner, part of our Food + Photo Festival, on May 30 at 6:30 PM. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, and purchases close Thursday, May 29. Tickets are available on our website — click here!

The menu:

Appetizer

Mini crab cakes with roasted bell pepper aioli
Table Mountain Vineyards selection — Frontenac Gris

Salad

Mixed greens with fresh mozzarella, dried figs, tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette
Table Mountain Vineyards selection — Cowgirl Blush

Pasta

Penne pasta with vodka tomato cream sauce
Table Mountain Vineyards selection — Cowboy Reserve

Entree

Chicken marsala with fresh asparagus
Table Mountain Vineyards selection — Rooster Red

Dessert

Chocolate thimbles filled with chocolate mousse
Table Mountain Vineyards selection — Cherry Rush

WY MAIN STREETS: Rawlins Wins National Award, Laramie Mural Project Competition

Posted on 20 May, 201420 May, 2014 by wlmeditor

Rawlins Receives National Main Street Award at Conference in Detroit

The Rawlins Downtown Development Authority/Main Street program received a One to Watch Award at this year’s National Main Streets Conference on May 18 in Detroit, Michigan.

The award recognizes exceptional communities working on very innovative projects, and that are poised on the cusp of major transformation. They exemplify the idea that any great Main Street is an ever-evolving work in progress and offer inspiration for other Main Street programs. It is the first time the award has been given. Middlesborough, Kentucky also received the One to Watch Award.

“Rawlins DDA/Main Street is thrilled to win the One to Watch Award. It recognizes all the hard work we have done through the organization,” said Pam Thayer, executive director of the Rawlins DDA/Main Street program. “We could not have received the award without the amazing downtown merchants, the innovative property owners, the committed volunteers and the public and private support in the community. It truly is an award for all.”

Representatives from Rawlins, Wyo., stand to be recognized at the National Main Streets conference May 18 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo courtesy WY Main Street program)

In March, Rawlins was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), a coveted award that recognizes exceptional Main Street communities with successes that serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Rawlins’ nomination as a semifinalist for the GAMSA marked the first time a Wyoming Main Street community has been selected. No community from the Rocky Mountain Region has previously won the GAMSA.

“The One to Watch Award is still an amazing recognition by the National Main Street organization and we could not be more proud of Rawlins for receiving this honor,” said Mary Randolph, executive director of the Wyoming Main Street program. “The Rawlins community has worked so hard and is very deserving of this prestigious award.”

According to Thayer, over the past several years Rawlins has seen many successes including: A drop in the downtown’s building vacancy rate from 45 percent to 10 percent; nearly 25,000 volunteer hours in the program since its inception in 2006, which equals an in-kind contribution to the program of $523,807; and 55 private and public rehabilitation projects completed. The total dollars reinvested in the downtown district since 2008 is about $7.2 million; and for every dollar the Rawlins DDA/Main Street incurred in costs there was a return of $9.56 returned to the downtown district.

Rawlins DDA/Main Street members received the One to Watch award on May 18 at the National Main Streets Conference in Detroit, Mich. (L-R)Stephanie Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Pat Robbins, south central regional director for the Business Council; Eddie Archuleta, City Council, City of Rawlins; Mary Randolph, executive director of the Wyoming Main Street program; Charel Coleman, Rawlins DDA/Main Street; Kacey Caldwell, Rawlins DDA/Main Street; Adam Mendenhall, Rawlins DDA/Main Street; Pam Thayer, executive director of the Rawlins DDA/Main Street program; Karen Fate, Senior BRC/CFP Grant & Loan Specialist at the Business Council; Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center; Barbara Sidway, chair, National Main Street Center Board of Directors. (Photo courtesy WY Main Street program)

For more information about the Wyoming Main Street program, contact Mary Randolph at 307.777.6430 or mary.randolph@wyo.gov. For information about the Rawlins DDA/Main Street program contact Pam Thayer at 307.328.2099 or rawlinsmainstreeted@rawlins-wyoming.com.

The Wyoming Main Street program was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2004. The National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, emphasizes a four-point approach to revitalization: economic restructuring, design, organization and promotion.

The mission of the Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. The Business Council, a state government agency, concentrates its efforts on providing assistance for existing Wyoming companies and start-ups, helping communities meet their development and diversification needs, and recruiting new firms and industries targeted to complement the state’s assets. For more information, please visit www.wyomingbusiness.org.

Laramie Main Street Announces Laramie Mural Project Naming Competition!

ART IN WYOMING: Plein Air Elk Refuge, The Culture Trip Visits Cheyenne, GTNP Art, Laramie Mural Project

Posted on 13 May, 201419 May, 2014 by wlmeditor

Click the image at left for tickets, info, schedule & more for our Food & Photo Festival, May 30 & 31 in Laramie!

Plein Air Painters at Natl Elk Refuge Visitor Center May 13

A group of painters will use the backdrop of the National Elk Refuge as artistic inspiration on Tuesday, May 13, giving visitors an opportunity to watch and ask questions as the artists create their works.

The artists are part of the Teton Plein Air Painters, a group of artists who meet once a week from May – October in the Teton environs. Starting with two people during the summer of 2012, the group now has a communication list of over seventy. Typically, three to ten people are onsite to paint, referencing the landscape for motifs. Art mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pen and ink.

The group will spread out in the area of the visitor center, located at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson. Weather permitting, likely locations will include the visitor center lawn, the covered upper deck of the facility, and the remote viewing deck across the lawn next to the wetlands area. Current visitor center hours are from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, but visitors are welcome to stroll through the grounds after hours to enjoy the art session.

En plein air is a French expression which means “in the open air” and is used to describe painting done in an outdoor setting. The artists paint natural light, using color to define form. Depending on the light and weather, plein air paintings are generally done in one session. Artists may add final touches to their work once back in the studio. For additional information on the Teton Plein Air Painters and Tuesday’s session, contact Bobbi Miller, Facilitator, at 307 / 543 2910.

Artful Hand Gallery

Cheyenne’s 10 Contemporary Art Galleries: Wyoming Art Guide on The Culture Trip

Click the title above to connect with The Culture Trip and their review of contemporary art galleries in Cheyenne. They write, “Though Wyoming is known for its rural landscapes and cowboy character, its capital, Cheyenne, named for the Native American people of the Great Plains, is culturally diverse and heavily populated. We examine the budding cultural scene of this Western state with a look at the top ten galleries in its largest city.”

Grand Teton National Park: American Indian Guest Artists 2014 Program in Grand Teton National Park

Provided by Grand Teton National Park

MOOSE, WY —For the past 39 years, artisans from diverse American Indian tribes have demonstrated their traditional and contemporary art forms in Grand Teton National Park. This annual program provides visitors a chance to gain greater appreciation and understanding of Indian cultures that are still alive and active today.

Participating artists demonstrate and share the cultural traditions of their tribes through art forms such as painting, weaving, pottery, beadwork, and musical instruments. Guest artists exhibit daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Colter Bay Visitor Center. Artists also offer their finished items for purchase.

May 11 – 26	Debbie & Willy LaMere	Shoshone	Beadwork & Flint Knapping
May 27 – June 2	Amanda Coby	Shoshone	Beadwork & Weaving
June 3 – 9	Kelly Looking Horse	Lakota Sioux	Drums, Antler & Hide Items
June 10 – 16	Guillermo Martinez	Tarascan-Apache	Handmade Flutes & Drums
June 17 – 23	Kelly Looking Horse	Lakota Sioux	Drums, Antler & Hide items
June 24 – 30	Ted Moran	S’Klallam	Northwest Coastal Carving
July 1 – 7	DG House	Cherokee	Painting & Printmaking
July 8 – 14	Andrea Two Bulls	Oglala Sioux	Beadwork & Painting
July 15 – 21	Monte Yellowbird	Arikara/ Hidatsa	Ledger Art
July 22 – 28	Gale Self	Choctaw	Silver & Turquoise Jewelry
July 29 – August 4	Lovey Two Bulls	Oglala Sioux	Beadwork, Jewelry & Art Work
August 5 – 11	Debbie & Willy LaMere	Shoshone	Beadwork & Flint Knapping
August 12 – 18	Paul Hacker	Choctaw	Ledger Art, Knives & Flutes
August 19 – 25	Jola LaBeau	Eastern Shoshone	Beadwork & Other Crafts
August 26 – Sept. 1	Josie Broncho	Shoshone/Paiute	Beadwork
September 2 – 8	Nancy Nacki & Clyde Hall	Shoshone	Beadwork, Silver & Pottery
September 9 – 15	Maynard White Owl	Nez Perce/ Cayuse	Beadwork
September 16 – 22	DG House	Cherokee	Painting & Printmaking
September 23 – 29	Guillermo Martinez	Tarascan-Apache	Handmade Flutes & Drums
Sept. 30 – Oct. 13	Debbie and Willy LaMere	Shoshone	Beadwork & Flint Knapping

Laramie Main Street Alliances Downtown Mural Project Naming Contest

Join the Laramie Main Street Alliance in celebrating the fourth year of the Laramie Mural Project!

Now through the end of June, take a selfie with your favorite mural and post it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using hashtag #laramiemural for a chance to win mural themed merchandise!

Then, visit the artists painting behind Altitude (starting next week) and suggest a name for our new mural! You can post your suggestions to our Facebook page, “Downtown Laramie” or email them to downtownlaramie@gmail.com.

Suggestions will be compiled by the artists and the top three will be posted the first week of June with voting opened up to the public. The name will be announced at our dedication party for the mural on Friday, June 13th from 5 to 7 p.m. behind Altitude Chophouse, 320 S. 2nd Street.

For more information about the Laramie Mural Project, visit: www.laramiemuralproject.org or call 307-760-3355.

Beauty & the Beast Rodeo in Ten Sleep + Special Beauty & Beast Gear from Outlaw Rodeo Wear!

Posted on 6 May, 20146 May, 2014 by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

Click the Food & Photo Festival image to be connected with our festival schedule & ticket sales!

UPDATES ON THE BEAUTY & THE BEAST RODEO!! Check out the update from the Beauty & the Beast Rodeo held in Ten Sleep over Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 24, 2014! Call 307.366.2311 for more info – and visit their website at www.tensleeprodeo.com!

Bulls and bareback are full! Barrel racing still open: prizes to 6th place and $1000 added money! Kids events: barrel racing and mutton bustin’. WILD HORSE RACE!!

AND!!! Outlaw Rodeo Wear is offering a limited edition Beauty & the Beast hoodie for $35. Know anyone that might like to have one? Check out this special & lots more cute western wear for the whole family at www.outlawrodeowear.com!

Visit our shopping listing to learn more about Outlaw Rodeo Wear & to see more samples of their work!

MADE IN WYOMING – Rawhide Studio

Posted on 5 May, 201427 June, 2014 by wlmeditor

This week we are featuring Rawhide Studio of Cheyenne

David & Georgia Rowswell, Rawhide Studio @ Artful Hand Gallery, 301 E 1^st Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001

(307) 229-5183 rhsjewelry@gmail.com www.rawhidestudio.com

David and Georgia Rowswell are the owners and designers behind Rawhide Studio, which began as a way to use small scraps of rawhide left from some of Dave Rowswell’s sculpture and chair webbing projects. Dave experimented with a few designs, made a piece for his wife Georgia and began showing his jewelry to several friends who encouraged him to keep at it. That was just last year! The designs and business has really taken off since then!

Dave and Georgia are both artists and have collaborated on many projects. Rawhide Studio is no different. Dave makes the jewelry and does most of the designing. Georgia wears many hats as the studio manager, photographer, online store developer and bookkeeper!

They welcome custom orders and will work with each customer to make their ideas a reality.

Rawhide Studio jewelry can be purchased locally at Wyoming Home, online at www.rawhidestudio.com, and by appointment at the studio, Artful Hand Gallery. On the website is also a listing of stores and galleries around the state and region. Their jewelry is handmade one at a time but still priced right at $19 to $48 dollars.

Rawhide Studio focuses on contemporary Western design, using a traditional material in a new way. Rawhide is very lightweight, durable, and translucent. Because it is a natural material, no two pieces are exactly alike! Own a piece and you’ll be ”Ahead of the Herd in Jewelry Style.”

MADE IN WYOMING: Last Loop Rope Art

Posted on 23 April, 201425 April, 2014 by wlmeditor

This week we are featuring Chele Needens Last Loop Rope Art

209 Klondike Road Buffalo, WY 82834

307-684-7843 twoeyedbaker@hotmail.com lastloopropeart.com On Facebook — Last Loop Rope Art

Last Loop Rope Art was started in 2000, when a very dear friend of Chele’s that made rope items passed away. His wife asked her if she would like to give it a try, and handed over all her husband’s supplies. Chele began, as many do, making pieces for her friends and family – and has turned that small beginning into a business.

Last Loop Rope Art has come a long way from that first Rope Basket. Chele is the creator and sole owner, and does everything from start to finish. That includes actually roping with the ropes that are later turned into a piece of art! Chele is a rancher and loves to barrel race and pole bend. While at rodeos she likes to see if any of the cowboys are willing to part with their ropes. Her rope activities and the ropes the cowboys use give each of the pieces a unique story and are a piece of Wyoming’s way of life. In 2010 Country Women Magazine came out and did a story on Last Loop Rope Art. They spent two days with Chele learning how to rope and how to make a rope bowl. The story came out in the spring of 2011, the April/May magazine.

Chele’s rope art is a little different from others. There is no glue; the work is burned together and then power washed. Although these rustic, one-of-a-kind pieces are sturdy, they are still a piece of art and can break.

Chele enjoys taking a customer’s idea and creating a beautiful piece of art, so custom orders are welcomed. Pieces include: baskets, bowls, candle holders, bathroom soap bottle holders, wastebaskets, lamp bases, business card holders, bird houses, welcome signs, wreaths, crosses and ribbons, mirror frames, clocks, footstools…..the possibilities are endless. Depending on the product, rope used and embellishment, prices start at about $17.50.

Chele also produces WildRags. WildRags are usually as 36” x 36” piece of cloth in various colors, patterns and fabric type that cowboys have worn for decades. They were traditionally used to keep the cowboy’s neck and face warm, cool by wetting in cold water, or to keep the dust out of their face, and other practical uses. Chele makes Wyo-Skies Wildrags, which are made from 100% silk, in a variety of sizes and dimensions. She dyes them herself and no two scarves are the same. These are great for anyone, in any type of weather (silk allows your skin to breath). Wyo-Skies Wildrags can be used as headbands, belts, wraps…and just about any way a person could image. Pricing starts at about $15 (8” x 54”) to $45 for a 44” x 44”. Most of Last Loop Rope Art pieces are feature on their Facebook page, Last Loop Rope Art & Wyo. Skies Wildrags, and the website, lastloopropeart.com. Pieces can be found at the Flying Eagle Gallery in Thermopolis, as well as the Jim Gatchell Museum and Frontier Toppings in Buffalo.

MADE IN WYOMING: Simple Joys Soap

Posted on 27 March, 2014 by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the NEW Sprinter 2014 issue!

This week we are featuring Simple Joys Soap of Sheridan, Wyoming

Susan Flynn, Simple Joys Soap PO Box 6461 Sheridan, WY 82801 307-672-2130 sflynn@wyoming.com www.simplejoyssoap.com

Simple Joys Soap began when Susan developed an obsession with soap-making! There were so many essential oil (scent) combinations to try out and so many recipes! As she was purchasing ingredients in a Good Health Emporium & Warehouse Market in Sheridan, both owners began asking her if she would like to sell soap to them. Of course, Susan said yes! She was making so much more than she could use or give away, so it seemed to be the way to go — and with that, Simple Joys Soap was launched!

As a family business, Susan’s daughter and son-in-law help her with production and distribution. In busy times, she has also had help from friends and other family members. Simple Joys Soap is an entirely home-based business.

Although there are about 18 different scents, there are still many more possible combinations of essential oils and additives. Susan enjoys trying new ideas for special projects, so custom orders are always welcome. Also, for a nominal one-time fee, she offers custom soap labels to wholesale customers. For example, Paradise Guest Ranch, The Ranch at Ucross, and others have their logo on the soap label. In these businesses, Simple Joys Soap is available to the guests to use in their room and in the gift shops to buy as gifts.

For retail customers, Simple Joys Soap may be purchased by a phone, email, or the website:www.simplejoyssoap,com. Wholesale customers can email Susan at sflynn@wyoming.com or simplejoyssoap@wyoming.com, or phone 307-672-2130.

There are three sizes of soap: Hospitality, Half-size, and Full-size bars. Retail prices range from $1.00 to $5.00. Simple Joys Soap is made from a vegetable-based product made with high-quality ingredients and scented with essential oils. The labels accurately describe the ingredients found in the soap. Whenever possible, Susan supports local businesses when purchasing ingredients such as honey, coffee, organic oatmeal, etc. Extra soap is donated to local charities yearly. Simple Joys Soap is passionate about recycling ingredient containers!

Black Dog Animal Rescue Wins a Car!

Posted on 18 March, 201418 March, 2014 by wlmeditor

visit our current issue!

We’re so excited for our friends at Black Dog Animal Rescue, located in Cheyenne & also serving Laramie and the region! They were awarded with a new Toyota Sienna Van for their good deeds as part of the Toyota Cars for Good program. Congrats to them – it is VERY well deserved! Pics follow of the award, plus a note on their upcoming event on April 10, AND info on how you can foster a dog – or adopt one & give it a loving Forever Home!

Click on the photo above for info on Thankful Thursday, April 10!

Info on BDAR from BDAR…

Black Dog Animal Rescue (BDAR) is Cheyenne’s only No-Kill animal shelter. We are a small organization run solely on a volunteer basis and funded entirely through donations. BDAR came into existence because of a strongly held belief by its founders. Namely, that no animals should be euthanized in shelters because of population restrictions or because of the length of time it may take to find a permanent home.

*Please Note: “Black Dog” is only part of our name – being a black dog is not a requirement to be rescued.

Donations are always graciously welcomed! If you have anything you would like to donate contact BDAR and arrangements can be made for drop-off or pick-up. Our phone number is: (307) 214-6600 and email address is: bdar@bdar.org. Visit our website http://bdar.org/ for more information on BDAR, volunteer and foster information, and take a look at the current dogs up for adoption!

Apply to foster a dog! We have lots, and you can even pick the one you really want to help after you’ve gone through training. We’ll give you all the supplies you need, pay for all of the vet bills, and even give you a buddy to help you out with any questions or issues that might come up!

Check out some of the adorable faces we currently have waiting….

Have more questions? Get them answered here:http://www.bdar.org/join-our-life-saving-foster-home-program/

MADE IN WYOMING: Maura Jacobsen Pottery

Posted on 14 March, 201414 March, 2014 by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the winter issue – spring issue is coming soon!

This week we are featuring Maura Jacobsen Pottery of Cheyenne

Maura Jacobsen Cheyenne, WY 970-629-9478 maurajacobsen@yahoo.com www.maurajacobsen.com

Maura Jacobsen started her business in a two room cabin in Riverside, Wyoming after she graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1993. It has grown over the years to include her husband and three children, who run the shipping department. Maura’s pottery studio is located in Cheyenne where she produces pottery platters made out of vintage license plates.

Maura has lived in many small towns in Wyoming where she has promoted her love of art. The business has grown over the years and she does demonstrations and classes for adults and children. Maura is also on the Wyoming Arts Council Artist Roster.

There are two potter styles. The style being produced the longest is all hand thrown and glazed stoneware for everyday use. Fun patterns and sayings are a reflection of where Maura lives and the silly things her children say. The second style was just started this last year; the vintage licenses plates. These become one-of-a-kind patchwork platters. Maura receives license plates from around the county to be made into platters. The love for the license plate platter had taken off. Maura has found that a license plate holds fond memories and stories, and this product allows customers the opportunity to take the plate off the garage wall and share it with family members by having a functional piece of art made.

Custom orders are a large part of Maura’s business. Her products can be purchased through her website at www.maurajacobsen.com. Maura’s pieces can be found at Wyoming Home in Cheyenne, Made Jackson Hole and at Wadoo in Old Town Fort Collins. Check her web site for more locations as they are added. The prices range from $18 to $75.

She is always looking to create a product people will love and something that brings a smile to their face when they see what has been created just for them.

ART IN WY: Sheridan, Cheyenne, Casper, Lander, Laramie

Posted on 12 March, 201412 March, 2014 by wlmeditor

SHERIDAN: SAGE COMMUNITY ART CENTER FEATURES STATES & WUERKER

DEAN STATES “SEVEN YEARS PLUS”:

The SAGE Exhibit Gallery features lifelong Sheridan area resident Dean States, whose exquisite colored pencil drawings will be exhibited during his “Seven Years Plus” show, which runs March 1st-31st. An artist’s reception and gallery talk will be held March 13 at the Main Street SAGE Exhibit Gallery (at Sheridan College’s Main Street location), 171 N. Main, in Sheridan, WY. As always, the public is invited and refreshments will be served.

More of States’ work can be seen at Dean States Studio, located at 637 W. Loucks in Sheridan.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Jenny Wuerker

“PAINTING THE EXPANSE” Jenny Wuerker:

The Sagebrush Art Center’s Invitational Gallery hosts Buffalo, WY artist Jenny Wuerker’s exhibition, “Painting the Expanse,” March 10- April 12, 2014. The reception and artist’s talk will be Friday, March 14th, from 5-7pm at the Art Center’s front gallery, located in the Historic Trail Depot (201 E. 5th Street) in Sheridan, Wyoming. The public is welcome and refreshments will be available. Wuerker says of her work, “I paint the expanse of the West, the iconic American landscape. Painting on large canvases, immersed in the elements, and battling the occasional rattlesnake is like the X-Sport of landscape painting. When I’m standing out in the landscape, the subject of my work is as much the act of painting outdoors as it is the landscape depicted.”

Sagebrush Gallery Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10-5pm.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

LARAMIE: University of Wyoming Art Museum Celebrates Youth Art Month

CHEYENNE: Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Garden Series

This great series of garden lectures is sponsored by the Laramie County Master Gardeners and Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. All presentations begin at 1:00 pm and are held in the Cottonwood Room, Laramie County Library.

March 15, 2014, ‘Tuning up the Wyoming Garden’ with Wyoming Plant Company owner, Tom Heald.

April 26, 2014, ‘Seed, Soil, Sun, Water: all you need to grow food in the west’ with high altitude food growing teachers and sustainable greenhouse designers, Penn & Cord Parmenter.

These events often sell out. Advance purchase of tickets is highly recommended. Tickets are $15 per lecture and are available on the web (up to 2 hours prior to the lecture) at Brown Paper Tickets (Keyword: Gardening with Altitude) or at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens weekdays (cash or check); contact Darcee Snider 307−637−6458 for more info.

art by Dalton Schneider

LANDER: Lander Art Museum Celebrates Youth Art Month in March

In celebration of March’s Youth Art Month, the Lander Art Center hosts the Lander Valley High School and Middle School Select Art Show on display now until Saturday, March 29th. The exhibition consists of select works by local youth artists in a wide range of art mediums from drawing, painting, and printmaking to sculpture, ceramics and digital art.

This artwork showcases the incredible skill and creative expression of young students. Their work is a reminder of the freshness art can embody and be an inspiration to us all. Students are lead by art instructors Jason Dayton, Shawna Pickenpaugh, and Melissa Scherr-Bender.

Lander Art Center openings are free and open to the public. Thank you to this year’s exhibition sponsors Lander Valley Education Foundation and John P. Shade, an Edward Jones financial adviser.

Grace Flint

Reb Lindwurm

Braden Meyer