MADE IN WYOMING: G and S Outdoor Living

 

LJD-2014-block (4)wyofirst_profile_imageWe 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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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MADE IN WYOMING: Antelope Gap Dream Berries & More

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wyofirst_profile_imageWe 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 Antelope Gap Dream Berries & More of Wheatland

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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MADE IN WYOMING: Country Creations by Elaine

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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 Country Creations by Elaine

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

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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.

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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.

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MADE IN WYOMING – Rawhide Studio

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 Rawhide Studio of Cheyenne

David & Georgia Rowswell, Rawhide Studio @ Artful Hand Gallery, 301 E 1st 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

 

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 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

visit our website & read the NEW Sprinter 2014 issue!

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 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!

MADE IN WYOMING: Olde Tyme Remedies/Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products

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

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 Olde Tyme Remedies, LLC of Upton

Patricia Pendleton, Olde Tyme Remedies, LLC  — Mfg. of Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products  Upton, WY 82730

888-866-2843  otr-unkers@fuse.net  www.unkers.com

Patricia Pendleton is the current owner and CEO of Unker’s.  Her great uncle began making the mutli-purpose healing and pain relief salve from a formula which went back to the early 1900’s. Pat’s father refined the original formula to use all pure essential oils and continued making the salve in his garage in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The name Unker’s is derived from a young relative who could not say “Uncle” but could only say “Unker.” In 1995, the company moved to Upton, Wyoming, where all products are manufactured today.

Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products does not take custom orders since they have product available for shipment at all times.  All products are handcrafted and there is a full line of personal care and topical pain relief items.

This is a family, Christian-based, and woman-owned manufacturing company competing successfully in a market place with much larger companies.  They stand behind their products and have not issued a refund due to the quality of the products in 32 years.  Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products has had customer’s family members call them when they have passed away to let them know that their product & company meant so much to that person!  How many companies can say that?

 

Unker’s products are multi-purpose topical pain relief, so not only do customers get a high quality product made in the USA, they also save money.  No need to buy one product to treat one symptom only to find it has chemicals in it, an expiration date and may not do the job.  Unker’s manufactures their products with all pure essential oils purchased from US vendors, no chemicals and an indefinite expiration date!

 

Customers can contact Unker’s Multi-Purpose Therapeutic Products directly to purchase by the case, or they can purchase from one of the many retail locations listed on their website.  Prices vary depending on the quantity/cases purchased.  Unker’s does not sell individual items from their facility, but refers customers to one of their retailers.

Purchase Unker’s at these retail locations in Wyoming:

  • Discount Remedies and Wyoming Shirt & Gift in Casper
  • Nature’s Corner in Thermopolis
  • Hasco Industrial Supply in Worland
  • Genesis Chiropractic in Landers
  • South Street Pharmacy in Wheatland
  • Broken Wheel Truck Stop in Douglas
  • Joe’s Food Center, Arrow Gas in Upton
  • Diehl’s Supermarket in Moorcroft
  • Cassidy Seed & Feed in Sundance
  • Thars Feed in Newcastle

Unker’s took its first venture into NASCAR recently by sponsoring veteran driver Mike Wallace’s Car No. 28 in the running of February’s Nationwide Series Daytona 500. (see picture).  Veteran NASCAR driver Mike Wallace #28 in the Unker’s sponsored car February 22, 2014 Daytona Florida

MADE IN WYOMING: Calamity Ranch

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Calamity Ranch of Guernsey, Wyoming

Cassie Wells, Calamity Ranch  PO Box 831  Guernsey, WY 82214  307-630-6301  calamityranch@ymail.com

www.calamityranchwyoming.com

Although Cassie has been crafting since 2000, officially Calamity Ranch began in 2011 making western leather headbands, flip flops and other accessory items. Cassie started off selling on crafters’ websites and Facebook. Now she travels to festivals, fairs, rodeos and holiday shows.  Customers can find out where she will be on the road either on the website or their Facebook page, Calamity Ranch.

Right now Cassie currently works out of her home but is looking forward to opening a store front in the future. Every year she tries to expand the business by offering more items and services.

Cassie started Calamity Ranch because she missed sales and was looking for an opportunity to use her creativity.  She had always seen herself as an entrepreneur and wanted to really give it a go, and it definitely keeps her going since she also works full time.  Calamity Ranch is evolving into a family business as well; her husband travels with Cassie to shows and has also been involved by making the paracord bracelets which are so popular.

Calamity Ranch takes special orders and Cassie enjoys working with customers to create that special calamity.  Prices range from $5-100 depending on the item. Products can be ordered via email, telephone or on the web site, www.calamityranchwyoming.com.

Many products feature the Wyoming Bucking Horse and are officially licensed. The Wyoming flip flops are really popular sellers and are more or less one of a kind.  Cassie doesn’t usually use the same design to create a pair and the leathers are purchased in limited quantities. They are available in brown, black, wedges or flats. Her western leather headbands are also great items for the cowgirl that likes a fun trendy look. Many different styles, colors and no two are a like! New products are made constantly to keep things fresh!

MADE IN WYOMING: Strasser Log Furniture

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 Strasser Log Furniture of Cheyenne

Mike Strasser, Strasser Log Furniture 10121 Branding Iron Cheyenne, WY 82009   307-349-9741   strasserfurniture@yahoo.com www.strasserlogfurniture.com

Strasser Log Furniture is a family owned and operated furniture, crafts and gift workshop in Cheyenne. Mike Strasser started looking for log furniture sites and magazines featuring log furniture and decided he could build it himself. In 2009 he began making log furniture as a hobby. It has since become a growing business in which he builds beautiful, high quality, handcrafted products made from Wyoming Pine at an affordable price. Mike’s goal is to be building log furniture full time when he retires from his career in the Wyoming Army National Guard.

Each log is hand peeled, hand sanded, and then dried into a custom creation here in Cheyenne. Hand peeling helps preserve the pine’s beautiful grain, rustic knots and unique color variation. Because the logs are dried naturally they may feature worm tracking, cracks and checks, which add to the natural beauty of the wood and also gives each piece its own character. All orders for Strasser Log Furniture are custom orders.

Mike is looking for retail shops to sell his work at this time. Mike is a native Wyoming citizen. His parents and grandparents were in the timber industry, and Mike has kept that tradition alive with Strasser Log Furniture. Instead of harvesting timber for communities, Mike harvests trees for the household by putting log furniture in the price range that Wyoming residents can afford. Strasser Log Furniture products vary from coasters, candles, pet beds, full size beds, bunk beds, end tables, book shelves and custom military awards. Cost range from $10 to $1500. Contact Strasser Log Furniture directly via phone, email and their website regarding questions and to discuss orders.

MADE IN WYOMING: 307 Soapworks

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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 307 Soapworks of Bar Nunn, WY

Lynn Hazen, 307 Soapworks 307-262-7409  307soapworks@gmail.com www.soapguildstores.com/307soapworks

Lynn Hazen started making soap after she and her sister had a conversation about home-based businesses.  Handmade soap was on the list of businesses. At first Lynn thought it was a silly thing to do from home, after all, who would be interested in purchasing soap from somewhere other than a store.  She put the notion of learning to make soap on the back burner, but eventually started searching the internet for information.  Lynn started with Melt and Pour soap but she quickly lost interest.  She then decided to research how to make Cold Process soap.  After reading tutorials and books and watching videos for about six months, Lynn finally got up the courage to make her first batch of Castile soap, and she was hooked!

Lynn is currently the sole soap maker but hopes to make it a family business. 307 Soapworks does custom orders and only uses essential oils to scent the soaps.  However, if someone wanted a product made from a specific fragrance oil, she would require them to purchase the entire batch of about 2.5 pounds of soap or 7 bars.  Some of the ingredients used are: Avocado, Castor, Coconut, Olive, Palm and Rice Bran oils; and, Kaolin Clay.

307Soapworks products can only be purchased online at this time:  www.soapguildstores.com/307soapworks.  

Lynn will be participating in the Winter Market in Casper at the Ag Extension Building on Fairgrounds Road, the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The next market will be December 7th.

Lynn is proud to be a Wyoming native, so she wanted her products to have a Wyoming theme, and the soapy name illustrate that very sentiment: “Whoa, Nellie” (for Nellie Tayloe Ross), “Togwotee” (for Togwotee Pass), “Gebo” (for Gebo, WY), and a salve named Dr. Lillian’s Salve (for Dr. Lillian Heath).  Current products include soaps, lip balms, laundry soap, salve and solid lotion.   

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company

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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 Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company of Jackson, WY

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company, Dan Marino — PO Box 1770, 1325 S. Hwy 89, #110 Jackson, WY 83001 — 800-543-6325  or  307-733-7244 — www.jhbuffalomeat.com   info@jhbuffalomeat.com

The Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company is based in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  It was established in 1947 as the “Jackson Cold Storage Company.”   After 50 years of business, Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company was purchased by Dan Marino.   Dan has always had an interest in hunting and game processing, which led him to the purchase and business of processing buffalo and elk.  The Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company was fairly small and he thought he could develop and grow the company.   With a strong core of long time employee, you could definitely say this is a family business.

For 60 years Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company has specialized in only the finest 100% buffalo and elk meat products. Their buffalo graze naturally on open range grasslands in a ranch setting.  Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company supports the ranching traditions of the Great American West.  They believe in raising animals on the open range; rejecting growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics; and, Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company works to preserve grasslands for the next generation.

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company does take custom orders.  They have a retail store in Jackson, and many stores in Jackson carry their product.  There are also stores throughout Wyoming who carry Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company products.    Purchases can also be made on the website at www.jacksonholebuffalomeat.com ; you can also request a catalog or give them a call at 800-543-6328.

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company prices vary with the products that are sold; buffalo and elk meat range from $8.95/ lb to $40.50/lb.  They also have package deals, and there is a wide variety of gift packages and steak packages available to please almost anyone.  Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company products are made in the Jackson store.

MADE IN WYOMING: Wild West Custom Leather

visit our website & read the current issue

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 Wild West Custom Leather of Laramie, WY

Tim Mickelson, Wild West Custom Leather  1612 Kearney  Laramie, WY 82070  307-760-1377  wildwestcustomleather@yahoo.com  Check them out on Facebook!


Tim Mickelson got started working with leather when he was a young boy growing up in West Laramie.  He would visit the Boardwalk and Rob Vogel; then he would head across the road and visit Longhorn Saddle Shop and Andy Hysong.  Both men became his mentors as a child and their families are still important to him to this day.   Tim picked up many of the skills of the leather craft from them both.  After an automobile accident, Tim was unable to work in his profession of conduction any longer.  So, he picked up his leather tools to pass the time and it became a growing business.

Tim involves his wife in business as well.  She does quite a bit of the office work, sales, and public relations. She’s also who he turn to as a design consultant.  Tim is the drawing and tooling artist.  They both know what they are good at and it just became second nature to pick up their own roles.

Wild West Custom Leather designs are 90% custom.  Each product is done to fit the tastes and preferences of each customer. The other 10% of their sales are items Tim has done while brainstorming at the shop bench. Each item is drawn, carved, tooled, and finished by his own hands.

Wild West Custom Leather strives to create quality leather products that will be with you through the years. Each item is created with the individual customer in mind and the Mickelsons enjoy helping their customer get just what they want through our consultation process. Their products include bracelets, earrings, necklaces, key rings, wallets, checkbook /credit card holders, belts, gun holsters, chaps, and other Western cowboy gear. Wild West Custom Leather products also include specialty items including rodeo queen albums and personalized items. In the next year they will be adding home accents and accessories as well as custom designed purses to their product line.

Wild West Custom Leather won 2012 Champion Chap Maker at the World Leather Debut in Sheridan.  If you have anything you dream of being made with leather, feel free to contact the Mickelsons and they will do all they can to make that dream come true.  Wild West Custom Leather also does leather repair, patch sewing for motorcycle gear, and can reproduce your favorite old and worn leather products.

To order, contact Tim Mickelson at 307-760-1377; message him on Facebook at Wild West Custom Leather; catch him at the Friday Laramie Farmers Markets in downtown Laramie through the summer.  The Ammo Box in downtown Laramie features many of Tim’s holster designs for sale, and a variety of products are available at the Boardwalk in West Laramie. Wild West Custom Leather is a vendor annually on Labor Day weekend at the Snowy Range Music Festival at the Albany County fairgrounds.
Wild West Custom Leather products range from jewelry starting at $20 to up to $500 for custom chaps.

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Petit Secret Chocolate

visit our website & read the current issue

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 Petit Secret Chocolate of Jackson, WY

Laurance Perry, Petit Secret Chocolate  PO Box 6536  Jackson, WY 83002  307-690-7483  lauranceperry@gmail.com

www.getmorechocolate.com

Laurance Perry brought to America a love for all things chocolate.  She wanted her two children to experience the same truffle-filled chocolate Easter Eggs she enjoyed growing up in her native Belgium.

Easter is traditionally a time of chocolate in Belgium and children are delighted with large chocolate eggs filled with chocolate goodies. Unable to find something like this here, Laurence took matters into her own hands, purchased a large, hollow egg mold; she melted chocolate and cast her first chocolate eggs. Encouraged, she cast tiny Easter characters and filled the eggs. Wrapped in a white satin bow she showed the eggs to friends and the ensuing demand created a chocolate frenzy; Petit Secret Chocolate (or PS Chocolate) was born in 2002.

With her mother’s help and Belgian chocolate recipes, Laurance created solids in unique shapes and mouthwatering Belgian truffles filled with buttery ganaches.  She soon captured the taste buds of those frequenting the bazaars and farmer’s markets of Jackson Hole where Laurance lives and works. She soon outgrew her kitchen operation and converted a barn on her property into a modern and efficient kitchen and business.

Though she appreciates her new and efficient operation, Laurance still makes her Belgian chocolate the old fashioned way; one at a time.  Each batch is carefully hand-crafted and tested by her impeccable Belgian chocolate background and memories of that perfect chocolate from the old country. Laurence is content to keep her business comfortably small, and leaves the business end to her husband Paul.  She is proud of her two sons, Will and Jack, contributors to PS Chocolate, and occasionally is even a bit surprised they still have a passion for hand-crafted Belgian chocolate.

Petit Secret Chocolate does take custom orders, as well as company logo brands.  They do handcrafted molds to accommodate any request of shapes and sizes from cowboy boots to bears.

PS Chocolate can be purchased via their web site at www.getmorechocolate.com.  The chocolate is truly worth the cost. The chocolates are 100% handcrafted and PS Chocolate does not use any additives or waxes.  These delicious concoctions are 100% Belgian Chocolate.

 

MADE IN WYOMING: North Wind Fiber Arts

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 North Wind Fiber Arts of Lusk, WY

Lynne Boas, North Wind Fiber Arts  PO Box 206  Lusk, Wy 82225  307-340-0286  northwindfiberarts@yahoo.com

www.northwindfiberarts.com

Lynne Boas started as an art major in college and then became interested in microbiology. Her goal was to make a living creating art; however, the bills needed to be paid so she pursued a degree in bacteriology from the University of Idaho.  She has worked in research and development for about 16 years.  Lynne left the fast pace corporate world and moved to Wyoming to pursue a more relaxed lifestyle to explore and create fiber art.

Lynne started painting silk scarves after a friend sent her a beautiful scarf as a birthday gift.  It was not hand painted but stamped.  She started thinking about silk scarves and what could be done with them.  As luck would have it, scarves again became a popular clothing accessory.  Lynne learned about the art of silk painting and started dabbling.  She then took a silk painting class from an accomplished silk painter in the area and is still learning new techniques. There are so many things she would like to try, and she really enjoys the colors and the feel of the silk.

Lynne finds silk to be a fascinating fiber.  Not only are silk scarves a beautiful enhancement to an outfit; they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  The shimmering appearance of silk is due to its triangular prism-like structure of the fiber which refracts incoming light at different angles producing different colors on silk that is not dyed.  During the Roman Empire, silk was sold for its weight in gold.

Her inspiration comes from the colors she sees in the environment, which includes everything from rocks to what people mix together and wear.  She does like splashes of bright colors to brighten things up, especially in the winter.  Sunsets and rises, and the color variations in bodies of water, greens to dark blue, etc., are other great inspirations.

She is expanding her product line to include wool products, which she has been working with for over 20 years.  Working with the multiple mediums is why the company is called “fiber arts.”   Lynne also spins, dyes, weaves and knits different wools and other fibers when time allows.

At present, she does not have a catalog and her website is under construction.  She is also working on selling her scarves on Etsy.  For now, contact Lynne via email or phone.  Lynne’s scarves start at about $10.

You will be able to experience this beautiful wearable art form at this year’s Cowboy Christmas event in Douglas, November 23, 2013. 

 

 

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Herbadashery

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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 Herbadashery of Casper, WY

Barb & Eli Dichlich, Herbadashery  123 S Fenway  Casper, WY 82601  307-265-0036  800-888-0338  herbadasher@bresnan.net   www.herbadasher.com

Barb & Eli started the Herbadashery in 1991 as a retirement project. With the help of friends and family, it has become a special place to relax and enjoy the quality products, plants, and catering that has defined who they are.

Although they are a smaller company in size, Herbadashery is big on unique products and customer service.  They strive to help their customers succeed in all of their growing and landscaping projects.  The Herbadashery is a place to visit, rest, and gain new ideas. Good friends once called this “an oasis in Casper.” Herbadashery’s goal is to make their customer’s visit informational and enjoyable.

Over time, some of Herbadashery’s favorite products have been born out of necessity. Such is the story of Pine Ridge products.  Melissa Armstrong, a young mother, living on a ranch in Kaycee, Wyoming, ran out of a brand name BBQ sauce that her family liked. Like so many resourceful ranch folks, she took what she had in her kitchen and put together something she thought might be good. Her family liked it and that was the beginning of Pine Ridge BBQ and Dipping Sauces. Living on a busy ranch, she made the decision to pass on her dream in order to keep up with a growing family.

Herbadashery has used these products in their catering business and sold them in their gift shop for years with great success. In July 2006, Herbadashery purchased the proprietary rights to manufacture Pine Ridge BBQ and Dipping Sauces and Sweet Mustard.  They maintain the exact recipes and procedures in manufacturing these fine products in their FDA kitchen at the Herbadashery in Casper, Wyoming.

Herbadashery’s Pine Ridge products are sold wholesale and retail.  They can be purchased on their web site at www.herbadashery.com, by phone, or purchased in their gift shop.  Their products are also sold in many retail stores, which are listed on their website.  Retail prices for the Pine Ridge BBQ sauce and Dipping sauces can run from $6.95 for 18oz up to $155 for a 5 gallon container.  The Pine Ridge Sweet Mustard pricing is from $4.50 for 12oz to $34.95 for a gallon container.  If you are interested in carrying sauces, contact them directly for wholesale pricing.

Herbadashery is a family business; and when you work for the Herbadashery, you become family.