Check out the Dayton Art Loop Studio Tour

christmas-house-1-3-block-2016-v2 wy-biz-council-half-holiday-winter-2016 loop16 thanksgiving

Check out the Dayton Art Loop Studio Tour — Saturday, November 19, from 10-4 in beautiful Dayton, WY.

An annual showcase of the many artists and artisans in beautiful & quaint Dayton, Wyoming!

  • Raffle for a basket of items donated by participants (proceeds benefit our local art scholarship), as well as a door price drawn from people who visit each stop on the map.
  • New to this year’s tour will be David & Donna McDougall’s new gallery — Painted Skull Studio — located at the historical Hans Kleiber residence in Dayton.
  • Noted local artist Alice Fuller is also back in the tour.  She’ll be showing in her studio just outside Dayton.  Don’t miss this stop!
  • Gallery on Main will host a variety of local artists as well as sweet treats, lunch and beverages, and Tongue River Valley Community Center will host lunch and a bazaar, as well as Iris Sorensen’s award-winning Lakota dolls and dance sticks. Iris’ husband Kevin will show his woodwork there as well. Barb Sellar will have new items at Dog Paw Pottery.
  • The Art Loop is a perfect place to pick up unique gifts by local artists!
  • Sonja Caywood will be celebrating her brand new studio addition, at 317 2nd Ave W!  “More than 4 people will fit inside my studio now,” Sonja adds. “So bring a friend!”  

Watch for signs and pick up a map to enter in the door prize drawing.

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!

IMG_4258

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.

IMG_4236

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.

IMG_4239

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.

IMG_4273

kids picnic table

MADE IN WYOMING: Antelope Gap Dream Berries & More

Poster copy small (2)

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

bird house 03-08-14 005

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.

bird house 03-08-14 004

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.

bird house 03-08-14 003

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!

bird house 03-08-14 009

bird house 03-08-14 010

 

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Country Creations by Elaine

Poster copy small (2)

 

wyofirst_profile_image

 

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

IMG_0447_web

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.

IMG_0439_web

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.

IMG_0424_web

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: Maura Jacobsen Pottery

visit our website & read the winter 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 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.

 

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: Wyoming Silvers

visit our website & read the new Winter 13-14 issue of Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine

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!

These week we are featuring Wyoming Silvers of Upton, WY

Jill & Dennis Hendrix, Wyoming Silvers  PO Box 872  Upton, WY 82730  307-630-4166  wyomingsilvers@yahoo.com  www.wyomingsilvers.net

Jill & Dennis Hendrix began selling wholesale to gift shops and state parks across the country.  In 1997 they began direct sales and discontinued selling in the wholesale market.  Wyoming Silvers offers a diverse product line from jewelry to lariat baskets and clocks.  Jill and Dennis have received several fine art awards at art shows across the Midwest.

Wyoming Silvers creates art glass jewelry and some silver work.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind, blown, fused and torch-work glass.  Dennis creates lariat rope baskets and lariat clocks.  He also creates the custom name rings. Each one is made with the customer’s personalization on a comfort fit stainless steel band.  They are very reasonably priced, which includes the ring and all the personalization.

Normally, Wyoming Silvers’ products can be ordered via their website, however, this month they are in a kiosk in front of Christopher Banks and Kay Jewelers at Frontier Mall in Cheyenne.   Visit their web site or stop in at the mall, this is a great opportunity to own a handcrafted unique piece of art.

Wyoming Silvers recently received licensing to use the Bucking Horse and Rider logo on their line of personalized jewelry of rings, pendants or bracelets and happily will work with customer on custom pieces.  They are made to order, and if purchasing at their Frontier Mall kiosk in Cheyenne you can pick up your ring the same day.  Products ordered are generally shipped within 48 hours and the shipping is free to the customer.

This year they have added more sculptural glass work and gift items.  Blown glass ring holders and nifty purse holders are priced under $20.  In the jewelry line, Jill has added convertible necklaces that can be worn with or without the pendants.  These necklaces come with matching earrings.  All jewelry is gift boxed with the Wyoming first seal.

MADE IN WYOMING: 307 Soapworks

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 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

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 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.