Cowboy State Craftsmanship

Jackson Hole Leather embodies the leatherworking tradition that defines Wyoming's western heritage.

Founded in 1991 by leatherworker Mike Kowalski, the company began as a small operation creating gear for local cowboys and ski resort employees.

Kowalski, who moved to Jackson Hole for its outdoor recreation opportunities, brought traditional leatherworking techniques to a market hungry for quality and authenticity.

The company's leather goods quickly gained recognition for their durability and craftsmanship, becoming favorites among ranch workers, ski guides, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Jackson Hole Leather has become synonymous with Jackson Hole's blend of western culture and mountain recreation, with products sold to locals and tourists alike.

The company's workshop has become a destination for custom leatherwork and repairs, with each piece hand-crafted to last generations.

Jackson Hole Leather's process begins with careful hide selection, with full-grain leather chosen for strength and the ability to develop character with age.

Patterns are designed for function and durability, with reinforced stress points and traditional styling appropriate for both work and recreation.

Cutting is done using traditional knives and patterns, with each hide inspected for quality and character.

The company employs both machine and hand-sewing techniques, with critical seams sewn using heavy-duty threads and traditional saddle stitching.

Hardware is sourced from American suppliers, with solid brass buckles and hardware that develops a natural patina over time.

Each piece undergoes burnishing and finishing by hand to create smooth, durable edges.

Quality control includes testing each piece for proper construction and functionality.

Yellowstone Fly Tying embodies the legendary fly fishing culture that defines Wyoming's Yellowstone region.

Founded in 1998 by guide and angler Tom Bradley, the company began as a small operation creating flies for local fishing guides and outfitters.

Bradley, who guided on Yellowstone's rivers for over a decade, understood the specific patterns and techniques that work in the region's famous waters.

The company's flies are tied by hand using traditional techniques and premium materials, with patterns developed through years of testing on Yellowstone and surrounding rivers.

Yellowstone Fly Tying has gained a following among serious anglers who appreciate flies tied with attention to the details that make a difference on the water.

The company operates from Livingston, the gateway to Yellowstone, where fishing culture runs deep.

Their flies are sold nationwide and are used by outfitters throughout the Rockies.

Yellowstone Fly Tying's process begins with careful selection of materials, with feathers, furs, and synthetic materials chosen for durability and realistic appearance.

Each fly is tied by hand using traditional techniques passed down through generations of fly dressers.

Hooks are sourced from reputable manufacturers and selected for strength and sharpness appropriate for large trout and other Yellowstone fish species.

The company's signature patterns are developed through extensive testing on Yellowstone waters, with input from professional guides and experienced anglers.

Quality control includes inspection of each fly for proper proportions and secure materials.

The company also produces fly fishing accessories including leaders, tippet material, and tools.

Packaging emphasizes practicality, with flies organized by species and water type for easy selection.

Wind River Pottery represents the artistic side of Wyoming's craft tradition.

Founded in 1995 by ceramic artist Sarah Kim, the studio began as a small operation creating functional pottery for local restaurants and homes.

Kim, who moved to Wyoming for its wide-open spaces, draws inspiration from the state's dramatic landscapes and natural hot springs.

The studio's aesthetic reflects Wyoming's natural beauty—glazes mimic the colors of sunrise over the Wind River Range, the warm earth tones of the badlands, and the mineral-rich waters of hot springs.

Wind River Pottery produces dinnerware, vases, and decorative pieces that are prized by collectors and used by top restaurants throughout the region.

The studio offers workshops and classes, passing traditional techniques to new generations of makers.

Each piece is unique, bearing the subtle variations that mark handcrafted ceramics.

Wind River Pottery's process begins with clay body formulation, with studio-developed recipes that achieve the perfect balance of plasticity and strength for Wyoming's dry climate.

Throwing is done on the wheel by skilled artisans, with forms designed for both beauty and function.

The studio produces both functional ware and sculptural pieces, with each category requiring different techniques and considerations.

Glazes are mixed in-house, with colors inspired by Wyoming's natural landscapes and mineral-rich hot springs.

Firing is done in gas kilns with precise temperature control, ensuring consistent results while allowing for the natural variations that give handmade ceramics their character.

Each piece undergoes careful quality inspection before being deemed ready for sale.

The studio also offers custom work and restoration services.

Powder River Brewing Co.

represents the craft beer movement that has emerged in Wyoming's energy communities.

Founded in 2006 by homebrewer Dave Johnson, the company began in a small facility producing beer for local bars and restaurants.

Johnson, who worked in the coal mines before becoming a brewer, brought a worker's ethic to brewing beer that could satisfy hardworking Wyoming residents.

The brewery's location in the Powder River Basin provides access to pristine mountain water and a community that appreciates quality beer and honest work.

Powder River Brewing produces a variety of styles, from light, refreshing lagers perfect after a day in the mines to robust stouts suited for cold Wyoming winters.

The company's taproom has become a gathering place for the local community, hosting events that celebrate Wyoming's mining and ranching heritage.

Powder River Brewing's brewing process begins with carefully sourced ingredients, with malt from regional suppliers and hops selected for quality and freshness.

Water is treated to achieve the ideal mineral profile, with the brewery's mountain water source providing an excellent base for brewing.

Fermentation uses carefully selected yeast strains that bring out the best flavors in each beer style.

The company produces both traditional styles and innovative brews that showcase local ingredients, including prairie plants and local honey.

Quality control includes testing at each stage of production to ensure consistency and quality.

Packaging emphasizes freshness, with cans and bottles filled on-site and distributed to retailers throughout Wyoming and neighboring states.

The brewery also offers tours and beer education programs.

Laramie Furniture Co.

represents the woodworking tradition that has thrived in Wyoming's mountain communities.

Founded in 1993 by furniture maker Jennifer Adams, the company specializes in custom furniture crafted from locally sourced wood.

Adams, who moved to Laramie for its outdoor recreation opportunities, fell in love with the beauty of Wyoming's native woods including lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce.

The company's furniture combines rustic aesthetics with modern functionality, creating pieces that are both beautiful and practical.

Laramie Furniture has gained recognition for innovative designs that showcase the natural beauty of Wyoming wood.

Each piece is crafted to order, ensuring perfect fit and finish for each client's needs.

The company's workshop has become a destination for custom furniture and architectural woodwork throughout Wyoming and neighboring states.

Laramie Furniture's process begins with careful wood selection, with lumber sourced from sustainable forests throughout Wyoming and the surrounding region.

Wood is seasoned in Wyoming's dry climate to achieve optimal moisture content for furniture making.

Design is a collaborative process with clients, ensuring each piece meets functional needs while showcasing the wood's natural beauty.

Traditional joinery techniques are employed wherever possible, including mortise and tenon joints and dovetail construction.

Finishing uses natural oils and waxes that enhance wood character while providing protection from Wyoming's extreme climate.

The company's workshop is equipped with both modern machinery and traditional hand tools, allowing for precise work with artistic flair.

Each piece is signed and dated by the maker.

Bighorn Saddlery embodies the saddle-making tradition that defines Wyoming's ranching heritage.

Founded in 1988 by master saddler Carlos Rodriguez, the company creates handcrafted saddles using techniques passed down through generations of western craftsmen.

Rodriguez, who learned his trade from Mexican vaqueros, brought authentic saddle-making techniques to Wyoming's ranching community.

The company's saddles are known for their quality construction and comfortable fit, becoming favorites among working cowboys and rodeo competitors.

Bighorn Saddlery has gained recognition for traditional craftsmanship, with each saddle built by hand using time-tested techniques.

The company's workshop in Sheridan has become a destination for custom saddles and repairs.

Each piece is crafted to fit both horse and rider, ensuring comfort and performance in the demanding conditions of Wyoming ranching.

Bighorn Saddlery's process begins with careful leather selection, with vegetable-tanned leather chosen for its durability and ability to conform to both horse and rider.

Patterns are designed for specific riding styles and horse conformations, with custom fitting ensuring optimal comfort and performance.

Cutting is done by hand using traditional knives and patterns, with each piece inspected for quality and character.

The company employs traditional saddle-making techniques, with stitching done by hand using waxed thread and traditional needles.

Tree construction uses traditional wooden frames wrapped in rawhide, providing strength and flexibility.

Each saddle undergoes multiple stages of construction, with attention to detail at every step.

Quality control includes fit testing and inspection before delivery.