ENCAMPMENT — The many roads of life, whether winding or straight, rocky or smooth, have a way of bringing people back around to their starting block. All roads may not lead to Rome, but they might lead to Wyoming. 

Some decades in the misty past, three girls grew up and went to school together in Wheatland: playing the same sports, attending the same churches (sometimes), and sharing the same classes. Upon graduation, the year 2023 was merely fodder for science fiction. Off they go into their various horizons. 

As many have found during life’s diverse adventures; successes and failures, joys and sorrows; that things have a way of returning. Coming full circle. And those childhood-school bonds also come full circle and we find that our shared history has created enduring relationships and influences. Three seemingly random women, all creative in different ways, found their way to the annual Aspen & Sage Market Days in Encampment, WY this October.

Ruth Moyte, owner of the newly-launched leisure-wear brand, Mustard Seed Faithwear; Sandra Utter, owner of Quarter Circle Creations; and myself, owner of Steph Bayne Photography & Paint were all vendors at the Aspen & Sage Market. Steph Bayne Photography & Paint was the first to participate in the market in 2022 accompanied by Moyte, (though not a vendor) the first year. As time and connection and conversation would have it, all three women were poised to travel to Encampment as vendors; Moyte and Utter for the first time in October of 2023. 

Sandra Utter, Wheatland native, had this to say about her lovingly crafted items, “I love to repurpose things and have always liked western boots and what they represent in terms of a tool-of-the-trade and some are true art in the beauty of the tops.  When I find a picture frame or mirror with a wide frame, it works well to cover all or part of the frame with boot tops.  I’ve salvaged tops from used boots I find at thrift stores or get from friends when the bottoms are worn out.  Each time I finish a piece, I’ve learned something new or a better way of attaching the leather to the wood.  I hope to get my name out there to start making Memorial Boot Frame Mirrors.  I’d love to take boots that a loved-one wore that has passed on and frame a mirror or picture frame with those boots.  If those boots could talk…” Even though Utter is new to the market and fair trade, she had no trouble fitting in with a wide range of artisans, crafters, designers, and builders at the Aspen & Sage Market. 

“The Aspen and Sage Market in Encampment was my first trade show and was a great place to learn from other vendors on setting-up and a price point for product.  All vendors there had one-of-a-kind items that were handmade or items they created.  I also took some quilts to the market made from old lightweight jeans that my Mom, Sharon Utter, made,” explained Utter. “I call my designs and work, Quarter Circle Creations and use the brand my Great Aunt, Glyda May, gave me and use it as a logo on the pieces.  Aunt Glyda didn’t have fancy topped boots, but she wore out several pairs during her years ranching with Woody, her husband, and helping friends and neighbors work cattle.  I think she would approve of the repurposing because she came from a generation that didn’t waste anything,” concluded Utter.

Moyte, who has spent her career in the high profile international event industry in the Los Angeles area, moved back to Wheatland about five years ago to tend to family matters. She brought her expertise as a writer and designer with her. “As I flash back to elementary school days, I never thought about the possibility that decades later, I would be spending the weekend with some of my oldest childhood friends. On top of that, I never thought that we’d all be attending Aspen & Sage Market Days in Encampment, Wyoming chasing after our entrepreneurial desires,” said Moyte. “Yet, there we all were gathered around an oak barrel table at the Mangy Moose munching on hamburgers and corn dogs discussing life, business, and our creative dreams. I enjoyed every single moment of the weekend, and I’m so proud of who we’ve become as women. Wheatland has a knack for turning out talented, strong, smart, women. I count Sandra Utter and Stephanie Bayne as two that I’m blessed to know.”

Time rolls forward, as it has a way of doing, and Moyte’s early, but as-of-yet unfulfilled dreams of creating a clothing line is now starting to bloom. 

“Mustard Seed Faithwear was born out of a vision to combine fashion with inspiration, creating a brand that uplifts and empowers individuals. In a world where fashion trends come and go, there is a growing desire for clothing that not only makes a statement but also carries a deeper meaning. Inspired by the powerful scripture of Matthew 17:20, Mustard Seed Faithwear not only reflects personal style but also serves as a reminder of the strength and potential that lies within everyone, and the faith that is needed as we journey through life. The symbolism used in Mustard Seed Faithwear is carefully chosen to represent the essence of faith. The mustard seed, depicted in various forms – and always reaching back to positive messaging, serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for growth and greatness that lies within each individual,” Moyte explained. The essence of the scripture is that nothing will be impossible for you when your faith is active.  Moyte added, “Each style in the Mustard Seed Faithwear collection is designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each garment selected not only meets the highest standards of quality butalso serves as a reminder of the power of faith. Being able to stand side-by-side with my friends as they pursue their dreams is one of the most inspiring things that I’ve ever experienced. I’m so grateful that we’ve found each other and are able to share our journeys with each other.”

As for myself, I have been painting and drawing on paper, furniture, stationery, people’s walls, found objects and anything that lends itself to a paintable surface since I was about four years old when I confidently scribbled drawings of fantastical people along my dad’s drywall when he was finishing the basement of the first house I remember living in. He didn’t stop me then, or now.  I added photography in 2012 and it is a satisfying creative outlet. Art is that deep expression of experience or feeling that is sometimes lost in the surfeit of words. I am very happy and blessed to be able to occasionally showcase my art, not only for myself, but for others. I know it makes me happy; but if it brings happiness, or nostalgia or some other feeling to another person; the joy is manifold.  Sharing the quite vulnerable experience of offering our creations to the general public at Aspen & Sage Market Days, or any other venue with these treasured, talented, bright friends is something that doubles the pleasure. There is something very comforting and stabilizing about shared history. 

Don’t miss the Wheatland Town & Country Garden Club’s Holiday Bazaar on November 5 at the Agriplex. There you will find dozens of local and area creators. And you might come full circle and meet an old friend.