Sarah Witt, Creative Visionary of Rustic Soul WYO

Welcome to Rustic Soul WYO.  My name is Sarah.  I consider myself a dreamer, lover of all things funky and fashionable, old and new, shiny and rusty...yep that about sums it up.  I was that kid growing up that didn't want to look like everyone else.  I was the one wearing the gold sequined belt or silver moon boots...yes you read that right.  

I love taking old timeless items and making them sparkle back to life.  You can usually find me at an auction with a pile of random items, anxious to get home and make them over. 

I have spent the last 20 years working a corporate job.  I love my work, but my passion is anything vintage, and creating.  I had a booth at a vintage market for several years as an outlet for all the auction items I would re-purpose and didn't have room for in my home.  I must include I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Ray, for over 20 years.  He is so supportive of me and never says an idea of mine is crazy.  (Ok, maybe he says it but he never means it. ) I have 2 amazing kids, Carley and Jackson and the sweetest golden retriever Pistol.    

A lot of people that know me ask "is there anything you cant do?"  Honestly I don't think so...not because I am great at everything, its because I am not afraid to try, even if it means failing at first. 

I had always had a dream to design handbags.  At the time I had a Walmart sewing machine.  Awesome little machine really, I bought some leather and some cowhide and started in.  I could tell a few things right away.  One, I could come up with some really cool designs.  Two, my machine wasn't going to cut it.  I decided to buy an industrial strength machine and off I went.  Over the last year, I have had so much fun designing bags and accessories!

I also have a passion for vintage Navajo and Zuni jewelry.  My collection of jewelry spans from early 30s pieces to pieces made into the 70s.  I love the patina each piece holds and that native jewelry is so timeless.  

All my handmade items are one of a kind or limited run pieces, I consider them wearable art.  I don't use patterns or templates, I design and cut each bag.  I source cowhides from multiple places.  The leather I use is usually vintage leather coats...you know the one like your dad had, soft as butter!  I find vintage leather belts and straps to make all my own purse straps.    

Take a look around, I hope you see something you love.  If not, message me about a custom piece you have in mind.  I love taking family heirloom coats and belts and making them into wearable memories!!  

Thank you for checking me out!  

Sarah