Meet the Maker

Sarah

Owner, designer, maker, mother, artist...

WSH

Origin Story

Wisconsin born and raised, I moved west to earn a Degree of Music Performance from Northern Arizona University. Between studies, I travelled the country working for various National Parks and Forests. Along the way, I met a sweet talking cowboy who introduced me to the incredible world of leatherwork. Eager for something to keep my mind and hands busy while living on remote ranches, I immersed myself in study. Fast forward through years of trial and error, dedicated practice, and perseverance, I am now a single mom able to support my family with my enduring passion for creating beauty. I love the challenge of blending form with function, craft with art. Every piece tells a story as unique and enduring as the women who own them and I am proud to be a part of that legacy. I will forever be grateful to my family, friends, loyal clients, and encouraging colleagues for their continued support.

Desert Workshop

Studio

Nestled in the beautiful Verde Valley of central Arizona, every piece is created in this unassuming shipping container I customized myself

Want to learn more?

Classes

I am passionate about teaching and sharing knowledge. Learn more about in person and online learning opportunities to improve your own craft

Commissions

What do you WSH for?

Made just the way you like it, every commissioned piece is as beautifully unique as you are.

Shop now

Limited pieces added seasonally. All are ready to ship and always one of a kind.

Contact WSH

2025

Schedule

May 13-17 Rocky Mountain Leather Show, Sheridan, WY

WSH Curriculum Vitae

Education

  • Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ- Bachelor of Music, performance cum laude 2004

Teaching

  • Southwest Leatherworkers Trade Show, Prescott, AZ February 2025- "Gussets, Gussets, Gussets", "Deep Cuts", "Scrolls, Scrolls, Scrolls", "Non-Traditional Scrollwork", "Paint Mixing + Color Theory", "Leather Masterclass", "Drawing Fundamentals", "Photographing your work"
  • European Leatherworkers and Artists Trade Show, Arnhem, Netherlands October 2024-"Non-Traditional Scrollwork", "Practice with Purpose", "Photographing your work", "Scrolls, Scrolls, Scrolls"
  • Learn With Illume, www.go.illumeconnect.com June 2024-present, "Pattern Drafting", "Paint Mixing", "Bouquet Wraps"

Shows

  • National Finals Rodeo, Stetson Country Christmas, Las Vegas, NV 2016-2019
  • Western Heritage Classic, Abilene, TX 2015-2017
  • Santa Fe Spanish Market, Santa Fe, NM 2013-2015
  • Challenge NM Art Festival, Santa Fe, NM 2014-15
  • Fountain Hills Festival of the Arts, Fountain Hills, AZ 2014
  • Tempe Festival of the Arts, Tempe, AZ 2013

Publications

  • Practice with Purpose, Leather Crafters Journal, September/October 2024, Vol. 34

Bibliography

  • Lisa Drysdale "Bags of Creativity" We Are Makers, Eighth Edition, 2023
  • Don Gonzalez "Sarah Garvey" Lost Trade Podcast, June 2022
  • Gene Fowler "Emergence of the Circle" Shoptalk! Magazine, Salina, UT, July 2022
  • Gene Fowler "Western Skies Handmade" Shoptalk! Magazine, Salina, UT August 2018

Organizations

  • Cowgirl Artists of America 2024-present

Where Craft and Art
Collide

Timeless Pieces designed to be used for generations