Methow Made 2024 by Methow Valley News

Methow Made

NEW FOR 2024

METHOW MADE

Don Nelson: publisher/editor

Tera Evans: advertising

MyKenzie Bennett: design

CONTRIBUTORS

Ralph Schwartz

Shelley Smith Jones

Sandra Strieby

Steve Mitchell

Michelle Schmidtke

A publication of the Methow Valley News

P.O. Box 97, 502 S. Glover St. Twisp, WA 98856 methowvalleynews.com

METHOW MADE AND METHOW VALLEY GOODS: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

TwispWorks store carries mix of locally made products

7 THE TAO OF TWISPWORKS

Unique organization’s mission weaves community needs together

Middle Pages

METHOW MADE GUIDE

THE CRAFT OF CIDER AND PERRY

Booth Canyon Orchard’s hyper-local beverages are distinct

NATURALLY NURTURING

Valley-made soaps, salves, balms and creams are practical and soothing

METHOW MADE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Get it ‘made’ in the valley

Made” covers a lot of territory when it comes to describing a product. It can be something crafted entirely from original materials, grown on one’s farm, brewed in batches, spun from one’s imagination or assembled from accumulated parts or ingredients. Or perhaps some combination of those.

If you review the Methow Made roster — local producers who are part of the TwispWorks marketing program that promotes the valley’s unique creations of all types — you will see the entire spectrum of creativity and innovation. And in every case there was an inspiration, thought process, and subsequent commitment to following through that brings these varied products to market.

All of that required planning, persistence and patience — along with a lot of support from people with the knowledge and resources to help a business launch and grow. TwispWorks, which sponsors this annual publication, is one of the valley’s most reliable advocates for a healthy local economy — in a wide variety of sectors. The TwispWorks mission gives the nonprofit organization wide latitude to be of assistance to the Methow’s small businesses. Read more about that in the article on page 7 of “Methow Made 2024.”

Methow Made, a marketing and branding program, was designed to help our producers develop and reach their markets, here and outside the valley (visit http://methowmade.com for more details). You’ll also find their products at farmers markets, galleries, studios and retail outlets throughout the valley. Look for the Methow Made displays in many local stores.

In “Methow Made 2024,” you will learn the inside story about Methow Valley Goods, the TwispWorks campus store that showcases what “made” means in the valley. We also offer an overview of distinct bath and body products that typically come from some of the smallest but most passionate companies in the Methow. And you can learn the distinction between “cider” and “perry” in our profile of Booth Canyon Orchard.

For a full listing of Methow Made members, see the Methow Made Guide in the middle pages of this magazine, or go to http://methowmade.com for more information.

We hope you’ll take note of the advertisers that support this publication and familiarize yourself with their offerings. They are easily accessible for visitors and locals alike. “Methow Made” implies quality, care and pride in whatever our local producers do.

Don Nelson

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Photos

Steve Mitchell

Methow Made and Methow Valley Goods: Know the difference

TWISPWORKS STORE CARRIES MIX OF LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS

BY RALPH SCHWARTZ

When shopping for locally made products, discerning customers want to know: Do these goods have the “Methow Made” seal of approval?

Or shoppers may wonder, are they available at Methow Valley Goods, a quaint shop in an old U.S. Forest Service building on the TwispWorks campus?

And what exactly is the difference between Methow Valley Goods and Methow Made, anyway?

The TwispWorks team confesses that the two brands, with their similar names, have been a source of confusion for customers and community members alike. In fact, some people mistakenly

call Methow Valley Goods “the Methow Made store.” So let’s clear up the confusion here and now.

The distinction boils down to this:

Methow Made is a marketing campaign, intended to promote exactly what its name implies: goods made in the Methow.

Methow Valley Goods is a brickand-mortar store (or more accurately, timber-frame) at TwispWorks, tucked into the southeast part of the campus in the South Warehouse building.

Can products with the “Methow Made” label be found at Methow Valley Goods? Most definitely. But being Methow Made is not a requirement for getting your wares into the shop.

“While there are a lot of vendors in the store who are Methow Made members, not everyone with products in the store takes advantage of the marketing support and brand identity that Methow Made offers,” said Patrick Law, economic program director at TwispWorks.

THE VALUE RULE

To be officially Methow Made, a product must meet “the 75% rule” — essentially, 75% of its value must originate from the valley. Members include Old Schoolhouse Brewery; Lost River Winery; a few purveyors of candles, soap or coffee — and even eqpd, makers of the valley’s must-have handbag. A more complete list can be found in the middle of this magazine.

As mentioned, you will find Methow Made products at Methow Valley Goods. But the shop casts a wider net, accepting artisans from anywhere in Okanogan County, said Lyndsey Bryson, TwispWorks’ retail operations and events manager. Part of Bryson’s job is to run Methow Valley Goods, which sells everything on consignment except for its local wine and cider options.

Another distinction: All Methow Made members are licensed businesses, but at Methow Valley Goods, Bryson welcomes small-time hobbyists along with established local brands. The hope is that the exposure provided by the store might help launch an aspiring artisan into a full-time business operation, Bryson said. This exposure is a definite benefit to local artisans, small and not-so-small.

“Methow Valley Goods benefits local makers by providing a retail space, with skilled professionals and volunteers serving as salespeople, merchandisers, and ambassadors of the local arts, crafts and creative economy,” Law said. “Many

of the vendors in the store have such small operations that it doesn’t make financial sense for them to have a store, pay rent, pay utilities and have employees. Instead, they are able to do what they do best, which is make amazing local products.”

Even more perks are available to Methow Made members — not the least of which is a mention in this magazine.

MARKETING MUSCLE

Additionally, TwispWorks includes Methow Made products in its social media campaigns. The Methow Made label also appears on members’ products in stores up and down the valley. Some shops even have a special Methow Made display. Bryson mentioned two such stores in particular: The Mazama Store and Aspen Grove in Winthrop.

Stina Booth of Booth Canyon Orchard says she benefits twice over, by having her cider in Methow Valley Goods and by carrying the Methow Made label.

“I belong to both, and the Methow Made brand is an important part of my marketing program,” she said.

Let’s review: Methow Made is a label that provides good branding to local artisans. Methow Valley Goods is a store in TwispWorks, open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The shop stays open until 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays during the summer and for special events.

Now you know. Go forth and shop with confidence.

Photo by Michelle Schmidtke

Left: Methow Valley Goods is easy to find on the TwispWorks campus. Top: Ceramist Marcia Ives' works are available at Methow Valley Goods. Bottom: Look for the authentic Methow Made logo on local products.

The Tao of TwispWorks

UNIQUE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION WEAVES COMMUNITY NEEDS TOGETHER

BY GRANT EADIE TWISPWORKS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

What is TwispWorks?

This is the most frequent question we get when introducing visitors to our campus, and it’s entirely valid. TwispWorks is an experiment, a particular model for our oneof-a-kind community. This can

make its purpose unclear to most onlookers and visitors, as we lack a comparable organization for reference.

Its function, purpose and mission are best described by the unique economy of the Methow Valley. Artists, musicians, craftspeople, farmers, small manufacturers and nonprofits, captivated by the valley’s breathtaking landscape and loving community, have chosen the Methow as their permanent home. To sustain their livelihood, residents collaborate, trading special services and goods with their neighbors frequently enough to make life in the Methow possible.

TwispWorks works to nurture and boost this hyperlocal commerce by providing a variety of economic programs, such as this Methow Made Magazine, and a physical space, our campus, that allow small businesses to flourish.

So, to put it simply, TwispWorks is two things: a helping hand for the local economy, and a place for our community to thrive. That’s why our mission is to start, grow and build, together.

SO, WHAT’S ON CAMPUS?

So. Much. Cool. Stuff. Too much to even describe in one small article, but just know that our 6.4-acre campus is always growing and

improving, and this year it’s looking its best.

At first glance, you’ll find a vast green space perfect for walking dogs and having picnics. In the summer heat, a splash pad provides some refreshing escape. A small asphalt track on the south end of campus, aptly referred to as the “Horseshoe,” provides an ideal roller-skating track. The Old Schoolhouse Brewery Taproom boasts a fancy new patio. A beautiful new shade sail graces our performing arts pavilion where we host concerts in the summer.

To put these facilities into context: just 15 years ago TwispWorks was an empty U.S. Forest Service Ranger

Photos courtesy of TwispWorks

Station, filled with dusty gravel and aging buildings left vacant as the Forest Service consolidated its operations to Winthrop. In 2008, after a decade of being unoccupied, our community banded together to revitalize the campus, ultimately creating the TwispWorks organization we have today.

Since then, the 17 buildings used for ranger operations have been modernized and redeveloped, gardens have been planted, public art sculptures installed, and new construction provides even more facilities to small businesses and schools.

So, who inhabits the buildings? Even if you’ve been to TwispWorks before, you likely haven’t seen all the incredible folks we host. Over 35 businesses, artisans, manufacturers, nonprofits, and schools operate on campus, so it’s difficult to capture them all in just a couple paragraphs, but here’s some folks you should consider visiting:

• The lush garden on the northwest side of campus is home to the Methow Valley Interpretive Center. This native plant garden and cultural museum promotes cultural awareness and understanding of Indigenous peoples and the natural history of the Methow Valley and Upper Columbia region. It achieves this through education, interpretation, creative expression, and cross-cultural connections.

• The gift shop at the entrance to the “Horseshoe,” called Methow Valley Goods, is a one-stop shop for all things made in the Methow. Here you’ll find pottery, apparel, beverages and leatherwork all crafted by locals, open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Located in the historic Bernie Hosey Building on the east side of campus is the Methow Valley Jeweler’s Collective. Here, you’ll find magnificently unique rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings made by jewelers from the Methow Valley.

• Lots of other spots are open for shopping, food and drink. At Culler Studio, you’re invited to visit artist Sara Ashford and explore her charming storefront. Sara creates beautiful wearable art like scarves and sarongs using earth pigments and locally gathered botanicals. Over at Peter Nawrot’s workshop, you can enjoy watching Peter reveal

Above: The Pavilion stage frequently hosts live music in a casual setting. Right: The TwispWorks campus has also hosted an increasing number of community events in recent years.

the hidden beauty of salvaged wood. His custom cabinets and fine art pieces are truly unique. Other artist studios feature pottery, letterpress and printmaking, and metalworking.

• If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, Old Schoolhouse Brewery and Taproom has the local brews.

For food to go, check out Lal’s Fork, where you can enjoy fresh, authentic Sri Lankan dishes like rich curries and piping hot samosas.

TwispEats offers an all-brisket burger, next-level fries, fresh salads, and an incredibly tasty Korean fried chicken sandwich.

TwispWorks is open to roam and wander seven days a week. You can also catch our summer concert series, “Fourth Fridays,” on the last Friday of every month from 6:30-9:30 p.m., May to September, featuring stellar local musicians.

WHAT ELSE DOES TWISPWORKS

DO?

Programs! As a local economic supporter, TwispWorks has created a handful of powerful programs that lift small businesses in the Methow Valley.

Entrepreneurs looking to start a new business or grow an existing one can turn to TwispWorks for economic development programs for both individuals and businesses.

Methow Made provides sales, marketing, and retail support to local producers, makers, and artists. The bright green Methow Made logo is the key to finding locally made goods.

TwispWorks’ Methow Investment Network connects local investors with local entrepreneurs who need capital to start or improve their

businesses. Interested in becoming an investor or making a pitch? Reach out to Patrick Law at plaw@ twispworks.org.

Thanks to funding from the Washington State Microenterprise Association, TwispWorks hosted a series of classes and social engagement events for local business owners this spring. Topics included finances, marketing, social media, female entrepreneurship, farming, and more. While this year’s series has concluded, we look forward to offering similar classes in the future.

Methow Made makes it easy for people who love the Methow Valley to experience local products and flavors and to support our local economy. This 2024 Methow Made Guide connects you to the manufacturers, farmers, artisan food and beverage producers, artists and craftspeople who make their products with ingredients and/or labor from right here in the Methow Valley. For more information, visit MethowMade.com or call us at (509) 997-3300.

ARTISAN GOODS

ANNE PECK WATERCOLORS

Anne Peck specializes in whimsical and colorful watercolors that often feature chickens, range cattle, pigs, and other farm animals. She frequently shows at local galleries, and you can find her work at Methow Valley Goods. Contact Anne at peckanne44@gmail.com.

ARROWLEAF STUDIO

Bethany creates watercolors based on the landscapes of the PNW and beyond. She lives in Twisp, WA where she teaches art at Methow Valley Elementary through Methow Art's Youth Arts Initiative program. She received her BFA from Biola University and her MFA from Otis College of Art and Design. Website: arrowleafstudio.com or Instagram @arrowleafstudio.

ART BY MASHA FALKOV

Masha Falkov is an artist working in digital media, lampworked glass, and ink. Inside her TwispWorks studio you’ll find otherworldly curiosities including lampworked glass organisms, a molecule zoo, and vivid ink and digital color canvases. Contact Masha: (509) 978-9037 - email mashafalkov@gmail.comor visit her website www.mashafalkov.com.

BACKWOODS CULTURE, LLC

Backwoods Culture has been creating artisan bath and body products, using only top quality, responsibly sourced, and clean ingredients since 2013. As a one-woman show, all Backwoods Culture products are formulated, designed, and produced by Amy Scarsella, at her home in the Methow Valley. Follow Backwoods Culture on Instagram @ backwoods_cult or contact Amy via email at backwoodsculturesoap@gmail.com.

BEADING BY SONORA JANE

Twisp based beading artist Susan Finn creates jewelry, ornaments, & trinkets using semi-precious gemstones, Czech glass, Japanese seed beads & Chinese crystals. You can find her work at Methow Valley Goods in Twisp or special events. Contact Susan at: beadingbysonorajane@gmail.com.

BROKEN WING CANDLES

Bo makes her candles with 100% beeswax, with wax from Sunrise Honey Company in Clayton, WA. Melted, cleaned twice, and poured into molds in her garage studio. Email Bo at bhthrasher65@gmail.com for more information.

BURNT GINGER STUDIOS

Twisp-based jewelry designer Paris Lilly founded Burnt Ginger with the idea of creating unique pieces of jewelry that are not only beautiful but also durable. You can find her work at Methow Valley Goods, The Mazama Store and on her website at www. burntgingerstudios.com. Contact Paris at: mauiburntginger@gmail.com

CONFLUENCE POETS

Confluence Poets comprises a diverse group of wordsmiths from the Methow Valley who present a year-round program of events at The Confluence Gallery. Many of our poets have published collections of poetry, and from time to time the Poets also publish Poetry Postcards and other specialty items. You can find their work at Methow Valley Goods and on their website: www.confluencepoets.com.

CULLER STUDIO

Textile and surface design artist Sara Ashford uses solely natural dyes for her one-of-a-kind wearable & fine art pieces. Visit Sara’s studio and dye garden at TwispWorks and learn about her classes. Contact Sara at: (509) 3414042 or by email: cullerstudio@gmail.com.

D*SIGNS

Donna Keyser is an artist, graphic artist and sign maker. On any given day one of these three proclivities directs the show. Her studio is in the back 40 of TwispWorks, address: 316b Fifth Ave. text for an appointment 509 997 0255, or drop in, there is plenty to look at.

DOG PAW KNIVES

Career – bureaucrat turned knife maker, Phil Millam handcrafts custom hunting and kitchen knives for clients, using a range of materials and designs. Knife repairs too!

DRAGONFISH ARTS

Winthrop-based glass artist Chris Duke creates beautiful pieces for the home and garden. You can find Dragonfish Art at Methow Valley Goods and other local retailers. Email Chris at dragonfish_arts@ hotmail.com

EMILY POST POTTERY

Emily’s distinctive “sgraf fito” carved mugs, plates, large mixing bowls, tumblers, vases, and other handmade vessels are a reflection of her love of clay, nature, cooking and the Methow Valley. (509) 341-4710. Email Emily at www.emilypost.com.

EQPD

Honest Designs, Durable Construction. Building great bags in the Methow since 2013. LastBags, WideTotes, BasketCarry’s and more. Visit us on the TwispWorks Campusopen M-Sat 10-4 - www.eqpdgear.com

FIREWEED PRINT SHOP

Artist, Laura Gunnip, helps students of all ages engage in the radical act of creative selfknowledge through letterpress, printmaking and participatory installation. Fireweed Print Shop is a queer friendly community resource as well as a retail space of Laura’s hand printed items. Visit Laura at their shop on the TwispWorks campus and find Fireweed products at the Methow Valley Goods.

GG KNIVES

Gabriel Grier Newton has been hand-forging custom knives from scratch for 6 years, and melds walnut burl handles with highcarbon landscape Damascus blades. Making timeless, beautiful tools that help people nourish their friends and families is what brings him joy! @gg_knives www.ggkinves. com

GARDNER GARDENS

Beekeeper Dave Sabold harvests beeswax from his backyard colonies to create Gardner Gardens Beeswax Skin Cream, using allnatural coconut, almond oils, and vitamin E. Available at Methow Valley retailers and Methow Valley Goods. Call Dave at (509) 9962522 or www.gardnergardens.com.

HIDDEN DRAWER DESIGNS

Hidden Drawer Designs offers archival prints of original artwork by Sarah Gilman. With drawings, paintings, and textual pieces, Sarah hopes to cultivate wonder in the everyday, and inspire more of us to make space for wildness, and for each other. Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ HiddenDrawerDesigns, Instagram @ HiddenDrawerDesigns.

HOMESTEAD CRAFT

Peggy Stansbury creates fun and whimsical characters for the Christmas and Halloween seasons along with non-seasonal frogs, chickens, rabbits, etc. You can find her creations at Valley Goods store, Fall Art Walk, and bazaars in

HOTSPOT FIRE PITS

Tim Odell’s fire pits are locally made by craftspeople and skilled metalworkers dedicated to quality and longevity, with many of the fire pits made from recycled scrap steel. 1211 Cascade Dr. (Twisp) (509) 997-4766 www.hotspotfirepits.com.

INTERTWINED DESIGNS

Intertwined Designs produces high-quality, eco-friendly clothing out of their homebased studio in Mazama, WA. Find them locally at the MV Farmer’s Market and local retailers including the Methow Made Store at TwispWorks. Visit Intertwined Designs on-line or follow us on social media to learn about our process of creating sustainably made clothing. (360) 319-0342 www. intertwineddesigns.com.

JANET FAGAN

Janet Fagan is a painter and printmaker living in Mazama. Her work is informed by her belief in the intrinsic worth of wild lands. Janet’s paintings and prints forge connections between wilderness, heart and image – layering imagination with memory and optimism. See her work or contact Janet at her website JanetFagan.com and follow her on Instagram @Janet_Fagan_Artist

KATIE SWANSON TEXTILES

Primarily a weaver since 2006, Katie creates wearables (scarves and shawls) and items for the home (rugs, throws, towels, and place mats). Her work can be seen at Winthrop Gallery at 237Riverside Ave., Winthrop, Confluence Gallery, 104Glover St., Twisp, and Methow Valley Goods on the Twispworks campus. Call or text (509) 846-3023 or email rks@methownet.com.

FOOD & GROCERY

BLUEBIRD GRAIN FARMS

Bluebird Grain Farms is your source for the finest 100% certified organic ancient grains, fresh-milled flour, and whole-grain blends. CSA monthly deliveries, gift boxes and more are available at www.bluebirdgrainfarms. com. Products also available at local retailers and bakeries. Facebook or Instagram @bluebirdgrainfarms. Email, info@ bluebirdgrainfarms.com. Phone, (509) 996-3526

DOUBLETREE FARM

Doubletree Farm employs dairy methods that have beneficial environmental impacts and humane animal husbandry at the root of its actions. Their vat pasteurized, nonhomogenized whole milk is available at stores throughout the Methow Valley and Okanogan.

HIGHWAY 20 HONEY

For over fifteen years this small family run apiary in Mazama harvests beautiful, golden honey made from pristine wildflower nectar. You can find Highway 20 Honey at Methow Valley retailers including Methow Valley Goods on the TwispWorks campus.

METHOW GOLD HONEY

Blane has been producing his Methow Gold Honey for forty years. From his apiary located on the banks of the Methow River, Blane's bees are free to enjoy a wide variety of wildflowers that are native to the Methow. Visit Blane at the Methow Valley Farmers market or get his honey at local retailers.

FOOD & GROCERY

LIDIJA KAMANSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

Lidija Kamansky is a Winthrop-based fine art landscape and nature photographer. Passion drives her to explore nature’s changing moods and seasons in the great outdoors and rural countryside’s with her camera. You can find her work locally at Methow Valley Goods and The Confluence or on her website at www.lkamansky.com.

LUCID GLASSWORKS

Custom, handblown, functional, drink ware made by Samantha Carlin. Available at select retailers, markets and on her website. Cell/ text (509)- 341-9102. Find her website at www.lucidglassworks.com.

LUCINDA’S BOTANICAL SALVES

Healing salves that carry the perfumes and healing qualities of local plants: clearing pine, moisturizing antiseptic and antiinflammatory cottonwood, nerve renewing St. John’s Wort, muscle relieving Arnica and more. Available at Methow Valley Goods or by contacting (206) 550-3666. Find her website at www.reflexologyandsalves.com.

MARCIA IVES POTTERY

Marcia encourages you to Eat, Drink and Be Merry with a piece of beautiful handmade pottery in your hands! Her work can be found at private viewings in her studio, on Instagram, and at galleries and shops throughout the Methow Valley. On Instagram @ instagram.com/marciaraeives/, email her at marciaraeIves@gmail.com or call her at (206) 719-2389.

PIXIE MEAD

With a background in botanical medicine, Benjamin Pixie crafts unique and potent botanical meads that celebrate the plants and the bees, while returning reverence, magic, and medicine to the imbibing of alcohol. Find Pixie Mead at Methow Valley Goods and learn more at www.pixiemead. com.

TEXAS CREEK PRODUCTS

Texas Creek Salsa is available at Rosauer’s (formerly Hank’s) in Twisp, Winthrop Thriftway and Mazama Store. Bottled sauces are available at Methow Valley Goods at TwispWorks and Rosauer’s in Twisp.

METHOW MUSINGS

Over three decades of teaching taught Boo Schneider to be open to new ideas, the joy of life-long learning, and to create. Using a jeweler’s grade of copper and stones such as labradorite, moonstones, pearls, agates, and more - Boo never designs the same pair of earrings twice. You can find Boo’s work at retailers throughout the Valley including Methow Valley Goods.

METHOW PRESS

Methow Press is an editing, publishing, and distribution company supporting local authors and creatives. We specialize in the production of games, books, and poetry collections. The aim of Methow Press is not publishing books, though; it's in helping authors discover the best and most satisfying way to get their books in print—whether that's through Methow Press or someone else. Contact greg@methowpress.com.

MK OIL PAINTINGS

Margaret Kingston has been painting landscapes of the Pacific Northwest since 2012. Using oil paint on canvas she works from photographs to capture and enhance an inspiring outdoor scene for daily inspiration inside the home. Affordable prints are available in various sizes. Custom commissioned paintings can fit any budget and make a thoughtful gift.

Website: MkOilPaintings.com, Email: Mkoilpaintings@ gmail.com, Instagram @mkoilpaintings

MOLLY’S SOAP

Keeping the Methow clean since 1982, Molly’s Soap continues to make gentle, versatile, and long-lasting soaps. Time-tested recipes driven by homegrown herbs, natural ingredients, and nothin’ nasty. Delivered fresh from the farm to retailer’s valley wide. Email Gabby at info@mollyssoap.com, give her a call at 360-420-8132 or visit her website at www.mollyssoap.com.

BEVERAGES

BLUE STAR COFFEE ROASTERS

Artfully roasted coffees, including the awardwinning Espresso Blend, available at their coffee bar and roasting plant located at 1240 E Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp. Give them a ring at (509) 997-BLUE (2583) or visit their website at www.bluestarcoffeeroasters.com.

BOOTH CANYON ORCHARD

Stina Booth and John Richardson have been carrying on the Methow tradition of growing fabulous apples and pears in Carlton since 1995. In 2019 they started making dry, aged cider from all their fruit. Booth Canyon Orchard ciders are available at Methow Valley Goods, and at stores and restaurants throughout the Methow Valley. www. boothcanyonorchard.com.

PA’NANA SOAP

Carly Reiser is the positive force behind the PA’Nana Soap Co. PA’Nana makes 100% hand crafted, individually designed, cold-process, small batch soaps right here in the Methow Valley. Available at Methow Valley Goods and on her website – www.panana-soap-co. square.site.

PASTIME LEATHER CO.

Pastime Leather Co. makes a variety of highquality hand-made leather goods since 2015. We offer wallets, card holders, field note journals, tote bags/purses and more. We can work with your business to produce coasters, menu covers, card holders, etc. Email www. pastimehandbuilt@gmail.com, website, www.pastimeleatherco.com, Instagram @ pastime_leather_co.

LARIAT COFFEE ROASTERS

Award-winning coffees roasted in Winthrop. Try our fan favorites, Cowboy Mud, BarrelAged Limited Reserve or Black Colt Cold Brew. Visit our Winthrop store or order online we’ll ship to your door. Visit their retail location at 265 Riverside Ave in Winthrop, give them a call at 509-996-4240 or check out their website at www.lariatcoffee.com.

LAST CHANCE DISTILLING

At Last Chance Distilling ,we are committed to producing high quality spirits (gin, bourbon and rye) in the Methow Valley. Our tasting room and production space is located in Twisp, WA where visitors can sample our products, learn about the distilling process, take a tour and buy bottles. Snacks available and kids under 21 are welcome. Check out our hours at www.lastchancedistilling.com. Phone 509-749-7808.

LOST RIVER WINERY

Lost River Winery is an award-winning family winery started in the Methow Valley in 2002. Lost River produces high quality wines at excellent prices. Visit our Tasting Room at 26 Highway 20 in Winthrop or purchase our wines at Valley Goods or retailers throughout the valley.

PETER NAWROT WOODWORKING

Peter is a wood explorer and lifelong woodworker who has spent countless hours searching for and salvaging unusual dead and dying trees from Washington state. He seeks to uncover and highlight the stunning grain patterns of these trees through artwork, custom furniture, and sculpture. Come see his current pieces and his shop/studio at TwispWorks or send an email to woodrevealed@gmail.com.

PICCOLINA ART

Piccolina Art is inspired by nature and whimsy who puts her heart and soul into every piece. With words and simple prints, she hopes to share her love of nature and the Methow along with all the beautiful places she explores! You can find her products at Methow Valley Goods at TwispWorks and also at www.piccolinaart.com. Contact Anna at annabpiccolina.me.com.

BEVERAGES

METHOW VALLEY CIDERHOUSE

The Methow Valley Ciderhouse is a family and dog friendly restaurant featuring our own award-winning ciders, as well as a selection of beers & wines on tap. Lunch and dinner with gluten free and vegan options. Live music Friday and Saturday nights, usually free. Check out their website at www. methowvalleyciderhouse.com.

OLD SCHOOLHOUSE BREWERY

Old Schoolhouse Brewery, “The Living Room of the Methow Valley” looks forward to welcoming you. Whether you visit the OSB Taproom at TwispWorks, our newly appointed Riverside Patio and Brewpub in Winthrop, or the vibrant Mazama Public House at the Mazama Trailhead, you’re bound to have a memorable experience, and we hope you can share it with friends. www. oldschoolhousebrewery.com.

RED UMBRELLA DESIGN

Red Umbrella Designs creates PNWinspired designs for you & your home and aims to inspire all humans to seek beauty, keep hope, and give kindness. Available at select local retailers and online at www. redumbrelladesign.com

ROSALEE DE LA FORÊT, LLC.

Rosalee de la Forêt is a Methow Valley based herbalist and author. Her books, Alchemy of Herbs and Wild Remedies, share trustworthy herbal information alongside enticing recipes for medicine and food. Find Rosalee on YouTube, Podcast apps, Instagram, and her website: www.herbswithrosalee.com.

SEWN BY ELISE

For the love of fabric, Elise designs and sews whenever possible. Her reversible children’s dresses and overalls, durable children’s and adult aprons, and eclectic potholders can be found at Methow Valley Good’s, Twisp Art Walks, and Methow Valley holiday bazaars. Potholders can also be found at Aspen Grove in Winthrop. Contact Elise at knightelise18@ gmail.com.

SMILING WOODS YURTS

Smiling Wood Yurts is a small business in Winthrop, offering panelized building solutions of all sizes – from 150 to over 1,000 square feet. Their wooden round homes are durable, energy efficient, and aesthetically appealing while using high quality and environmentally friendly materials. Each kit is custom designed and engineered for your site. Website: www.smilingwoodsyurts.com. Phone: 509-996-9878

SUSAN SNOVER HANDWEAVING

Susan has been weaving for 47 years. In years past, she wove special orders for customers and interior designers, weaving about 300 rag rugs a year. Over her career, she estimates she kept 31,500 pounds of fabric out of the landfill. Her products are sold at Methow Valley Goods, Confluence Gallery, Winthrop Gallery, and the Mazama Store. Email, susansnover@gmail.com, phone, 509-919-1876.

THE ARROWLEAF

Paige is a self-taught metalsmith and lapidary artist, learning the trade through many broken sawblades and scorched fingertips. She uses several different techniques to make her work raw and original including sand-casting and hand-cut stones. You can find Paige’s jewelry on her website, www.thearrowleaf.com, at Methow Valley Goods as well as other shops in the Methow.

TRUE NORTH LETTERPRESS

Stay connected with handprinted letterpress cards made with care and dedication to the craft of printing. Visit the True North Letterpress shop for a peek behind the scenes of their print facility and shop an ever-changing selection of stationery, writing supplies, and design inspiration. In person: 509 Glover St. N, Twisp or online: www. truenorthletterpress.com

WILD HORSE LEATHERS

Wild Horse Leathers is the brand name for Tamar Behl’s one-of-a-kind creations. She’s been creating with leather and textiles for a few decades. From the love of textiles, hunting for them, sewing with them, and embellishing to add a unique flair. It’s what she does in her home studio for fun and pleasure. Behl is grateful to have the Methow Valley Goods to display and sell her creations!

Photo by MyKenzie Bennett

The craft of cider and perry

BOOTH CANYON ORCHARD’S HYPERLOCAL BEVERAGES ARE DISTINCT

BY SANDRA STRIEBY

Most people know about cider — fermented apple juice, often sparkling, sometimes with other juices added. Perry is more obscure. It’s a drink made from pears and pears only; like cider, it’s fermented and aged, and may be effervescent.

Stina Booth and John Richardson craft both beverages near Carlton, where they also grow the fruit from which they’re made. Like fine wine, each year’s vintage has distinct characteristics that make it unique, with flavor and bouquet that reflect the climate, the soil, the previous year’s weather, and the varieties and proportions of apples and pears in each batch produced.

Booth established Booth Canyon Orchard 30 years ago, when she bought an acre and a half of land planted to pears. Five years later, she and Richardson bought a nearby apple orchard. For the first quarter century, the two grew and sold fresh fruit. Cider and perry making came later; they are now the orchard’s sole products.

Twenty-five years of producing fruit for sale at farmers’ markets and in gift boxes gave Booth — and Richardson, once the pair began to collaborate — an intimate understanding of fruit flavor and how it varies from year to year. That familiarity has been instrumental to Booth Canyon’s cider making.

During their years of fresh fruit production, Booth and Richardson recognized that their organic orchard produced a significant amount of unmarketable fruit. Cider

making was on their radar screen as early as 2001, when they had just added four acres of apple trees to their holdings and were grafting in new varieties. Fruit not perfect enough for market can make excellent cider, and with that in mind, the owners added cider varieties to their orchard’s mix.

FROM APPLES TO CIDER

In 2019, Booth and Richardson turned the idea of cider to reality. Richardson became Booth Canyon’s cider maker. Retired from a career in finance, he completed Washington State University’s cider course at the Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center in Mount Vernon, and then worked with consultant Shea A.J. Comfort to hone his skills and learn to make high-quality cider and perry.

The process of converting juice to alcoholic beverages is complicated, involving three tanks and three different yeasts to bring out different flavors and develop depth and complexity. That initial fermentation yields products with zero sugar content, which are then mixed with more juice for a secondary fermentation.

The result is a beverage laced with “tiny fine bubbles,” more like wine than many ciders on the market, said Booth. The care that goes into producing the cider and perry results in “a really different drinking experience” that many people who don’t typically like cider enjoy, she said.

While Richardson works his magic with fruit, Booth has primary responsibility for supplying the raw materials. As Booth Canyon’s orchardist, she balances variables that include soil, weather, and more than 50 varieties of apples and pears.

Each fruit variety has its own

characteristics — sweet or tart, bitter or dry — and flavor notes like cinnamon, rose, and blackberry that contribute to the flavor of the final product. All of those factors are affected by the weather, said Booth, so each variety of fruit tastes different every year.

The amount of fruit produced by each variety also varies from year to year, said Booth. The result is a unique flavor with each vintage. Although Booth Canyon makes just two products each year — one cider and one perry — every one is distinctive.

WEATHER DEPENDENT

Orcharding is a precarious business, and climate and weather affect each year’s crop differently. Warm weather early in the spring can bring challenges if the trees bloom early and then lose flowers to a late frost, said Booth. Hot summers leave the orchardists scrambling to keep up with irrigation, and late summer smoke will stop the fruit from growing.

A warm autumn can deprive fruit of the frosty nights that help develop color and flavor. The severe winter of 2022-’23 was rough, causing permanent damage to some of Booth Canyon’s trees; the orchard produced no crop in 2023.

Booth said she’s uncertain whether changing climate is a factor in the life of her orchard. Acknowledging that she’s been here for only 30 years, she said in an email that that’s “pretty long, but not all that long in weather trends. It seems like the last 10 years have been more variable, but maybe the previous 20 were unusually stable.”

Though the weather during her tenure has been within the range of normal, her observations suggest that it has tended more toward extremes of hot and cold.

Those tendencies toward extremes can make a big difference to a small fruit producer. “Over my years of farming I have observed that all people notice different things about the weather,” wrote Booth. “For example, a September frost barely registers with me but it’s a big event for a tomato grower. Likewise, 24 degrees at bloom for me is way different than 28, but most people would not notice the difference. The different crops and times of year make the same event relevant or not to different people.”

BUYING AND TASTING

In 2021 and 2022, Booth Canyon produced about 700 gallons of cider and 300 gallons of perry each year — some 4,000 bottles of each beverage, with the remainder of the cider going into kegs. Booth describes the cider and perry that she and Richardson create as “hyper-local” — almost all of the fruit is grown in the Methow Valley, the beverages are made on Booth and Richardson’s land, and the product is sold only in the valley.

Booth Canyon cider is on tap at Ryzo Tasting Room and the Twisp River Tap House in Twisp, Meza and East 20 Pizza in Winthrop, and OSB’s Mazama Public House.

Methow Fresh and Sun Mountain Lodge offer bottled cider, and all of the food and beverage outlets stock bottled perry. Bottles of cider and perry are also on offer at the Carlton General Store, Glover Street Market, Hank’s Harvest Foods, the Mazama Store, Methow Valley Goods, and the Methow Valley Thriftway.

Booth says she’ll be happy to host a no-commitment tasting for anyone interested in serving Booth Canyon beverages at an event or wedding, or adding them to a local restaurant or store’s list. Cider and perry compare favorably to champagne, she said — delicious

and flavorful alternatives to the traditional bubbly. To schedule a tasting, email Booth at stina@ boothcanyonorchard.com.

You can also visit https://boothcanyonorchard.com/cider/ to learn more about how fresh fruit is transformed into sparkling local drinks.

Photos courtey of Booth Canyon

Naturally nurturing

VALLEY-MADE SOAPS, SALVES, BALMS AND CREAMS ARE PRACTICAL AND SOOTHING

aroma therapy.

BY SHELLEY SMITH JONES

When it comes to natural products for body, bath and soul, Methow Made artisans have got you covered. Whether made from a base of plants, beeswax, goat’s milk, or lavender, a shopper has a plethora of choices for soaps, balms, salves, creams and

The common theme that runs through the small-batch producers is one of being kind to the environment by using responsibly sourced, sustainable, or homegrown materials, buying local, while at the same time, celebrating creativity.

Each artisan expresses a hope that their products will not only protect and heal the skin — our largest organ — but also sooth the soul with intoxicating smells from nature. The producers are all unique in the beginnings of their endeavors, but all have found a symbiotic relationship with TwispWorks’ Methow Made marketing program. To be

part of the program, the products need to have at least 75% of the value of the product (ingredients and/ or labor) coming from the Methow Valley.

BACKWOODS CULTURE

Amy Scarsella’s curiosity about how to make soap sent her down what she describes as “a rabbit hole of research and testing” in 2013. She was on a quest to create beautiful artisan products that were, not only kind to sensitive skin, but smelled amazing. One inaugural batch of soap created her obsession with creating, not only bar soap, but other

products such as body scrubs, bath bombs, and candles. The products are all designed and manufactured 100% by Scarsella at her Methow Valley home. Now with over 10 years of testing and perfecting her product formulations, she assures her customers that they are purchasing a product that “not only looks and smells amazing but performs well too.” Her colorful products can be purchased at Methow Valley Goods on the TwispWorks campus and at The French Quail in Winthrop. Follow Backwoods Culture on Instagram @backwoods_cult or contact Scarsella via email at

Photo by Steve Mitchell

backwoodsculturesoap@gmail. com.

CULTIVATE SOAP CO.

Elise Ferguson began making soap, salves and lotions as a hobby because of her interest in natural

skin care. She was able to combine her new hobby with another love of hers: goats.

While working at Twisp’s Sunny Pine Farm, a certified organic dairy specializing in fresh goat cheese, she realized how she loved goat

principles that ensure human rights and fair working conditions.”

Cultivate Soap products are available at Methow Valley Goods, online at www.cultivatesoapco.com and at the Methow Valley Farmers Market where Ferguson’s husband, Mike, often helps her out. Follow Cultivate Soap on Instagram @ cultivatesoapco.

GARDNER GARDENS

Dave and Marilyn Sabold produce Beeswax Skincream with all-natural ingredients including beeswax harvested from their backyard beekeeping operation in Winthrop. The Sabolds combine the beeswax with coconut and almond oils, vitamin E, and propolis (description follows) to make the cream known for its moisturizing effect on dry skin.

Propolis is described as “a resinous substance collected by worker honeybees from the leaf buds of cottonwood trees.” The bees pack the substance on their hind legs, carry it back to their colony, where it is used by “hive” bees as a sealant and sterilant in the colony nest. The antibacterial and antifungal effects of propolis protect the colony against disease.

milk and, in turn, found it to be beneficial for her lifelong dry skin. She began incorporating goat milk into her soap making and “it was life changing for her,” she says. She attributes the benefit of using goat milk for the skin to its natural richness in fatty and alpha-hydroxy acids which help to remove dead skin cells.

She now has her own nanny goat that she acquired from Sunny Pine Farm, and the mama goat subsequently bore two kids. All her soaps (except for vegan alternatives) are made using the milk of what she describes as “my own happy, organically raised forest frolicking goats.” Ferguson uses only organic, plant-based materials such as oils and butters. Her coloring also comes from natural sources such as clays, botanicals, herbs, and roots — most of which she grows or gathers herself.

She sources all other ingredients from reputable companies she describes as ones “who support organic, regenerative and sustainable farming and practice fair trade

“Anyone doing summer or winter outdoor sports or labor needs a jar in a pocket or nearby, ready to use,” the Sabolds propound. “The propolis in the cream has antiseptic properties that are healing for all chapping, abrasions and baby bottoms.”

Beeswax Skincream is available at Methow Valley Goods, online at www.gardnergardens.com, at several Methow Valley retail locations, or by direct email contact to store@ gardnergardens.com.

LUCINDA’S BOTANICAL SALVES AND POTIONS

Herbalist Lucinda Tear produces salves made with natural oils and infused with numerous herbs to moisturize and nourish the skin and reduce inflammation. “Plants have healing properties that can transform and integrate our bodies and connect us to elemental energies that vibrate in all of us,” according to Tear. “I love preparing plant salves and other medicines for the body and soul.”

Tear’s all-purpose salves each provide a moisturizing effect while

Above: Mike Jones, whose wife Elise Ferguson launched Cultivate Soap Co., helps with the customer connections at local outdoor markets. Left: The products can also be found at the Methow Valley Goods store on the TwispWorks campus.

Photos by Shelley Smith Jones

specifically focusing on healing effects based on the herbs she uses.

To name a few: “Heal My Skin” with an oil infused with St. John’s Wort, lemon balm, a bit of mullein, comfrey, and beeswax is “effective in speeding recovery from cold sores.”

“Arnica & More” helps to heal bruises. “Triple C Ranchers Salve” offers anti-inflammatory and skin repair properties while “Ski Season Salve” enhances circulation and recovery from exercise.

All plants used in Tear’s salves are harvested from her own organic garden. “All my salves are prepared in small batches, so each is unique using traditional methods of combining herb-infused oils with beeswax,” she describes.

Tear’s products are available at Methow Valley Goods and online at www.reflexologyandsalves.com.

METHOW VALLEY LAVENDER

Methow Valley Lavender is a small family farm located in Carlton operated by Mark and Monica Shallow with help from their four children. Monica’s grandmother Sylvia, a self-taught gardener and green thumb, grew, harvested, and hand-processed lavender products to sell at farmers markets and to other farmers in Kitsap County in the early 2000s. The rest of the family developed an “affinity for lavender farming,” according to Shallow, because of Grandma.

With a belief that “the subtle sweetness of lavender” can cultivate moments of “peace and serenity,” Methow Valley Lavender produces a variety of products from their sustainably farmed lavender. Bath and body products include lotion, nontoxic bug spray, bubble bath, and soap. They also produce culinary and mixology products such as dried organic culinary lavender and lavender simple syrup.

The Shallows describe their farming and production values under the categories of sustainability (conscientious farming practices and eco-friendly packaging), stewardship (committed to leaving their land in good health for future generations), and creativity (creating new products, experimenting with new lavender varieties, and creative process of building their business).

Methow Valley Lavender products are available at Methow Valley Goods and online at www. methowvalleylavender.com.

MOLLY’S SOAP

Another soap making hobbyist, Molly of Molly’s Soap began in her kitchen in 1975 and with continued success, turned her hobby into a business in 1982. After 40-plus years, Molly’s ubiquitous soaps can be found all around Methow Valley as well as other locations in the state.

Molly experimented with different bases, essential oils, and botanicals to perfect each recipe. The variety of bars include freshly harvested garden botanicals such as comfrey, elder flowers, and yarrow leaf. Each variety is a little different. Molly says, “Whether you are looking for something for

sensitive skin, something to get the axle grease off, or an aromatic experience, we invite you to explore our varieties to find the one that’s right for you.”

Several years ago, Molly handed off her soap-making business to Gabby Beaudin. She continues to carry on “Molly’s Soap” and Molly’s philosophy of making small batches, cut by hand, with “special attention to quality.”

Molly’s Soap can be found at Methow Valley Goods, online at www.mollyssoap.com, and at numerous retailers.

PA’NANA SOAP

Carly Reiser also started making soap as a hobby many years ago and continued to experiment over time. Her desire to create and “share a little positivity to friends and family” brought her

to marketing her 100% handcrafted soaps through her company

PA’Nana Soap Co.

PA’Nana (rhymes with banana) is so named as Pennsylvania (PA) is Reiser’s home state and “also the motto and best life lesson my Nana ever taught me: Positive Attitude is the best attribute a person can bring to any situation in life.” Reiser uses high-quality oils and ingredients. She says, “I don’t sell anything that we do not use in our own home.” All her soaps — with names such as Wildflower & Honey, Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, and Peppermint Twist — are made with a base of saponified olive oil, coconut oil and RSPO certified palm oil.

PA’Nana soaps can be purchased at Methow Valley Goods and online at www.panana-soap-co. square.site.

Amy Scarsella's Backwoods Culture soaps are made in her Methow Valley home. They can be found at The French Quail in Winthrop as well as Methow Valley Goods.