dsm Magazine

Walking into Brad and Sundie Ruppert’s Norwalk home and studio feels like stepping into a quirky art museum.

Together, the Rupperts create mixed-media sculptures, often animal portraits and abstract work, made with felt salvaged from the cutting-room floor of Greeley Hat Works in Colorado. Their work has long been rooted in the idea of seeing things for what they could be rather than what they are, and sculptural felt is exactly that, combining creativity and sustainability.

“People always ask, ‘Did you go to college?’ Yeah, but nobody teaches you how to use trash and make it into high-end art in college,” Sundie said.

Where art is felt Brad and Sundie Ruppert assemble thousands of pieces of felt to replicate fur and feathers in their animal portraits. Writer: Mary Boldinova Photos: Courtesy of Brad and Sundie Ruppert Walking into…

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If there’s anybody who knows the value of rest and relaxation, it’s a mom with three young boys. Krysta Byars is that, plus a physical therapist, spa owner and practitioner of lymphatic drainage and other modalities. In short, she knows her stuff. Byars has poured heart, soul and 18 years of experience in health and wellness into Elm + Hearth, her new rentable property on the north edge of Ames, with the goal of bringing the benefits of deep relaxation and self care to Central Iowa. She bought the property in March 2025 and welcomed its first guests in December.

Serenity now Writer: Amy Panos Photographer: Joelle Blanchard If there’s anybody who knows the value of rest and relaxation, it’s a mom with three young boys. Krysta Byars is that, plus a physical therapist, sp…

Teresa Weidmaier opened T. Weid & Co. in late March after years of collecting vintage items and perfecting the craft of curation. It’s at 500 E. Grand Ave., in an 1881 building that originally housed Cottington’s furniture store.

“I’ve always loved the East Village for its historic architecture, walkability and mix of independently owned businesses. There’s a real sense of character and community here that felt aligned with the kind of shop I wanted to create,” she said.

T. Weid & Co. in the East Village A golden crane adorns a vintage desk at T. Weid & Co., a new shop in the East Village. Writer: Kendra Esau Photos: Paige Peterson The East Village has no shortage of vintage shops and eclectic…

💟Local Love💟
Former coworkers Jon Miller and Jody Gifford, who is now one of our contributing writers, were married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest friends and immediate family on Jan. 11 at VOWS DSM in the East Village.

Local love: Jon Miller and Jody Gifford Photo: Corah B Photography Former coworkers Jon Miller and Jody Gifford, who is now one of our contributing writers, were married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest friends and imm…

Sake, sushi, and a pretty good excuse to celebrate. 🍶🍣

Last night, our tastemakers sampled a variety of sake, sushi and raised a glass to 15 years of one of Des Moines’ favorite spots. A big thank you to the Wasabi DSM team for hosting such a fun night and to everyone who helped make it special!

Here’s to good food, good drinks and 15 years of Wasabi. 🥂

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