“I learned leather belt making from the Amish,” says Kari Zenz, as she prepares a long, 1.5” length of leather for the embossing press. “My Amish friend would make the belts and I’d take them around to festivals and fairs, selling belts, saddles, and the like until I branched out on my own.”

Nearly 20 years later, Kari is still following the tried-and-true design—a full grain leather, tanned in the US, with hand-punched holes, embossed designs, and sturdy hardware for a belt that will last decades. “My main issue is my customers never need to buy a new belt,” she laughs. “The leather doesn’t fray and the holds don’t wear out. But they come back for another one in a new color or with a new design.”

Kari’s Cowboy Bling comes in black, brown, and burgundy leather with two new colors she’s added this season: navy blue and olive green. “I also have a vegetable tanned leather in a cream color that has been stained yet, so I can custom stain colors in purple, orange, green, or other hues.” Kari works with another Starbuck Market vendor, Doug Rinkenberger, to hand emboss the leather in western, floral, barbed wire, and basket weave designs. “We can also do laser engravement and hand stamp a person’s names or initials,” Kari says.

You’ll also find belt pouches at Kari’s booth this year, perfect for a phone, tools, or a small wallet. She can customize nearly anything, including belts for trophy belt buckles. “Be sure to bring your buckle with you,” Kari says, “so I can measure the buckle and the wearer for a perfect fit.”

The 4th Annual Starbuck Vintage & Artisan Market will be held on the shores of Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck’s City Park. Find artisans, vintage merchants, and food vendors on Friday, August 1st from 4-8 PM and Saturday, August 2nd from 9 AM-4 PM with the Lake Minnewaska Classic Car Show on Saturday from 10 AM-2 PM.