Visit HDC November 26, 27 & 28 – HITH Final Weekend!

Be sure to visit High Desert Creations STUDIO #14 during the final weekend of the 2021 Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale: November 26, 27 & 28. STUDIO #14 is open 10 am to 5 pm.

Welcome to High Desert Creations – A Whole Lot of Country – A Whole Lot of Rock & Rustic! A Whole Lot of Western, Southwestern and Contemporary works of wearable art showcasing significant stones in significant settings in significant sizes.

Bead artistry is popular (second shelf – left photo) and a collector acquired blue beaded background “Cowgirl Up” the first day of the event. These works are time intensive and it’s quite unlikely I will make more.

This year I created a number of earrings in sterling silver in a range of styles. Notice I’ve been wearing the mission cross pair shown 2nd from the right - all are quite outstanding!  

Guest artist Rob Stenberg welcomes you with open arms and a variety of mixed media mystical, magical, inspirational and heartwarming works - a must see and ready for you to own and take home!

There are three more guest artists at HDC. A new work by realistic oil painter Barbara Rudolph is titled: “The Peacock and the Prada” – it’s a must see. There are vessels large and small by master woodturner Morrie Elmer – one is titled “Wild Lilac Burl with Turquoise Inlay” – it’s a must see.  And “Into The Desert” by abstract painter Jan Griggs known for her energy, light and color – it’s a must see.

Interested in seeing the works of art that go with these titles? Visit STUDIO #14.

If you aren’t able to come to High Desert Creations during the event, I will be open by appointment – contact me via email Kathi89445@yahoo.com or call 775-304-6756.

Thank you – your presence is always an inspiration to me and I appreciate your interest and enthusiasm for my original hand-made works of wearable art.

REMEMBER: all year round, HDC Gift Cards are available on my website. Celebrate special occasions with your designated recipient by contributing a selected value from $75.00 and up toward the purchase of a Kathi Turner original work of wearable art. Recipient can view and choose from designs under Metalsmithing or I’d be happy to collaborate with the recipient on a custom piece. REMEMBER: HDC Gift Cards never expire.

Signature Cast Horses!

Images Arizona and Cowgirl Magazine promote HDC and my signature sterling silver cast horses. Also promoting the Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale. HDC STUDIO #14 will be open from 10 am – 5 pm on November 19-20-21 and 26-27-28. See you there and then!

Magnificent Stones & Master Stonecutters

A Whole Lot of Rock & Rustic – I use a whole lot of Turquoise: #8 Mine Turquoise, Kingman Turquoise, Tyrone Turquoise, Campito Turquoise and a whole lot of Jasper: Cold Mountain Jasper, Ocean Jasper, Bumble Bee Jasper, Owyhee Jasper to name a few. And more to name a few: Sonoran Sunrise, Mexican Crazy Lace Agate, Fordite, Varicite, even Kokoweef Cave Onyx from Goodsprings, NV!

Stones are often shaped by a whole lot of master stonecutters – see below.

(l) ”It’s The Cowboy Way” Tyrone Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM

(r) “Seeker Of The Lucky Horseshoe” #8 Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau of NM

(l) “Love Has No Bounds” Kingman Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM

(r) “In The Back Country" Turquoise Mountain Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM

(l) “Cooper” #8 Turquoise cut by Susan Hyde

(r) "Make Me A Promise” Tyrone Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM

(l) “Desert Breezes” Turquoise Mountain Turquoise cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ

(r) “Charting The West”, Morince Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM  

(l) Owyhee Jasper cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ

(r) Ocean Jasper cut by Elizabeth Cain Dicken

(l) Biggs Jasper cut by Russ Kanuith, CA

(r) Willow Creek Jasper cut by Russ Kaniuth, CA the King of Hearts master

(l) Different Jasper cut by Helen Lorigan, UT

(r) Maligano Jasper cut by Jason Brousseau, NM

(l) Springtime Paint Jasper cut by Susan Hyde, UT

(r) Tabu Tabu Jasper cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ

(l) "Could You Point The Way" Lapis stone cut by Nicole Bennett

(r) “For The Love Of The Rimrock Landscape” Polk A Dot Agate cut by Keith Dull, OR

(l) "Interpretations" Crazy Agate cut by JP Britt, MS

(r) “Riding High In A 1969 Mustang” Fordite cut by Keith Horst, AZ

Mark Your Calendar! HITH Tour STUDIO #14

High Desert Creations STUDIO #14 will be up and running and open 10 – 5 during the Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale: November 19-20-21 and 26-27-28, 2021. Artworks are of a distinctive ‘must see/must have’ quality.

Returning guest artists are talented, innovative and professional:

Jan Griggs – Acrylic Painting; Barbara Rudolph – Realistic Oil Paintings; Rob Stenberg – Mixed Media/Acrylic; and Morrie Elmer – Hollow Vessel Woodturning.

Of special note: Morrie Elmer is one of the 8 artists who have participated in the HITH event since it began in 1996 – 25 years ago and he has contributed two pieces toward the Legacy Celebration collaborative artwork. Morrie’s work was shown in the October issue of Images Arizona promoting HITH.

We’re all looking forward to your visit!

High Desert Creations STUDIO #14

31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale 85266

(N. Scottsdale Rd & E. Lone Mountain Rd)

APPLY NOW: Cowgirl 30 Under 30 Recognition

I’m pleased to pass on to you information on this outstanding opportunity from Cowgirl Magazine. Act quickly because the deadline to apply is October 15!.

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COWGIRL MAGAZINE’S 30 Under 30 serves to empower the Western industry by promoting the many young and talented women who make up its workforce. Since its inception in 2019, COWGIRL 30 Under 30 now has an alumnae class of 60 incredibly talented honorees who represent the extraordinary passion for which our industry is recognized.

The application deadline for COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2022 is October 15. Please click the links below for all the info:

https://www.cowgirlmag.com/cowgirl-30-under-30-class-of-2021

https://www.cowgirlmag.com/cowgirl-30-under-30-application-2021

The honoree presentation will be hosted by Wrangler on March 3, 2022, at the Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, TX.

I LOVE COWGIRL MAGAZINE!

The July/August Hot Summer issue of Cowgirl Magazine is hot off the press! This cover is so cowgirl hot/chic – that’s Mick Jagger’s daughter on the cover! And inside – my High Desert Creations advert shows off two cowgirl hot/chic copper bracelets.   

I’m so pleased with the excellent exposure and excellent response my works of wearable art  receives!  

I’m a subscriber and encourage you to be one, too – not only because subscribers are mailed a copy some three weeks before it goes on sale, but because Cowgirl Magazine is all around great from cover to cover.

The May/June issue High Desert Creations advert featured a neckpiece that was a birthday gift to my sister, Lori Devlin.

A Royston Turquoise Heart cut by Jason Brousseau, NM and set in sterling silver is suspended between two 4” sterling silver cast Elk horns. It’s so rewarding when you create the right piece for the right person.

The March/April Spring Fashion issue High Desert Creations advert featured pendants that showcase my signature designer cast sterling silver horses. My reward is seeing my pieces worn by smiling faces. Kaye Diffee, Marion, AR. Your smile makes me happy, Thank You.

I love the partnership I have with Cowgirl magazine!

If you don’t get Cowgirl magazine you’re missing out.

Love My Ranching Connections!

Just a little history. In 1981, Tom and I got our Turner Brangus Ranch up and running in Drewsey in Harney County, Oregon. Back in the day, just down the road apiece was the V- ranch run and owned by Ken and Ann Bentz and we became dear friends. Their son Mike and wife Linda used to put horses in our production sale years ago as guest consigners when we held our Turner Brangus Bull Production Sale.

 These days, the Spur Ranch in Juntura, OR is run by Linda Bentz with her sons along with the help of all their wives. Emily is the wife of son Ethan Bentz.

 Emily Bentz has recently started her own design company – her unique style captures significant characteristics that brings out the personality of her clients. I’m excited to share Emily’s design for High Desert Creations (HDC) that shows the connection of our ranching days between Oregon and Nevada where Tom and I now live part time.

Emily specializes in “Casually doing Western Inspired Art • customs • designs• prints • gifts • cards •”. To see more of Emily’s work on Facebook, please click embentzart. Message her to begin a chat about creating a custom design for you. You can also follow her on Instagram.

 Emily is not only a talented artist, she trains and helps break horses for the family’s well-known annual “Ranchers Horse Sale” – this year June 5, 2021 at their Juntura ranch – located just under 20 miles from their Crow Camp Ranch. The ranch has developed a good herd of registered angus cattle, but have focused on the raising of good ranch horses.

 Harney County, where we ranched for more than 31 years has an interesting Western history – more on that later.

NEW UPDATES to WEBSITE MENU!

Sign In Tab! Now you can set up your personal account. When you do this, the Sign In Tab changes to Your Account while you are signed in – simply sign out and the tab reverts to Sign In.  

You will receive a “Welcome to High Desert Creations” email highlighting several features of your new account. This is a secure site so you can add your credit card number with confidence. If you don’t see this welcome email in your primary inbox, please look for it in your Promotions, Spam or Junk box.

Commissions Tab! Singular and distinctive, a custom piece of jewelry is most meaningful. I welcome collaboration and the chance to create a work of wearable art that fulfills your design vision – an original work of wearable art for yourself or as a gift.

(l) Lone Star Bracelet showcasing a natural coral stone was commissioned by Brenda Black from Hext, TX. (m) Custom Birthday present from daughter to Mom with personalized initials. (r) Burns Green Obsidian Arrowhead Pendant commissioned as a gift for a Kansas collector.

Ranch Brands Tab! As a former long-time rancher, my affinity for ranch brands runs deep and I would be happy to work with you to create a custom design incorporating the brand from your current ranch or one that holds a piece of your heart from the past.

For both women and men!

(l) Different styles of Ranch Brands are available: pendants, bracelets, key fobs in either sterling silver or copper settings. (r) State Pendants are customized with a hand-cut state shape with copper and/or sterling silver accents. A wide range of stones are available for your selection.  

For a wide-ranging look at more works of wearable art visit me on facebook and select PHOTOS.

Cowgirl Magazine Spring Fashion

Another fabulous High Desert Creations advertisement designed by Julie Bergman/Coyote House appears in the March/April Spring Fashion issue of Cowgirl Magazine.

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I’m so excited with the response and have already received a commission request for a custom “Unbridled” pendant. While some of my most popular designs may seem familiar, I create each work of wearable art by hand and every piece is expressly unique in size and shape, selection of metals and stones, application of accents and hand stamping - in keeping with our design collaboration.

Cowgirl Magazine is published bi-monthly and subscribers receive their copy in the mail nearly a month before it hits the newsstands – this Spring Fashion issue will be available on February 9. To get print editions, digital editions, newsletters and more, click cowgirlmagazine.com.

I’m so proud to be part of this great publication! It’s visually appealing and a great read from front to back.  Check it out! There is a enticing article “Breathe in the Air”: why now is a great time to book a guest or dude ranch vacation by Ken Amorosano, Editor & Publisher of Cowgirl Magazine.

Thank You! Thank You!

This beautiful bountiful wreath is a symbol of goodwill expressing my whole hearted thank you to all collectors and art enthusiasts who visited High Desert Creations during the HITH Tour – you inspire me in so many ways and I appreciate your patronage.

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The many symbols of Christmas transcend cultures and continents, including trees, gifts, ornaments, wreaths, even Santa – known by a number of names – each civilization embracing their own customs and holiday folklore. Many celebrate this holiday for its religious implications and the Christmas wreath’s classic circular shape surrounded by evergreens are thought to represent eternal life. And across all boundaries, these time-honored symbols serve as a testament to the power of Christmas customs – a sign that, around the world, we all want to commune, commemorate, and care for one another.

Now in the thick of the holiday season, let me inspire you to take advantage of HDC Gift Cards – perfect for that perfect present you’d like to give but haven’t been able to find for that perfect person.

You might want to split the price of a piece with a friend or family member. You might want to collaborate with your siblings and each give a gift card to Mom, Aunty, Cousin, Niece – and real men wear pendants too.  

Below, on the left, is Musician John Hall who commissioned this Stick Horse pendant.  

And remember the children! This beaming little girl below shows off her very own custom ranch brand pendant that hangs from a braided cord. And Granny! Shown here wearing a Storyteller Pendant with personal meaningful symbols.

HDC Gift Cards never expire and I am continually posting new pendants, bracelets and earrings on my website. Custom commissions are always welcome – we can talk design at any time 775-304-6756.

Remember too, that HDC collectors received a special promo code offer of 15% savings on my works of wearable art when purchased online through December 31, 2020. Find that code in your email sent November 1st with the subject line: Collectors Save at High Desert Creations.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a blessed new year!

ATTEND the LAST WEEKEND of HITH

Welcome to HITH/HDC Studio #11 for the last weekend of the Hidden In The Hills Tour this weekend – November 27-28-29! Be sure to make it a point to come by, try on and acquire my original works of wearable art.

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High Desert Creations private studio open 10 am – 5 pm during the Hidden In The Hills Tour & Sale.

Show up and let me show you my line of Western, Southwestern, and Contemporary works of wearable art. I will be available to chat about collaborating with you on a custom piece that expresses your distinct vision.

Come to HDC/HITH Studio #11

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You, your family, your friends, your neighbors and everyone are invited to attend the Hidden In The Hills Event this coming weekend: Friday 20 – Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 and next weekend: Friday 27 – Saturday 28 – Sunday 29. As part of the circle of creativity, your enthusiasm and monetary support contribute greatly to the vibrancy of our local arts community – thank you!  

My talented guest artists and I are excited to see you soon at Studio #11. Be reassured, for your comfort and well-being, safety measures will be in place.   

RECOGNITION for HIGH DESERT CREATIONS

I’m so pleased to be recognized so often by the Sonoran Arts League!

This year my work was highlighted in an email sent out to hundreds and hundreds of art lovers by the Hidden In The Hills Committee on November 7 – below is the excerpt.

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It’s exciting because Elizabeth Butler and Jason Napier are guest artists at Mark Lewanski’s Studio #12 which is right next door to High Desert Creations! Coincidentally, Napier’s whimsical bronze sculpture “Weedeater” is on the cover of the 2020 HITH Artist Directory! Remember too, that Studio #13 - cuvée art - is also next door. This outstanding trifecta of studios showcasing 15 talented, professional artists – working in diverse mediums – are all within easy walking distance of each other during a perfect day in the desert.  

Additionally, my image and artwork that was featured on last year’s HITH poster is now being shown in the rolling visuals on the Sonoran Arts League homepage.

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“The Beginning Of Happiness” Pendant showcases a magnificent Turquoise stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM, set in sterling silver, with sterling silver accents. Pendant measures 3¼” x 2½” and hangs from an 18” wheat weave chain. This piece looks amazing when layered with other pieces, like Navajo pearls.

Here’s the full poster from 2019 – many, but not all, of the artists below will be participating in this year’s 2020 event. Note studios numbers have changed in 2020.  

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And I was recently interviewed by the well-known, hard-working, successful PR person, Sue Kern-Fleischer for an article on High Desert Creations that could be published in the “Scottsdale Independent” – so be on the lookout for that in the next few weeks. Sue also thinks this is a great angle for TV and will do her best to pitch it!

Hidden In The Hills Studios #11, #12 & #13 look forward to seeing you, your family, and friends on the weekends before and after Thanksgiving. Come early for the best selections and acquire works that you feel you just must have – for yourself, your home or for gifts. As many artists do, I welcome commissions and will be available to chat with you about your design vision.  

HDC Gift Cards & HITH Studio #11

High Desert Creations (HDC) is offering gift cards for all occasions.

Celebrate Special Occasions! As the gift-giving Holiday Season fast approaches, HDC Gift Cards are a welcome present for family and friends.  Honor those on your list by selecting a value (from $75 & up) toward the purchase of a Kathi Turner original work of wearable art. The happy recipient will receive a message from you, a numbered code and the amount of the gift card that can be used toward the final purchase. The recipient can select their favorite at Metalsmithing or I’d be happy to collaborate with the recipient on a custom piece.

Simply select the value of the HDC Gift Card and complete the form.

Purchasing this digital gift card creates a unique code. The gift card recipient can enter this code at checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total.

Remember, High Desert Creations Gift Cards hold their value and never expire.

Pleased to be partnering with City Sun Times on this HDC advert – see more of HITH in the CST November issue.

Pleased to be partnering with City Sun Times on this HDC advert – see more of HITH in the CST November issue.

Beginning in just two weeks (Friday, November 20), the public is invited to attend the annual Hidden In The Hills Tour & Sale. Participating private studios in N. Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek will be open 10 am – 5 pm during 6 days on the weekends before and after Thanksgiving.  

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HDC Studio #11 is located at 31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale, AZ  85266

(N Scottsdale Rd & E Lone Mountain Rd)

I look forward to seeing you soon and showing you my original Western, Southwestern & Contemporary styles of pendants, bracelets and earrings.

Ideas? Go With It!

Your ideas are always welcome and I’m always interested in your “go with it” to create custom works of wearable art that fulfills your ideas!

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Go With It, Billie Morken! Several years ago, I worked with Billie’s design idea and created a custom “Stirrup” pendant with a “swinging” picture jasper stone as centerpiece. Recently, Billie requested a variation – a “swinging” ranch brand centerpiece – a great interchangeable idea.

In addition to fbk comments by: Lynda Kelly ~ These are just amazing, great job; Barbara Hunter ~ A really beautiful set; Nadine Kilts~ Gorgeous; Sherie Fisher ~ Perfect; followers overwhelmingly commented “beautiful” and stunning”.

In addition to fbk comments by: Lynda Kelly ~ These are just amazing, great job; Barbara Hunter ~ A really beautiful set; Nadine Kilts~ Gorgeous; Sherie Fisher ~ Perfect; followers overwhelmingly commented “beautiful” and stunning”.

Go With It, Karen Wade! In Native American culture the arrowhead is thought to deflect negative energy. Earlier this year, I designed and created a meaningful “Deflecting Negative Energy” pendant acquired by Karen Wade, Shawnee, OK whose husband is the head auctioneer for the well-known Superior Livestock Auction held in mid-summer in Winnemucca – along with the Superior Arts & Crafts show that I participate in. Two Kingman turquoise stones are split by the sterling silver arrowhead – all set-in a hand stamped sterling silver backing. When asked to create a pair of earrings to go with it, I selected two triangular shaped Kingman turquoise stones set in hand-stamped sterling silver.  

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Go With It, Mom! These turquoise stones belonged to a loving Grandmother and Mom commissioned me to use these precious stones to create three similar yet different pendants for the three granddaughters.

You can reach me at 775-304-6756 or via email kathi98445@yahoo.com. I’ll be happy to chat and collaborate with you so you can “go with it” too!

Winnemucca’s namesake: Sarah Winnemucca

As a long-time resident of Winnemucca, I’m proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of Native American Sarah Winnemucca – advocate, educator and author – who was born near Humbolt Lake, Nevada. Born into the tribe known among whites as the Northern Paiute and named Thocmetony (Shell Flower), she roamed with her people over western Nevada and eastern Oregon, gathering plants and fish from local lakes.

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First in Her Field, Sarah Winnemucca Dedicated Her Life to Protecting Native Americans as the United States Expanded in the 1880s Photo credit: Smithsonian Institute

As Winnemucca grew up and realized that white settlers were staying in her land, she began adopting Anglo-American habits – taking on the Christian name Sarah – mastering English and Spanish. She and her sister briefly attended a convent school in California until complaints were made by wealthy parents of other schoolchildren.

Sarah Winnemucca’s life’s work focused on pursuing friendly relationships – acting as an interpreter between American and Native cultures to help her people. Over the years she served US forces as a messenger, scout, interpreter and guide, and as well as a teacher for imprisoned Native Americans.

She became an advocate for the rights of Native Americans and went to Washington D.C. to lobby Congress for the release of the Paiute tribe when they were interned in a concentration camp at Yakima, Washington.

Winnemucca became a lecturer and performer dramatizing the plight of reservation Indians, showing up as an “Indian Princess” in native dress. She told a reporter, “I would be the first Indian woman who ever spoke before white people, and they don’t know what the Indians have got to stand sometimes.” She described the abuses of reservation agents and in return, she was called “a drunk, a gambler and a whore”.

Winnemucca became famous in 1883 when sisters Elizabeth Palmer Peabody and Mary Peabody Mann, important educators and scholars, invited her to lecture in New England. Winnemucca spoke nearly 300 times throughout New England, meeting famous people along the way:  John Greenleaf Whittier, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Senator Henry Dawes. “The lecture was unlike anything ever before heard in the civilized world—eloquent, pathetic, tragical at times; at others [her] quaint anecdotes, sarcasms, and wonderful mimicry surprised the audience again and again into bursts of laughter and rounds of applause,” wrote a reporter from “The Daily Silver State” in 1879.

Later, she abandoned lecturing. Tired, disillusioned and disheartened, she focused her energies on establishing a school for Paiute children, teaching them to read and write in English and providing them with training in marketable skills – until the school was closed due to the 1887 Dawes Act mandating that Native children be taught in white-run, English-only schools.

In addition to the name of my Nevada township, I have another affinity with Sarah Winnemucca. I lived in Ellensburg, Washington where my interest and love for Native American Indian culture originated. Largely self-taught over a 14-year period, I learned the traditional beading techniques from the elder women of the Yakima Tribe. My exquisitely intricate neckpieces have been featured in magazines and collected by patrons across the nation. 

My imagination, my creativity, my original pattern. For the person who wants something no one else has, or will have since this is the only one made, a creative piece created as a mini tapestry. When not being worn around the neck, it’s been popular to store these pieces in a shadow box - adding another dimension of artwork to the piece.

Call Me Country” features a peyote stitch using delica seed beads makes for a uniform design. Tapestry measures 4" x 3¾ " not including twisted fringe. Neckpiece of silver wire wrap, pink coral, amethyst, aventurine, with a sterling silver lizard clasp toggle. This was the first piece incorporating a spotted horse. 

(left)Cowgirl Up” All my cowgirls are inspired by the southwest artwork of Doreman Burns, NM. Peyote stitch of delica seed beads create a tapestry that hangs from a sterling silver engraved bar. Neckpiece is a combination of faceted quartz, faceted lapis and silver beads with a sterling silver southwest style clasp. Focal bead tapestry is 3 ½” x ½” x 3 ¼"; neckpiece is 21" long.

(right)Prosperity” The American Indian symbol of the beaver represents prosperity. Focal bead artistry tapestry (4” x 3”) hangs from a handmade copper bar and a neckpiece of beautiful labradorite beads.

Currently, I work out of two beautiful studios, one in Winnemucca (left) – Nevada’s cowboy and ranching country – one in North Scottsdale (right) – in the heart of Arizona’s artistic world. Both are open by appointment.

My studio is my solitary place – a place where I bring together all aspects of me – the artist, the rancher, the wife/mother/sister/daughter – each piece contains a little of my heart and soul and some of this beautiful world we live in”.