I'm Not Just A One Style Pony!

Do you know that I design and create contemporary styled jewelry?  My first love is envisioning and bringing to reality my western/southwestern creations, however, I equally enjoy imagining and producing simple jewelry with a modern twist. These pieces still incorporate what I’m known for; sterling silver and copper, with turquoise and other beautiful stones embedded, but with a chic twist.  As always they are my own unique designs.

Maybe contemporary is not your style, but you might be looking for a one of a kind of handmade and unique piece for the special person in your life that does?  What a genius gift! 

See below for just a few of my fresh, contemporary and stylish pieces. All are available for purchase here on my website Available Pieces  - or - I’m always available to work with you to create the perfect one just for you. Don’t be shy - get in touch with me at : kathi89445@yahoo.com or call 775-304-6756.

Clockwise from Top Left: “Dancing in the Field”, “The Loving Heart”, “The Wisdom to Know the Difference” and “Wishing You Well”

William Sampson (September 27, 1933-June 3, 1987)

We knew this fine man well. He spent many a week end with us, when we ranched in Ellensburg WA. Met him originally during the Western Art Show that was held during the Ellensburg Rodeo every year. I have two of his original sketches that he drew for us on one of his weekends at our house. His remark at the time, this is how Charlie Russell paid for his keep. He was a very interesting and kind man, very soft spoken, and very proud of his heritage. He commissioned me to bead him a medicine bag cover, in a requested design that meant something special to him and his people. Sonny will forever represent a special time in our ranching time in Eastern Washington. RIP you are missed by so many.

William Sampson

William Sampson Jr. (September 27, 1933 – June 3, 1987) was a Native American painter, actor, and rodeo performer. He is best known for his performance as the apparent deaf and mute Native American Chief Bromden in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and as Crazy Horse in the 1977 western The White Buffalo, as well as his roles as Taylor in Poltergeist II: The Other Side and Ten Bears in 1976's The Outlaw Josey Wales.

William "Will" Sampson Jr., also known by his childhood nickname, "Sonny," a Muscogee Creek man, was born in Okmulgee County,

Sampson competed in rodeos (his specialty being bronco busting), for about twenty years. He was on the rodeo circuit when producers Saul Zaentz and Michael Douglas—of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest—were looking for a large Native American to play the role of Chief Bromden. Sampson stood an imposing 6'7" tall. Rodeo announcer Mel Lambert mentioned Sampson to them, and after lengthy efforts to find him, they hired him on the strength of an interview. He had never acted before.

Sampson was an artist. His large painting depicting the Ribbon Dance of the Muscogee (Creek) is in the collection of the Creek Council House Museum in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. His artwork has been shown at the Gilcrease Museum and the Philbrook Museum of Art. In 1983 he founded and served on the board of directors of the American Indian Registry for the Performing Arts.

Sampson suffered from scleroderma, a chronic degenerative condition that affected his heart, lungs, and skin. During his lengthy illness, his weight fell from 260 lb to 140 lb , causing complications related to malnutrition. After undergoing a heart and lung transplant at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, he died on June 3, 1987, of post-operative kidney failure. Sampson was 53 years old

Hello from Winnemucca

Summer is here - so that means I’m in my studio in Winnemucca, in northern Nevada.

I’m very blessed to be able to call 2 cities home. Each with its own beauty and natural spaces. And I’m certainly blessed to have a full studio in each.

I’ve finished setting up my studio here, which is in the barn. Hearing the chickens and smelling horses always sparks my creativity.

At least to me! Can’t wait to see and share with you what this beautiful setting inspires me to create.

Wishing you all a very happy beginning of summer ~ Kathi

Father’s Day is Sunday June 18th

Look no further for a very special gift that’s just perfect for a very special Dad.

I don’t only create beautiful jewelry for women, but I also design pieces specifically for men too - as you can see from the photos below.

"Winning The West"

"High Chaparral" Bolo Tie

"To the Last Steer"

"The Tribal Warrior"

Give him a pendant on a heavier weight chain - or a one of a kind Bolo Tie.   Designed and made by me in Stirling Silver, Copper and Turquoise. All four are available and can be delivered in time for Dad’s big day. Click on each photo for more information and to purchase.

Gift Cards are also available!

I hope all of the amazing Dad’s out there have a fun day! ~ Kathi

Spring in the Sonoran Desert

Spring has sprung outside my studio.  As you can see by the photos below, the desert here in Arizona is putting on quite a show! I just had to share with you.
Feast your eyes on the magnificent beauty just outside my door!

Happy Spring to You All ~ Kathi

Beautiful Gifts For Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is right around the corner!

Jewelry is always a wonderful gift for any Mom, something she will love, appreciate and cherish -especially since it’s from you!

From necklaces to earrings, rings and bracelets, there is bound to be something that catches your eye.

Here are just a few of pieces I currently have available.   Click on each photo to see each in detail, get more information, and to purchase.

"The Loving Heart"

"Mission Cross Earrings"

"Lessons Learned"

"Dancing in the Field"

There are many more beautiful pieces to see on on my website - click here to view the gallery.   

If nothing appeals to you in the gallery - you could always purchase a gift card for her to choose her favorite jewelry piece.  Click here to purchase a gift card. 

Wishing all of the wonderful Mothers out there a very Happy Day! 

Kathi

My Trusted Companion - Lilly Jane

Lilly Jane, came to me as a puppy 5 years ago, after a long sad time after I lost my first Border Collie Jane. My Border Collies have always been special not only as a close friend, but a great working partner on our ranches. Today’s Lilly Jane has become just as loyal and such a great studio companion and studio buddy. Most of you, who have dogs as family members, understand just what I feel. The pictures reflect our time together, in both studios in Arizona and my barn studio in Nevada.

Delighted Clients!

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been thrilled to receive photos of women wearing the pieces they bought or commissioned for themselves, or received as a special gift. One of my very favorites things is the opportunity to see my jewelry modeled so beautifully by happy clients. I’m so gratified to know that something I’ve designed and created can bring joy and happiness to people. Thank you all for your purchases, you made my day by sending me these photos!

Recently Created Wearable Works of Art.

I’ve been busy! 

I’m proud to present to you just a few of my newest adornments. Each is one of a kind, imaginatively created. Click on each for full information.

Ps- Custom commissions are welcome!

"Let's Ride First Class"

"Copper Bridges Bracelet"

"Small Cross Earrings"

"Traditions"

Happy 2023

To All Of My Clients, Supporters and Friends,

As the New Year starts, I want to take a moment to thank you for your patronage and interest.
I am so grateful for each and everyone of you.

Wishing for you all the very best for the upcoming year.

May your New Year flourish with new discoveries, wonderful inspirations and happiness to fill your heart.

~ Kathi

Thank You & Come Again!

I was very pleased to have many, many visitors come to High Desert Creations during the HITH Tour.

The event was a great success - thanks to the enthusiasm, patronage, and support artists received from all who attended - you absolutely add to our inspiration.

Thanks for coming and come again. I am now open by appointment - contact me Kathi89445@yahoo.com or 775-304-6756

It’s rare that I create a set of pieces, yet these Tyrone Turquoise stones called out to become the focal point of a bracelet and earring set - even more stunning when seen in person.

“Day Dreaming Of Success” Tyrone Turquoise stones cut by Jason Brousseau, NM set in sterling silver. Onyx stones anchor earrings - leverback fastenings lift lightly for all day easy wear. Earrings measure 3" x ½". Bracelet is of lightweight sterling silver for easy adjustment. Bracelet measures 3" x 1½".

Thanks again! Come again! Commissions welcome.

HITH Tour only 3 more days to go

 High Desert Creations Studio #17 had a great turnout of visitors and collectors during the first weekend of the Hidden In The Hills Tour - the second weekend is coming up November 25-26-27. Be sure to go! Be sure to go to Studio #17 at 31616 N 70th Street in North Scottsdale 85266!

Cherie came by - she was attracted to strings of copper beads saying she had never seen anything like these before. It was her birthday and she gifted herself. On a previous HITH Tour she took home one of my beaded neckpieces - “Cowgirl Up”.

I’ll be happy to share my techniques with you - take a look/see at me at my bench creating another work of wearable art.

Jump On It!

Get a jump on the Hidden In The Hills Tour & Sale and attend the opening day - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18. High Desert Creations Studio #17, hosted by jewelry designer Kathi Turner and featuring four talented guest artists, will be open 10 am - 5 pm. Come early and get a jump on viewing and choosing from the greatest selection of many of the greatest works of original art available on the tour!

Find us at 31616 N. Scottsdale Road (N. Scottsdale Rd & E. Lone Mountain Rd)

All three studios in this triangle - Mark Lewinski Glass Studio #15, Cuvee Art Studio #16 and High Desert Creations Studio #17 are within walking distance of each other. Jump on it and enjoy the Sonoran Desert setting, the dynamic artists, their creative process, and artwork that you can take home.

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

Showcasing HDC Pendants!

I’m so pleased to be featured in Cowgirl Magazine. Pendants on my website are visually exciting - in Cowgirl Magazine they are showcased in truly stunning designs by Julie Bergman/Coyote House in Cave Creek. See for yourself!

"Dream Maker" sterling silver designer cast horse drops from a Kingman Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. Pendant measures 3" x 1¾" and hands from an 18" wheat weave style chain.

“All The Pretty Horses” Turquoise stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM set in sterling silver beneath designer cast sterling silver horse. Pendant measures 3½" x 3" and hangs from an 18" neckpiece of 8mm sterling silver Navajo Pearls.

I celebrate my affinity for fellow ranchers by creating custom commission ranch brand pendants – for women, men and children.

“Broken Circle Ranch Brand” Tyrone Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. Pendant measures 3¼" x 2½" and hangs from an 18" neckpiece of graduated sterling silver Navajo Pearls.

“The Wisdom To Know The Difference” Ceremonial Kingman Turquoise stones cut by Johnson Lapidary, Tucson, AZ are set in sterling silver. Pendant measures 3½" x 1⅛" and hangs from a 16" vintage neckpiece of graduated Navajo Pearls.  

“Serenity Spirit” sterling silver pendant showcases a sterling silver designer cast horse. The pendant measures 2" round and hangs from a 16" neckpiece of silver and turquoise heishi beads.

See more of my works of wearable art during the Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale November 18-19-20 and 25-26-27. High Desert Creations STUDIO #17 will be open these six days on the weekends before and after Thanksgiving 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Visit, try on and make your selection(s) from a wide range of pendants, bracelets and earrings.

Cowgirl Magazine is a great read - informative and fun and interesting and relevant to cowgirls of all ages and to those who love the cowgirl style. Find print editions, digital editions, back issues, sign up for the newsletter, give a gift and subscribe  - all at /cowgirlmagazine.com/

2022 Hidden In The Hills Tour & Sale

In just four weeks the 2022 Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale begins.

High Desert Creations Studio #17 will be open to the public from

10 am - 5 pm on November 18-19-20 & 25-26-27.

I am pleased to announce the return of the HDC talented/professional guest artists:  

Morrie Elmer: sonoranartsleague.site-ym.com/members/?id=69318935

Jan Griggs: jangriggsfineart.com/

Barbara Rudolph: barbararudolphfineart.com

Rob Stenberg: sonoranartsleague.site-ym.com/members/?id=68964488

Barbara, Jan and Morrie are undercover - sharing space in the large, well-lit garage (bathroom location as well) and Rob takes the tent.

I will be in my private working studio abundant with original pendants, bracelets and earrings. I’m happy to share my jewelry-making process and techniques with you.

We all look forward to your visit to

High Desert Creations Studio #17

31616 N. 70th Street in North Scottsdale

PHONE NUMBER: 775-304-6756

PUT A RING ON IT

Rings & Earrings - remarkable original works of wearable art that always look and feel just right. The rings below showcase Kingman Turquoise cut by Jeff Hansen, Tucson, AZ. Rings are substantial and comfortably fit middle or index finger. One ring is surrounded by signature accents rope and longhorn; the other surrounded by feathers. Speaking of feathers - my sterling silver earrings are light as a feather and are also very comfortable.

left: “Home On The Range” a stunning Kingman Mohave Turquoise with brass infusion is set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents. right: “Lesson’s Learned” a Kingman Mohave stone is set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents.

Both rings size 8 - return for full refund if not a perfect fit.

left: “Hope & Freedom” sterling silver earrings with wire hooks measure 2½" x ¾". The feather is known to represent strength & growth as well as hope & freedom. right: "A Mission" sterling silver mission cross floats on sterling silver die-cut patterned earrings with wire hooks and measure 1½" x 1½". Earrings are lightweight/easy wear.

Embossed Earrings - it’s a Process

A die is described as an object that gives its form to another object - like a gelatin or butter mold. In jewelry making, a sheet of sterling silver is cut and shaped by pressing together two steel dies to create a raised pattern - a technique known as embossing. Matching designs are used - the one designed in relief fits into a die that has the design hollowed out.

left: "Cross" die stamped embossed sterling silver post earrings measure 2¾" x 1½". right: "Small Cross" die stamped embossed sterling silver post earrings measure 2¼" x 1". Earrings are lightweight/easy wear.

left: "Oval" die stamped embossed sterling silver post earrings measure 3½" x 1½". right: "Mission Cross" die stamped patterned sterling silver post earrings measure 2¼" x 1½" . Earrings are lightweight/easy wear.

The Solitary Stone

A bracelet – a cuff – a wrist ornament that holds another showpiece – the solitary stone. A work of wearable art that is admired – at a glance – especially by the wearer.  

“All The Light We Cannot See” flashes a Mohave Turquoise in one of my favorite color combinations: turquoise and copper with a touch of purple. Surrounded by sterling silver twisted rope and accents, stone is set in a copper embossed textured bracelet measuring 1" at its widest.  This very comfortable to wear piece fits an average 6" size wrist.

One of my stonecutters, Jason Brousseau, explained the Mohave Stone as composite materials in turquoise, green or purple. At the Kingman Mine, they take all the turquoise scraps and recycle them. They stabilize them, dye them, mix them with a bronze matrix and compress them into blocks so lapidary artists can cut cabs. It's beautiful stuff.

Rave reviews from Facebook followers: Cindy Townsend – That combination is gorgeous!!  Bonnie Gier Strasburger – This is just breathtaking!  Carol Akers – So beautiful, reminds me of the desert.  Jeanne Snider Bennett – Drop dead beautiful!!!  Lori Devlin - Oh my! Your bracelets are lovely!  Georgia Marshall – Oh this is a beauty!!!  Virginia B. Smith – Simply beautiful. Bonnie Bass Rigdon – Gorgeous!

A plain sheet of sterling silver holds all possibilities!  “Liberty” cuff features a centerpiece of oval onyx in a bezel setting on a 1" wide sterling silver hand-stamped band that fits an average 6" size wrist.

The Onyx stone is thought to have a restorative nature – like the stillness of the night sky – inspiring feelings of personal power – dispelling self-doubt and anxiety for a richer, more meaningful life experience.

“Plateau Of Dreams” showcases a #8 Turquoise stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. The famous #8 Mine is one of the greater American Mines located in Eureka County just north of Carlin, Nevada. Stone is set on a sterling silver roller printed platform bracelet measuring 2" x 1½" with sterling silver accents.

Followers enthusiastic praise: Kelli Brewer – Beautiful.  Gaynor Edwards – Lovely piece!  Teri Higgs – AWESOME   Barbara Greenwood – Gorgeous bracelet.  Barbara Hunter – Love this.

A solitary stone set in sterling silver creates a solid show-off statement piece.

Longhorn: living symbol of the old west

Remembering a dear friend, Raymond Henney. Some years ago, Raymond saw my High Desert Creations full-page advertisement in Southwest Art Magazine. He called just to tell me what I was doing was a unique, rustic style – and to not change what I was doing. After that he called me quite often to talk arts, and to find out what I was currently working on. Talk about an encouraging, inspiring man. A man who appreciated the old west.

This is one of the last photos taken of Raymond in late 2020 – still wearing a pendant I’d made for him. Raymond owned several businesses in Stockton, CA and he often used the Longhorn as a logo.

And as the owner of Henney Gallery, Raymond followed his passion. He loved art – had an eye for art – and especially enjoyed art house auctions.

Remembering Raymond Henney. I never met him, and felt I lost a dear friend. 

Intensely Lovely Lapis

Lapis Lazuli is known as a stone of wisdom, intuition and truth. It has endless connections to ancient cultures/civilizations across time and space.

Italy: Ground and processed into powder, it produced the intense, but expensive, ultramarine color favored by the painter, Michelangelo.

Japan: Buddhists recommended Lapis as a stone to bring inner peace and freedom from negative thought

England: During the Renaissance, Catherine the Great adorned an entire room in her palace with Lapis Lazuli walls, fireplaces, doors, and mirror frames.

Egypt: The golden sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen was richly inlaid with Lapis, as were other burial ornaments of Egyptian kings and queens. It was used extensively in scarabs, pendants, and other jewelry, and ground into powder for dyes, eye shadow, and medicinal elixirs.

(l) “Sacred Journey” a deeply celestial blue Lapis stone, cut by Jason Brousseau, NM, is set in sterling silver. Pendant measures 3” x 1½" and hangs from an 18" wheat weave chain.

(r) “Round & Round & Round We Go” features a powerful Lapis stone set in a trio of sterling silver textured discs. Pendant measures 2¼" x 1¼".

“State Of Mind” a glowing centerpiece of Lapis stone set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents received the following comments from fkb followers: Denise Jansky Such a dramatic blue.  Marie Fisher Dunn I am a huge Lapis fan! This is beautiful!!! 💙💙💙  Kristen Dale Truitt Love at first sight.  Paula Miller Potts Luv this luv Lapis!!!  Patricia Watt The blue lapis is great a nice color of blue.  Sue Faw Exquisite.  Barbara Hunter Stunning! Love that stone.  Carol Akers Love the lapis stone beautiful.  Denise Schooler Very cool.  Delfie Lopez Gorgeous! Marilyn Root Brilliant!  Carlene Polsley Williams Magnificent.  Paul Smith That is beautiful Lapis. The quality is exquisite.

ALL in for ARIZONA COPPER

Copper, cotton, cattle, citrus and climate are known as the 5 Cs that characterize Arizona. In this perfect arid environment, the state claims the largest cluster of copper deposits in the United States.

"Open Heart Garnet" a January Birthstone is set in a textured copper pendant measuring 1¼" x 1¾" and hangs from an adjustable 16"-18" Viking knit copper chain.

“Ways Of The Heart” showcases a heart shaped Tyrone Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM set on a textured copper heart. Pendant measures 1½" x 2" and hangs from a 18" Viking knit chain. Created with the practice of love & understanding in mind & heart.

“Heart To Heart” an awesome Apatite Agate is centerpiece to a combination of complementing metals: sterling silver & copper. Pendant measures 2" x 1½" and hangs from an 18" small rolo style copper chain.

“Three Times The Love” tiers of stacked textured hearts feature a clear cool green agate. Pendant measures 1¼" x 1" and hangs from an adjustable 16"-18" Viking knit copper chain.

(l) “Intermission Calls” a sterling silver Native American designed symbol and turquoise stone accent are set in copper. Pendant measures 2½" x 2" and hangs from a 18" large loop chain.

“Could We Talk” an embossed copper concho is simply set in copper. Pendant measures 2¼" x 1" and hangs from an 18" rolo style copper chain.

“Srong Feelings” presents an embossed copper concho set into textured copper. Pendant measures 1" round and hangs from an 18" Viking knit style copper chain.

“Dove The Messenger" a sterling silver dove settles on a textured copper cross with sterling silver accents. Pendant measures 2½" x 1¼" and hangs from an 18" Viking knit style chain.

“For Love And Faith" a sterling silver designer cast cross is set on textured copper. Pendant measures 2½" x 1¼" and hangs from an 18" rein style chain.

“Embrace” feathered-edged textured copper cuff showcases a one-inch Turquoise Stone centerpiece and measures ¾" by 6".

Centuries ago, magma streamed from volcanos, then cooled, releasing water which eventually carried copper into the earth’s upper crust. Multiple earthquakes followed – which caused faults – bringing the copper much nearer to the land surface in large parts of southern and central Arizona.  

Turner Brangus Ranch - 50+ Years!

It’s time to share some of Turner Brangus Ranch history. When we purchased the Altnow Ranch in Drewsey, OR in 1981, the ranch had been in the Altnow Family just one year shy of 100 years. Joe Altnow said that his grandfather charged 10 cents a head for sheep to drink out of Altnow lake. Back then, a horse and Fresno was used to put in the lake.

You can see the outline of Oregon State behind the Brangus Bull and our Rafter Lazy T Ranch Brand is on both the right and the left in our entrance signage. We were located in Harney County where cowboys are kings. We sure felt like a king and a queen.  

Many of you must wonder why I sign my name on back the of my pieces, along with our Brand. In more than 50 years of ranching, the "Rafter Lazy T" Ranch Brand has been a big part of our life. All our cattle carried this iron on the mid-section – all our horses were branded on the stifle. Just sharing a bit of pride.

(above left) This is the “Rafter Lazy T” ranch brand pendant – just a simple design that I made for myself. Ranch brands are just so special and important – they represent lots of commitment, sacrifice, and rewards. Rafter Lazy T has been with us a long time and it will always be a part of our legacy. I’d be happy to create a pendant or bracelet with your particular ranch brand – just let me know and we can work out the design.  

(above right) “Where Cowboys Are Kings” when I created this pendant, it reminded me of the wide-open spaces of the high desert of Harney County. Accented with a little Turquoise, accented with a little silver, the longhorn for good measure – all set on a 2” x 1” copper backing that hangs from an 18” small copper square link chain. 

Together, Tom and I first began ranching in Washington State and, over a 14-year period, I learned traditional beading techniques from the elder women of the Yakima Tribe. I made the above beadwork tapestry in Oregon; this piece was created and dedicated to our Family and our Neighbors of Harney County, honoring generation Ranchers with their Brands. Notice the Rafter Lazy T Ranch Brand on the right.

Above is a picture of Tom and I at the Houston Livestock Show in Texas in 2007 - the year we were selected “Pioneer Breeder Of The Year” by the International Brangus Breeders Association and received the Bronze Trophy – and up to that point, only the 3rd time in the history of the association that the Bronze had ever been awarded.

2007 PIONEER OF THE YEAR AWARD goes to TOM & KATHI TURNER

Turner Brangus Ranch is a family-owned operation, where its sole source of income for the past 43 years has been made by a cow. Prior to 1981 the operation was strictly commercial cattle. Although the Turners are very progressive in all aspects of the Livestock business, the guidelines they use in their Purebred Brangus Cattle were adopted from their commercial operation and they still use a grass roots common sense approach to selecting their replacements, whether bulls or heifers.

The Turners cattle are born and raised on the high desert country of Southeastern Oregon, where weather conditions are not kind. Their cattle are subject not only to severe cold, but thrive and survive the dry range conditions of summer.

The Turners strive for the best genetics possible to produce offspring that will perform in any environment. The do not pamper their cattle; they have to perform based on the merits of their genetic background. They strive for performance and a strong maternal side.

This dedicated, friendly, and hospitable couple has earned the honor as the elite of the Brangus Breed – the 2007 Pioneers of the Year.

Inside and outside at the SW Brangus Breeders Bull Sale in Marana AZ.

Just a bit more about Harney County where we lived as it is famous for many things including Pete French Round Barn State Heritage Site.

The Pete French Round Barn stands in the heart of Harney County and remains a monument to one man’s livestock empire. Peter French arrived in 1872 and began amassing land and cattle. By the mid-1880s, his enterprise had grown to 70,000 acres and 45,000 head of cattle.

Although dubbed the ‘Cattle King,” French was the first rancher in the area to put up hay. He also raised thousands of sheep for their wool. The Round Barn was used to train wild horses to pull long wagon trains full of wool, hay and supplies to market in Oregon City.

Tom and I, back in the heyday, are proud to have been part of and contributed toward the vibrancy of Harney County for 50+ years at Turner Brangus Ranch!