FOCUS on TEXTURES

As I’ve already mentioned, my metalsmithing skills are self-taught and with a torch in hand, I learned to work with mixed-metals and hand-picked stones to create pendants, bracelets and earrings in Western, Southwestern and Contemporary styles. My mixed-metals are sterling silver and/or 100% copper and, while I use many different stones, I love to showcase turquoise shaped by master cutters.

I’m continually experimenting with different techniques and wanted to show a few pieces that I have added a texture to by hand – textures that are created by hand-hammering, stamping/pressing, etching, or the use of a rolling mill, as well as impression die forms – pictured right.

“Whisper My Name” Pendant features a centerpiece of Australian Variscite below a handmade impression die stamped accent – all sterling silver. A significant, new deposit discovery of Australian Variscite in 2003 is producing a wide range of colors – this calming color is one of my favorites. Variscite is known for being webbed with gold which is unevenly distributed in the stone and as “spiderweb variscite” is highly sought after for cutting cabochons. Variscite is considered to be one of the rarer and lesser-known collector's gemstones available today.

“Remembering Yesterday” There’s lots of movement in this pendant which features a Campo Turquoise as centerpiece, cut and shaped by Outlaw Lapidary, Tombstone, AZ. The backing is a combination of sterling silver and copper enhanced by a handmade impression die copper concho. The pendant measures 3” x 1¼” and hangs from an 18” copper Rolo Chain.

Impression die and hand cutouts/shapes were used to create accents on these pendants.

This is my workbench and the large green machine top right is the rolling press mill which I operate manually. Stamping (also known as pressing) is the process of placing flat sheet metal in either blank or coil form into a rolling press mill where a tool and die surface forms the metal into shape.

“Don’t Fence Me In” Pendant showcases a highly coveted New Lander Turquoise and has the beautiful clarity and depth of Variscite. Mined in Lander County Nevada, around Battle Mountain/Austin area, this stone was cut by Jason Brousseau, New Mexico and is framed by a cut out of roller printed sterling silver. My signature symbol Barbwire and an Arizona Sun accent the piece measuring 2¼” x 1¾” inches and hangs from an 18” wheat weave chain.

“Just A Little Secret” pendant of roller printed copper backing accented with bits of sterling silver, showcases a lovely Lapis stone. Pendant measures 1 ½” x ¾”and hangs from an adjustable antique copper 16-18” Viking Knit patterned chain.

Collector Jo E. Caruso enthusiastically acquired this piece: Just sayin'...can't wait...something about it I just love. Not to mention the Lapis, one of my favorite stones. Thank you, Kathy!!!

“Turquoise Arrowhead” is a perfect example of hand stamping with a very perfect stone cut by Tim Barney, Reshape Nature, Sparks, Nevada. The arrowhead, symbolizing courage, strength and protection, is set in a sterling silver backing measuring 2” x 1¼” and hangs from an 18” Viking Knit pattern chain. I think you’ll agree that this is a very much his/hers style of pendant.

"Heart Throb" Scarf Slide showcases an outstanding and expressive Turquoise stone, shaped by master cutter, Jason Brousseau, New Mexico. Classic antique style sterling silver hand-stamped heart with die accents measures 1¾” x 1¾”.

Because I stamp and texturize by hand, the imprints are not always uniform or perfect, but it is a characteristic that indicates the authenticity of my original works of wearable art.   

Custom Ranch Brand Pendant for Rodeo Queen: CJ Canady

CJ (Casi) Canady won the title of Wheeler County Rodeo Queen and mom Shannon was so proud that she commissioned a custom ranch brand! I was pleased to commemorate CJ’s achievement by creating this special brand for her.

Held at the Wheeler County Fairgrounds in North Central Oregon, the contestants competed rain or shine and they had both during the tryouts – plus glorious sunsets.

Miss Wheeler County Rodeo Queen is an ambassador for the Wheeler County Fair & Rodeo and Wheeler County as a whole. CJ and her companion Princess, Makenna Gales, went out and about all rodeo season attending over 20 rodeos and events.

Currently, CJ has been attending Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Oregon and has her sights set on the nursing program.

While CJ is not part of the Pendleton Round-Up, I want to share this video posted on the Wheeler Country Fair facebook page because it shows the vibrancy and fun loving spirit of today’s cowgirls. Please click for a most enjoyable video featuring Sydney Jones, Kayla Fossek, Addie Kilgore, Mallory Walters, Raelin Davis, Robie Davis, and Kaia John:

https://www.facebook.com/pendletonroundup/videos/2391677077824898/?t=132

I’m always happy to collaborate – together our creativity is limitless! Please contact me via email: kathi89445 or phone: 775-304-6756 to commission a custom ranch brand for yourself or as a gift.

NEW! HDC Gift Cards Available NOW!

High Desert Creations is pleased to offer HDC Gift Cards online now through August 31, 2020.

Celebrate Mother’s Day, Graduation, Birthdays, Anniversaries and Special Occasions with your designated recipient by contributing a selected monetary value toward the purchase of a Kathi Turner original made-by-hand pendant, bracelet or pair of earrings. The happy recipient will receive a personal message from you, a numbered code and the amount of the gift card that can be used toward the final purchase. It’s easy for the recipient to view and choose from designs under the Metalsmithing tab https://www.highdesertcreations.com/shop-metalsmithing and select a favorite or I’d be happy to collaborate with the recipient on a custom piece.

Gift Cards are found under the SHOP tab – simply click https://www.highdesertcreations.com/giftcards to easily select the monetary value you wish to give and complete the purchase form.

Remember, High Desert Creations Gift Cards NEVER EXPIRE!

Nevada State Pendant for Miss Rodeo Nevada

Kathi's sponsorship and dedication to our organization is treasured.  Chris Lemke President/National Director of the Miss Rodeo Nevada Board of Directors

Jennifer Fisk outgoing 2019 Miss Rodeo Nevada

Dear Kathi, I was so excited to receive the beautiful necklace in the mail. It made it here safe and sound. it will look lovely on Jen and I can't wait to present it to her. She will be getting it Friday night so she can wear it all weekend before she puts the crown on another lucky young lady's head. Your support is so appreciated and we're so lucky to have such a beautiful and personal gift to give these outgoing queens. Thanks so much! Sincerely, Chris Lemke

The sun sets on another great adventure. For the last 4 years I’ve dedicated my heart and soul to the sport of professional rodeo. God gave me a lifestyle full of constant opportunities to grow and push myself. I’ve created friendships I never imagined, developed life skills I didn’t know I’d need or want, and been places I’d never heard of. Representing the state of Nevada and the people in it amongst the rodeo industry has been a blessing. Jennifer Fisk

Miss Rodeo Nevada celebrates a 60-year tradition of promoting the sport of professional rodeo and providing opportunities for young women in the Great State of Nevada. The Miss Rodeo Nevada Association holds an annual pageant to select a young woman with the desire and ability to be a Nevada ambassador for the sport of rodeo, an educator of western lifestyle, a representative of the agricultural community as well as a young woman leader and role model to young girls. The young women compete in several categories: horsemanship, public speaking, interviews and a written exam.

Millennial Cowgirl Magazine: Me & HDC

Happy to have been featured in a two-page spread in a new online publication: Millennial Cowgirl Magazine.

COMMON GROUND & COMPATIBILITY

My sister, Lori Jo, and I have a lot in common. Our enthusiasm for ranching, for animals – horses and dogs in particular – for big sky and wide-open spaces, and mother nature in all its glory. That’s Lori Jo on the left in both pictures and I’m in the baseball cap far right.   

Because of me, Lori Jo has a soft spot for Brangus Cattle (you’ve seen this work by her in the previous blog) and I wanted to show you the real deal. This photo was taken some years back when my husband Tom and I worked our Turner Brangus Ranch in Dewsey, Oregon.

Being a part of a community of artists is important to both of us as well.

I am a long-time member of the Sonoran Arts League based in Cave Creek, AZ – the organization that coordinates the popular annual Hidden In The Hills Tour & Sale in Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale. The Tour is held on the weekends before and after Thanksgiving when my Scottsdale studio, High Desert Creations, is open to the public for six days. sonoranartsleague.org

Lori Jo is a long-time member of ARTrails of Southwest Washington based in Little Rock, WA – the organization that coordinates the popular ARTrails Annual Studio Tour held each September when Lori’s home studio, Art From My Heart at Riversbend Ranch, is open on Saturday & Sunday for two weekends in a row. artrailsofsww.org

If there is an arts organization in your area and you’re not already a member, I encourage you to find out more about it. Artists are a great group to be around – supportive and open to sharing ideas and techniques. A great place to find common ground and compatibility.

LOVE: Sisters & Sisterhood & Siblings

 “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” attributed to Isadora James. 

Sisters: I am blessed with having two remarkable and loving sisters tucked close in my heart and celebrate our lifelong sisterhood. I am the oldest, then Christine and Lori Jo the youngest – we all share a particular passion for art!      

Jewelry: Kathi Turner’s wearable art pendants designed with love especially for Christine (left) showcasing fluid freshwater pearls and for Lori Jo (right) with a centerpiece of fabulous piece of blue Fordite – in the same shade of blue as Lori’s 1979 Corvette!

Mixed-Media: Based in Ketchum, Idaho, Christine Warjone is a mixed-media, non-traditional artist and world traveler. With camera and paintbrush – using wood, metal, acrylic and canvas – she creates ‘the subject's story in a way that honors and connects.’ View Christine’s website at CWarjone.com (photos courtesy of Kathi Turner)

Watercolor: Based in Littlerock, Washington State, Lori Jo Devlin ‘captures years of observations in her dog, cat and equine portraits.’ Her love for the Great Pacific Northwest is depicted in artwork featuring the local wildlife and flora.  Lori Jo skillfully draws commissioned true-to-life tender pet portraits in her home studio: Art from My Heart. View Lori Jo’s website lorisartfrommyheart.com  (photos courtesy of Kathi Turner)

This watercolor that Lori created is of a particular breed called "Brangus" and was given to me as an extra special birthday present – notice the ear tag identifying the year I was born. I raised this type of cattle ranching on the high desert in Oregon and we named this calf “Lottory”. (photo courtesy of Kathi Turner)

Sisterhood: Not only biological – a sisterhood is made up of supportive women peers and friends. It’s a womanly affinity that happens naturally when character traits, values, interests, and personalities click with mine and I experience a deep recognition of sisterhood. I feel that affinity with each of you who connect with me and express in many ways your appreciation of my works of wearable art. I sincerely look forward to continuing and building upon our relationships.   

Siblings: I want to recognize and honor another family member, our late brother Bill Kloppmann.  He focused on a military career and was an awesome illustrator – sharing our passion for art. Here we are happily gathered to take a shuttle flight to a family get together on San Juan Island.

CELEBRATING LOVE

Yes, the upcoming Valentine’s Day celebrates love, yet love is celebrated every day.

“Soul Mates” represents two individuals, who even though there may be some indifferences, all and all they have the same goals, same ideas, and a driving love for each other. The pendant showcases a Kingman Turquoise stone set in sterling silver.

Much planning and love went into this “Soul Mates” pendant as I collaborated with Cole in Minnesota to create this special piece for his girlfriend, Emily.

Soon after, I received the following email from Emily: I just received one of your heart pendant necklaces from my boyfriend Cole in Minnesota! I cannot describe how much I love it and how thankful he picked it out! Just wanted to say that you create such beautiful work and I will be sending a picture soon!

I know this necklace is more of a statement piece but I have worn it every day, even under my scrubs, because I am so in love with it and it makes the distance from my boyfriend a little less hard when I get to see this every time I wear it. Thank you so much again. I wish you knew how much this piece means to me, and wish you all the best in the new year!

I love creating hearts! Below are two new original heart pendants:

Left: Alunite stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM set in sterling silver with copper accents.

Right: Purple Mohave stone cut by Jason Brousseau NM set in sterling silver with copper accents. Commissioned by Lynda Kelly of Meridian, ID as a 70th Birthday present to herself.

I would love to create a custom commissioned work of wearable art just for you.  Simply call me (775.304.6756) to chat about available stone colors and shapes – then we’ll work together on a special design for an original pendant of your very own.    

EVENT! HITH STUDIO #14 OPENS FRIDAY NOV. 22

The annual six-day HIDDEN IN THE HILLS TOUR & SALE will be up and running November 22-23-24 and November 29-30 and December 1 - OPEN 10 am - 5 pm.

HIGH DESERT CREATIONS is STUDIO #14 this year and welcomes back as guests the following fine artists: Morrie Elmer/wood turning, Jan Griggs/acrylic, Barbara Rudolph/oil and Rob Stenberg/mixed media, acrylic.

High Desert Creations Studio #14 is pleased to neighbor with Studio #13 cuvée art and Studio #15 Mark Lewanski Glass Studio. Conveniently located just off of N. Scottsdale Road and E. Lone Mountain Road (and straight east off of Cave Creek Road) – visitors will enjoy a pleasant and easy walk between the three.

High Desert Creations, 31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266

FREE Hidden In The Hills Directories, Maps & More!

Hidden In The Hills/On The POSTER!

I’m honored to be one of only eight artists participating in the 2019 Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale selected to appear on the official HITH poster.  

I’m sure you realize that’s me – on the left side, third image down – at my workbench.  What you may not fully realize is that my pendants are not only skillfully designed and executed, but are significantly sizable and recognizable as well. Recently, a friend was wearing one of my pendants when a passerby immediately noticed then identified it with a breezy: “that’s a Kathi Turner!”   

“The Beginning Of Happiness" Pendant – measuring 3¼”h x 2½”w – is the featured image along side of me in the poster. The pendant showcases a gorgeous Hubei Turquoise Stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM is set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents and hangs from an 18” wheat weave chain. Available as of today - CLICK ON THE IMAGE for details and pricing.

To put my work in perspective, below are two collectors proudly wearing their custom ranch brand pendants. 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.

I’m currently accepting commissions for completion by the gift-giving Holiday Season - great for both men and women!

Showing Up in City Sun Times

As in years past, I’ve been partnering with City Sun Times and here’s a selection from 2019 which I am pleased to share with you. Click on advert for extra details and pricing.

UNFORTUNATELY, “The Direction Of High Optimism” (above) featuring a sterling silver arrowhead nestled between beautiful Bumble Bee Jasper is now in the hands of a collector. FORTUNATELY, while each one of my pieces is original, I’m always happy to work with you on commission to create a similar pendant or one that we design together.

EVENT! HITH: Nov. 22-23-24 & Nov. 29-30 & Dec. 1

The HIDDEN IN THE HILLS TOUR & SALE is only a month away so MARK YOUR CALENDARS and plan to visit HIGH DESERT CREATIONS @ STUDIO #14. That’s my “Unbroken Faith” Heart Pendant on the poster below: right side - third image down.

I’ve just spent the summer in my Winnemucca Studio creating original works of wearable art just for you! Come by, try on and make your selection from a wide range of bracelets, pendants and earrings in my signature free-spirited style.

High Desert Creations will be open 10 am – 5 pm during the six-day HITH event and I’m looking forward to this special opportunity to welcome visitors, patrons and collectors to my North Scottsdale Studio at 31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 (close to the corner of N. Scottsdale Road & E. Lone Mountain Road). See you soon!

BRACELETS! Because you see them too!

Always love wearing jewelry, but bracelets have a special quality all their own – always visible to others – always providing a direct line of sight to the wearer. In front of you when you shake a hand and in front of you when you’re on the move: steering a car; smoothing a skirt; picking out that perfect apple. A bracelet receives an abundance of admiration and appreciation. Here’s a selection that deserves attention - click on the image for more information.

The “Elated Moments” Bracelet showcases a Hubei Turquoise cut by stone shaper Jason Brousseau, NM and set in sterling silver. An easy wear, everyday piece that brings with it many elated moments of enjoyment.

With a personality that could match your own, the “Soul Searching" Bracelet features an Indian Mountain Turquoise, mined in Battle Mountain Nevada, cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. The special stone is set in a sterling silver band 1” x 6” with sterling silver accents and my signature barbed wire motif – here hand-stamped on each side.

This exceptional "Dream Big" Bracelet is remarkable in its feather edge band and unique hand stamped design. Go ahead and make your dreams come true with an antique copper bracelet with a centerpiece of green toned Hubei Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. The ¾” x 6” bracelet is accented with southwest desert lizards.

The “Extreme Copper” Cuff of textured high gauge copper makes an impression in size 2” wide – very comfortable, bold and quite a statement piece for your wrist!

“Indian Mountain Has A Vision" can make your vision of owning a magnificent bracelet come true. A gorgeous Indian Mountain Indian Mountain Turquoise, mined in Battle Mountain, NV., was cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. With distinctive hand stamp design on the 18-gauge sterling silver band, the bracelet is 1”x 6”.

“On The Edge Of Someday” wows the wearer with another outstanding Hubei Turquoise – this time cut by Jeff Hanson, AZ. Easy wear 20 gauge sterling silver cuff 1” x 6” with sterling silver accents. Beautifully edgy and classy – make this “Someday” yours for every day.

The bracelets ABOVE are AVAILABLE – click on the images for more information. BELOW is a selection of bracelets that have been sold, but if there is a design or stone that you would like to enjoy on your wrist, I will work with you on commission to create your special original bracelet.

COWGIRL CONNECTIONS & COMPLIMENTS

High Desert Creations continues to build a relationship with Cowgirl Magazine and their readership. Our excellent graphic designer, Julie Bergman/Coyote House, recently designed this advertisement featuring one of my newly created bracelets titled “Big Dream” and a Ranch Brand Commission birthday gift from Betsy to her daughter Brooke. This is the advert that was sent to our Cowgirl brand manager, Geena – it will run in the Cowgirl Magazine Holiday Issue.

Happily, I’ve received a lovely note from Betsy who said that she was the most excited ever to give as a gift the brand pendant I created for Brooke’s birthday.

I was told that Brooke absolutely loved it – she immediately noticed that the turquoise stone that I had chosen for her was perfect – as was the rendering of her ranch brand.

Betsy went on to thank me “for the beautiful keepsake my Brooke will wear forever and someday pass on to her kids. It is a treasure and she was absolutely thrilled with the gift. Gratefully, Betsy”

The interesting thing is – Betsy (the mother) and Geena (our brand manager) are friends! Betsy mentioned that she had commissioned a custom ranch brand pendant for Brooke and showed Geena the photo of it I had sent. Of course, Geena recognized my work and knew who I was from the HDC advertisements. What a wild coincidence it was that we are all three connected!

The Cowgirl Magazine Holiday issue will be mailed to subscribers on September 17 and on sale October 9 - be sure to get your copy - one way or another.

RANCH BRANDS & STORYTELLER PENDANTS

As a keepsake from a mother to her daughter, via email I recently received a commission to create a special ranch brand pendant along with a photo of a drawing of her daughter’s brand.

Mom told me that daughter Brooke likes turquoise and requested a stone that was blue green with veins – something with character! Now the pendant is off to Clovis, California.

It’s easy to communicate your design and requests to me via email – with wonderful results. Also, any of my pieces can be made into a brand pendant, click the link to view my brand pendant gallery.

As a longtime rancher, I have a fondness for ranch brands and a fondness for personal story. Several years ago, I began creating my signature Storyteller pendants which feature hand-made inspirational symbols that represent several meaningful events in a person’s life.

This pendant is a combination Ranch Brand and Storyteller. Having lived in Oklahoma and now in Arkansas, the lariat joins the two together and is looped into a heart that represents her love for both states as well as her brand.

I would love to create one especially for you, too!

PENDANTS for MISS RODEO NEVADA 2017 & 2018 & 2019

Each spring, an accomplished young woman is selected to be Miss Rodeo Nevada who will represent the State of Nevada in the Miss Rodeo America pageant held every year in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The young women will compete in several categories: horsemanship, public speaking, interviews, and a written exam.

I am pleased to say that one of my original pendants was selected by the Rodeo Board Pageant as a gift to the outgoing Miss Rodeo Nevada 2017: Kaity McBride

Chris Lemke, President/National Director of the Miss Rodeo Nevada Board of Directors, is a High Desert Creations facebook follower. She recognized that I’m a Nevada girl who works with turquoise stones set in sterling silver and/or copper and has purchased and commissioned me to create pendants for the Miss Rodeo Nevada ladies.

Last year, I was commissioned by the Pageant Board to create a pendant for the outgoing Miss Rodeo Nevada 2018: Makenzie McMurtrey - shown above wearing my original handmade pendant titled: “Battle Born” - which is the Nevada State motto. 

Makenzie’s response on March 18 on the Miss Rodeo Nevada facebook page reads: Thank you to @highdesertcreations for creating such a gorgeous necklace for me. And thank you to the MRN board for presenting the necklace to me at the 2019 Miss Rodeo Nevada pageant. I will cherish this gift forever!❤️💕

I’m excited to announce that I have been commissioned to create a special pendant for the reining Miss Rodeo Nevada 2019: Jennifer Fisk.

As Nevada continues to support the spirit and sport of rodeo, I am a Nevada girl that’s proud honored to be a part of it all.  Nevada Strong!

Making Choncho!

Concho is a shell-like silver decorative dome or disk most often round or oval in shape. These can be plain, carved or stamped with a design – sometimes surrounded by silver rope or silver beads. Native American Indians learned how to make conchos from Mexican silversmiths who created these accents for horse tack.

Now I’m excited to say that I’ve taught myself to make conchos!

This "Time Travel” pendant showcases my first handmade concho along with a great piece of Turquoise from the #8 Mine located in Elko, NV. And cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. A 100% copper accent design finishes the piece – all are set on a sterling silver backed pendant measuring 2¾” x 1½” hanging from an 18” copper rolo style chain.

In creating my works of wearable art, I have accented a number of pieces with the concho – resulting in a great look and complimentary comments from collectors and followers.

“A Someday View” pendant of sterling silver with a very unusual Hubei Turquoise shaped by master stonecutter Jason Brousseau, NM features a sterling silver concho accent.

Followers admire “A Someday View”! Martha Ard: Beautiful workmanship! Judy Vaughn: Very nice. Is that called a concho button? If not that's what it reminds me of. Very pretty Kathi. Fronnie Bealer: The piece that is at the edge of the stone is almost like a lid that slipped off revealing the beauty of the stone. I really like this creation.

“Dreaming In Color" textured and stamped sterling silver hinged bracelet features a Varisite Stone focal point and concho Sun Face Southwest Symbol accents.  The following comments for “Dreaming In Color” are appreciated!

Carol Akers: Absolutely awesome! Jeanie Ganley: It's gorgeous work! Kendee Barnes: That is amazing! Shelly Frisbie-Tomlinson: I absolutely love these bracelets you create. Evelyn Adams: I think the most outstanding elements of your creations are the back grounds you stamp.

(right) "Desert Glimpse's" Pendant presents a framed oval concho above a half-moon shaped Kingman Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. Surrounded by a sterling rope.   

(left) “Desert Breezes” Pendant showcases an over-sized domed silver concho with a Turquoise stone from Turquoise Mountain cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ.

"Rustic and Wild" neckpiece of sterling silver and copper features outstanding Turquoise stones from Arizona and Nevada with a sterling silver concho and handmade bead caps.

“Rustic and Wild” received so many compliments!

Angela Likavec: OMG!! Another beautiful work of art. All my favorite metals harmoniously brought together with turquoise as the finishing touch. What isn't there to love about this gorgeous necklace. 💓 Jan Bradley Russomanno: You have the most stunning Southwest jewelry I've ever seen 🎉👍🏻👍🏻🎉 Bobbye Tynes: You couldn't say enough about this piece of jewelry. Deborah Jeanne Bauer: Ok this is magnificent Carol Akers: They just keep getting more beautiful. Patricia Watt: Omg this is so beautiful, I really love it.it has it all....excellent work .. Judy Vaughn: A very unique piece. My hat is off to you Kathi. You bring together elements that work..

“Barbed Wire” earrings featuring my signature sterling silver barbed wire and sterling silver conchos on 100% copper backing.

It always makes me happy when I hear good things about my work and I’m always happy to work in collaboration on design and materials.

Trish Spaeth: Soooooo beautiful!!!!!💓💙 Billie Huckaby Brown: Oh these have my name written all over them!!! If you ever have time to do more earrings similar to these please contact me. Michelle Oberbeck Nelson: I love this woman's work!!! Shelia Martin: I would wear those! :) Kirsti Arndt: Must haves DeDe Jones Holroyd: Absolutely love them!

Below are two more new pendants that are available under the Shop tab.

(right) There’s so much movement in this “Remembering Yesterday" Pendant featuring a remarkable Campo Frio Turquoise, cut and shaped by Outlaw Lapidary, Tombstone, AZ and set in sterling silver above a handmade copper concho on 100% copper. Pendant measures 3”x1¼” and hangs from an 18” copper rolo style chain.

(left) There’s heartfelt joy in this "Heart to Heart" Pendant showcasing an outstanding greenish Tyrone Turquoise heart cut by Jason Brousseau, NM and set in sterling silver with 100% copper accents. Pendant measures 3” x 1½” and hangs from an 18” copper wheat weave chain.

AUGUST 1 - COME TODAY!

Today is the last day of the SUPERIOR ART and CRAFT SHOW in Winnemucca, NV.

I’ll be in the Winnemucca Convention Center East Hall 9 am - 2 pm today so be sure to come by High Desert Creations. I have created a fine selection of original handmade bracelets and pendants - all exceptionally wonderful works of wearable art!

SUPERIOR ART and CRAFT SHOW July 31 & August 1 & 2!

The count-down to the show has begun along with the continuing count-up of more original works of wearable art from High Desert Creations!

I’m busy in my favorite place – my studio – creating works of wearable art for the Winnemucca WESTERN ART and CRAFT SHOW – one of my favorite shows here in Nevada that will be up and running at the end of this month.

Attend, try on and select original handmade works of wearable art from High Desert Creations. Below are two new cuff bracelets - each showcases an exceptional turquoise stone cut by Jason Brousseau, New Mexico along with my own strikingly distinct hand-stamps. Click on the titles below for full description.

(left) “Indian Mountain Has A Vision “ (right) “Dream Big”

Held in conjunction with the Superior Livestock Auction, the annual WESTERN ART and CRAFT SHOW is a real western favorite! I look forward to seeing you there!

Independent & United

The 4th of July is a celebration of independence and union. On the 10th of July, Tom and I will celebrate our union of 55 years.

Tom Turner and I being united in 1964 at the Lutheran Church in Olympia, Washington.

When two people start out with the same goals, in our case ranching, long marriages just happen.

Living & loving the Western way of life has contributed to our successful personal marriage and our successful commercial business.

Above is a picture of Tom and I at the Houston Livestock Show in Texas in 2008 - 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 show that the Bronze had ever been awarded.

So happy together – then and now – now and always.