PROCESS: HOW IT’S MADE

When an idea becomes real it sometimes turns out better than I saw it in my mind. It starts and it ends up coming from the heart. It’s so exciting!

(right) I create a design on paper and then select metals. I work with sterling silver and copper, with a touch of brass now and then. The metal is cut, formed, texturized and sometimes bent.

(left) On a charcoal brick, the metals are soldered together with a torch using silver solder and flux – a product that helps the silver solder adhere to metal. Next it is ‘pickled’ in a mild acid liquid that takes off fire scale between soldering stages.

(right) The piece is put in a tumbling unit to finish off any rough edges. Depending on the preferred look, it is sometimes put in an antiquating solution. Finally, the work of wearable art is polished to the desired finish and the stones are set.

(left) “Time For Healing and Comfort” A slice of Owyhee Jasper in desert colors is the centerpiece of this two-piece pendant with a Carnelian stone drop and accent all set in sterling silver. Carnelian is a healing stone and Owyhee Jasper is thought to bring comfort. The pendant measures 2¾" x 3¼" and hangs from an 18" Rolo style chain.

From the “Unbridled” collection, this significant statement pendant in sterling silver showcases an outstanding turquoise stone from the famous #8 Mine in Elko, NV cut by Jason Brousseau, New Mexico Stone Supply, Belen, NM. Sterling silver accents feature a jumping designer cast horse. Pendant measures 3½" x 2¼" and hangs from a wheat weave chain.

Here are the tools of the trade – at the ready on the work bench – at the ready to turn metal and stone into works of wearable art. Here is where I create my vision and I’m always excited to work with you to create your vision, too. Let’s collaborate!

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.

Concho Belt Commissioned by Linda Bentz

Concho Belt showcasing the Bentz Ranch's three personal brands, created for Linda Bentz, will be passed down through the generations. I work with mixed metals – sterling silver and copper with a touch of brass now and then. This custom design features ranch brands of copper set on sterling silver all placed on a copper mission cross style concho, textured and stamped. The Buckle is enhanced with green turquoise stones and Linda's signature ranch brand, the "Spur Brand", used on all the Bentz ranch horses. 

I would be happy to collaborate with you on creating a concho belt that depicts your story/or your vision. Leather belt not included. Please contact me via email: Kathi89445@yahoo.com or call: 775-304-6756

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

“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.  

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.

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.  

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!

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”.

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.  

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.

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”.

A Gift for Her/A Gift for Him

Remember Emily? You’ll want to scroll back to Celebrating Love, January 26, 2020. But briefly, Emily’s boyfriend, Cole, and I collaborated to create a custom-made “Soul Mates” pendant as a special surprise gift for Emily. Cole is studying to be a veterinarian in North Dakota – Emily is a dental hygienist in Minnesota with an interest in equine dentistry. These soul mates will reunite and make a remarkable team in Rosea, Minnesota.

UPDATE: recently, Cole’s mother was so inspired by my work that she commissioned me to create “The Rafter B” ranch brand acknowledging his pursuits – now and in the future. It is such a remarkable piece that I had to feature it in the High Desert Creations advert for the October issue of City Sun Times.  

Ranch Brands are a great gift all year round, but with Christmas fast approaching and my list growing, please contact me soon so we can collaborate on a personal ranch brand (or pendant or bracelet) for that special someone!

BTW: High Desert Creations will be open 10 am – 5 pm during the 2020 Hidden In The Hills Tour & Sale November 20-21-22 & 27-28-29. I’ll be glad to chat with you about designing/creating a custom piece and show you a variety of stones for your selection. HDC Studio 11 is located at 31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266

High Desert Creations is STUDIO 11 during HITH

The 2020 Hidden In The Hills Tour & Sale will be held on the weekends before and after Thanksgiving: November 20-21-22 & 27-28-29. Below is a preview of the studios and an image of each host’s artwork.

Kathi Turner/High Desert Creations is in the third row - second image - featuring the impressive “Time To Over Come Obstacles" Pendant which represents the spirit of the horse, one of God’s most precious creatures. This sterling silver pendant showcases a Fox Turquoise from Nevada and has been sold, but I’d be happy to create a custom original likeness – for you or for a gift.

Contact me soon as I am taking orders for the Holiday Season.  

VISION: Custom Commission

Just as a reminder, I create each work of wearable art by hand and every piece is expressly unique.

Certain pendants may seem familiar as I’m often asked to customize a popular design. I use sterling silver and/or copper metals as settings and symbols – always the stones will be one-of-a-kind in shape and color. Please note that color can appear in slightly different shades on each computer screen.

Horsewoman Kaye Diffee of Marion, AK, shared that she loves her distinctive “Cooper” Pendant and has received compliment after compliment.

Kaye recently requested that I design a pendant to celebrate her deep love of the Mustang breed and the exciting acquisition of a “spiritual and fun” Mustang mare she named Roni.

Providing just a few details: saying that she loved “Unbridled” (another popular HDC pendant), that she loved the stone in “Cooper” and that her Mustang Roni “looks so beautiful in green”, she inspired me to create “Unbridled/Wild and Free”.

Facebook followers were complimentary as well: Coco Castanon: Beautiful I will love to buy one; Barbara K. Jager: Beautifully incredible!!; Paula Miller Potts: OMG luv this exquisite piece; Cindy Singleton Rakestraw: That's awesome!; Leen'r Lynch: Oooooo💚‼️ Steven Fischberg: Love it👍👍

See how easy it is to collaborate on a design with me!

When you see a work of wearable art on my website or facebook page that stirs you to think about having your own custom hand-made piece, please let me know. I’m always open to your ideas! Feel free to give me a few details and we’ll work together to create a pendant or bracelet that happily realizes your vision.   

Meanwhile, this available two-part design shows a different “Cooper” personality and showcases a #8 Mine Turquoise stone cut by Susan Hyde. Click image for more details.

CUSTOM DESIGNS: KEEPSAKES & HEIRLOOMS & VISIONS

I’m honored when I’m trusted to create a new work of wearable art using memorable keepsakes.

Saying “design away!”, Judy Wilkerson of McDermitt, NV, sent a couple of baby bracelets she wore when she was a child.

The new design preserves the integrity of the original pieces and then places these treasured keepsakes front and center in a pendant. Judy was delighted and I loved the way it turned out. Kingman Turquoise stone (1½“ x ½“) cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. Pendant measures 2¼” x 2¾” .

For this commission, I was asked to create a pair of earrings from these Aztec style cuff links – another heirloom saved and worn in memory of a loving father.

I welcome collaborations – whether it include treasured keepsakes and heirlooms or your vision of a custom pendant or bracelet.

Creative vision: a valued collector suggested this design – seeing what results in paper scribbles, is always exciting. Not only did the collector love it, but facebook followers did as well.

Peggy Simpson ~ Beautiful    Nelly Murrietta ~ These designs are beautiful one day I'll wear your necklace. They are awesome!   Sandi Merritt ~ It’s beautiful.  Kathy Farris ~ I love your art.   Cindy Corlew Topping ~ I think it is lovely....so carefree!! Candy McHone Rowe ~ Love it! Very unusual!   Casey Spradley ~ That is cool. I’d wear it. Someone was creative.   Steve Stubblefield Sr. ~ Sweet.   Brenda Sebring ~ Stupendous!   Paul Smith ~ I think it's perfect!   Judy Vaughn ~ Nice piece. You’re so talented.

I look forward to working together to create your perfect piece of custom wearable art. Reach me at 775-304-6756 or via email: kathi89445@yahoo.com

FRIENDS - Give & Get

So often collectors of my works of wearable art become my friends.

When a new friend and a long-time friend get together and wear my creations, it’s just exciting”. Two from Terribone, Oregon: Friend on the left wears the “Lucky Pendant” – of copper with sterling silver horseshoe accents. Friend on the right wears a commissioned custom ranch brand pendant. Both pendants feature turquoise stones.  

“I love it when my clients come back to visit my studio, and bring along my Creations. Nancy Peloquin you’re such a great spokesperson for High Desert Creations.”

ABOVE: “Love Strolls with Faith” sterling silver & copper heart pendant showcases a Gary Green Jasper stone mined out of McDermitt, NV and shaped by Russ Kaniuth, CA.

“Love it when I get pictures of my pieces being worn. This Colorado Client has become part of the High Desert Creations Family”.

ABOVE: “Impressions” pendant hangs from a multi-beaded neckpiece with custom clasp and presents a turquoise stone with sterling silver concho and feather accents. Feathers are associated with sending message to and from Heaven.  

“I thought this was priceless. It surprised me in two ways. How Vickie displays my pieces when not wearing it, but that she has also acquired so many pieces. Thank you, Vicki McPeak, for sharing with me.”

Best reward, when I receive pictures. Thank you from my heart, I love what I do, and do it for you.”

ABOVE: "State of Mind" Pendant showcases a Lapis Stone, cut by Russ Kaniuth, CA, and set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents. To Native Americans, the lizard is a symbol of self-protection.

“I am finding that “Soul Mates” Pendant is a popular gift for couples who are committed to each other. It’s finding its way for Anniversary and Birthdays. Thank you, John, happy your wife loved this Piece.”

ABOVE: “Soul Mates” showcasing a Tyrone turquoise heart stone expressing joy, patience and balance was cut by Jason Brousseau, NM.

Remember: All occasion HDC Gift Cards are now available online through August 31, 2020. 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. The HDC Gift Card will be sent online to the chosen recipient with your special message. HDC Gift Cards never expire.

“Special gift to a special person in Danville, Arkansas. Thank you for sharing, this is the reward of creating.”

ABOVE: “Soul Mates” Pendant representing a couple that have the same goals, same ideas and a driving love for each other, was selected by Kenny Holt for his wife. The pendant rocks a Campito Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM and is set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents.

“I love it when my pieces are part of a wedding. In this case the Jim and Karen Townsend wedding, Congratulations.”

ABOVE: “A Sense Of Peace” etched sterling silver horseshoe pendant hangs from a box link chain.

“It may take a while, but my clients who become dear friends, do send me pictures. I just love this lady Joanie Wolter, you are the best.”

ABOVE: “At Every Turn” Pendant features Number 8 Mine Turquoise and a malachite stone, set in 100% copper with sterling silver accents.

“I always love being part of two people who care about each other. Thank you, Danny and Wendy, from Jordan Valley, OR. The bracelet looks amazing on you.”

All occasion HDC Gift Cards are now available online through August 31, 2020 at https://www.highdesertcreations.com/giftcards. 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. 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.

FORDITE: Precious Pieces of Whirling/Swirling History

Also known as Detroit Agate or Motor City Agate, Fordite is an irreplaceable and matchless automotive material, made of hardened enamel paint that built up and baked as cars were moved along a factory track and were spray painted by hand. With the old factories long gone and today’s automated car painting, Fordite has become a rare and quite valuable stone.  

In the beginning multilayered colored chunks of rock hard “enamel slag” were the product of the overspray paint chipped from the racks, skids and conveyor equipment in the automobile paint booths of yesteryear.  

Maybe mesmerized with the swirling of the colorful overspray, maybe with a keen eye for beauty or art, enterprising workers at the Ford Motor Company in Michigan in the 1940s, were the first to scrape up the baked enamel and keep pieces of these chips now known as Fordite.

FACT: Most significant as a stone with an authentic history, Fordite represents a specific time – often a specific car like the Corvette – in America’s automotive history. When Fordite chips are ground down and polished, the whirling/swirling array of colors produces a dazzling stone; a limited supply makes them rare; the most intense colors are from the 1960s/1970s – Prime Corvette Time! These cabs intrigue me!

“A Day Dream of Owning A Corvette”

This sterling silver pendant showcases an authentic Corvette Fordite from the year the auto was made. Measuring 2½” x 1¼” the pendant hangs from an 18” Viking Knit Style Chain.

Click image to shop.

COMMENTS: Gorgeous/Gorgeous/Gorgeous: Lori Bowers; Stella Flores; Ellen Walden; Denise Jansky ~ It reminds me of the pictures of the narrow canyons that you see, that have multi colored walls; Lynda Kelly ~ another stunning piece of art work..💋

FUN FACT: Known as the “Vette” and considered an American sports car icon, Chevrolet has built about 1.5 million Corvettes since 1953.  The earliest designs were one of the first true collectible cars of the modern era – making it one of the most popular sports cars of all time.

“A Days Drive In A Corvette”

This piece of fabulous Fordite, from the Corvette Auto Factory Paint Booth, dazzles with an intense metallic and high gloss. I do like its spirit and feel. Pendant measures 2” x 1” and hangs from an 18” Viking Knit Style Chain.

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FUN FACT: These days, 12 exterior paint choices are available. Many Corvettes come in varying shades of grayscale, but there are some exciting colors: a vibrant yellow as well as multiple colors of blue and assorted red.  

“Riding High In A 1969 Mustang”

Doubling the interest is a two-part pendant showcasing Fordite, cut by Keith Horst, Prescott, AZ, with a Freshwater Pearl, an Aquamarine Colored Crystal, and Copper accents at the top set in Sterling Silver. Pendant measures 3¾” x 2” and hangs from an 18” Copper Rolo Style Chain.

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FUN FACT: Synonymous with the car, Mustang Sally, a rhythm & blues song best known by the 1966 recording by Wilson Pickett, rose to #6 on the R&B charts and #23 on the Pop charts. It ranks on the Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

“Cruz'in In a 1970 Chevelle SS”

A large striated piece of Fordite, cut by Keith Horst, Prescott, AZ, is sent in sterling silver with a Topaz Color Crystal and Freshwater Pearl as accents. The pendant measures 3” x 2” and hangs from an 18" Copper Herringbone Chain.

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Fun Fact: Having “style for miles”, the Chevelle was considered THE muscle car when it first came out in 1967 – proving that engine power was a leading force in consumer appeal.

“Watching For Elvis In His 1955 Pink Cadillac”

This uniquely shaped piece of polished Fordite set in Sterling Silver is enhanced with a Pink Crystal Stone and Sterling Silver accents. Pendant measures 2½” x 1½” and from an 18” Wheat Weave Copper Chain.

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FUN FACT: The Pink 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood purchased by Elvis Presley became the era’s iconic style. At the time, Ford Motor Co. was the only manufacturer to offer pink as a standard color and, as popular culture would have it, individual car owners in the 1950s began to paint their cars various shades of pink. The original pink Cadillac remains on permanent display at Graceland.

FACT: According to Hagerty Drivers Club Magazine:  cars from 1900 to 1979 are considered either Antique or Classic – both categories imply the same thing: the car is old. If it was manufactured in 1980 or later, it is considered a collector car.

So many of us have a relationship to our cars – either past, present or yet to come. These original pendants with centerpieces of whirling/swirling chips of Fordite are a great way to keep our car connection and conversation lively.  

COWGIRL HOTLIST!

I’m pleased and excited to share with you that I have been featured in Cowgirl Magazine’s June 4th Cowgirl Hotlist!  

You can view this at https://cowgirlmagazine.com/high-desert-creations/. There you can add your email address and hit GO! to receive the online Hotlist for more of the coolest cowgirl things to know about!