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.
"What Goes Around Comes Around” solid copper collar goes around the neck – and – comes around the neck into two twisted contemporary swirls that easily bend to easily get on and off.
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!
Cowgirl Magazine Showcases HDC!
Cowgirl Magazine’s HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: I was invited to present a piece for inclusion in the November/December Holiday Gift Guide. “Seeker Of The Lucky Horseshoe” highlights a Nevada #8 Turquoise Mine stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM set in sterling silver as centerpiece within a sterling silver horseshoe. Pendant measures 2" x 1¾" and hangs from an 18" rein chain style chain.
Cowgirl Magazine’s ROUTE 66 KICKS FASHION SHOOT: The November/December issue focuses on the National Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas, December 2 – 11, 2021 and I was invited to display jewelry in the fashion shoot. A bold statement piece was requested. Since I am known for creating pendants of a significant size, “Where The Wild Things Are” was the perfect choice.
Stunning Campito Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM, set in sterling silver, drops below a sterling silver mission cross pendant featuring designer cast sterling silver horses. The 18" neckpiece is of hand-cut horn disc beads, hand-stamped sterling silver beads and heishi turquoise spacer beads. Pendant measures 4¼" x 2¾", total hanging length 24".
Featured on Page 81, part of the pendant shows beneath a scarf – leaving the viewer begging to see more of this boldly stunning piece.
The November/December issue has so much to entertain and inform - subscribe to Cowgirl Magazine if you haven’t already or buy it on the newsstands now.
HDC Guest Artists
Talented, professional and skilled, High Desert Creations is pleased to have four guest artists at STUDIO #14 during the Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale.
(above) In her brand-new works, realistic oil painter Barbara Rudolph brings the styles and colors of Mexico telling a story where all the fun begins! Party! Fiesta! Forever!
(above) HITH is the only show Morrie Elmer participates in – bringing with him from his home in the White Mountains an astonishingly wide range of shapes and sizes of decorative hollow vessels to STUIO #14. Gathering all of his turning stock himself, Morrie works with mostly western hardwoods – favoring Olive, Manzanita, Desert Ironwood, Mesquite, Carob, Pistachio, various Oaks, and any burl wood – filling the natural crevices with inlays of semi-precious stones.
(above) Acrylic painter Jan Griggs’s work is a collection of places, feelings of color, movement and stillness that translates into non-representational abstracts. Each work is intuitive allowing the viewer to engage imagination, interpreting and reacting to what they see.
(above) Uniquely creative, Rob Stenberg’s mediums include canvas, wood panels, tobacco barn wood, watercolor paper, and refurbished antique furniture; he also constructs mixed media pieces incorporating found objects, African porcupine quills, antique acquisitions, handmade paper and air-dry clay. Contemporary gallery wrapped pieces feature Southwest and Tribal depictions of Warriors and Shaman – each piece portrays great strength and spirit – sometimes with a bit of whimsy.
Be sure to visit High Desert Creations Studio #14 November 26, 27 & 28 – all artists enjoy talking techniques, inspirations – they are happy to answer your questions and happy to help with your artwork selections.
Visit HDC November 26, 27 & 28 – HITH Final Weekend!
Be sure to visit High Desert Creations STUDIO #14 during the final weekend of the 2021 Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale: November 26, 27 & 28. STUDIO #14 is open 10 am to 5 pm.
Welcome to High Desert Creations – A Whole Lot of Country – A Whole Lot of Rock & Rustic! A Whole Lot of Western, Southwestern and Contemporary works of wearable art showcasing significant stones in significant settings in significant sizes.
Bead artistry is popular (second shelf – left photo) and a collector acquired blue beaded background “Cowgirl Up” the first day of the event. These works are time intensive and it’s quite unlikely I will make more.
This year I created a number of earrings in sterling silver in a range of styles. Notice I’ve been wearing the mission cross pair shown 2nd from the right - all are quite outstanding!
Guest artist Rob Stenberg welcomes you with open arms and a variety of mixed media mystical, magical, inspirational and heartwarming works - a must see and ready for you to own and take home!
There are three more guest artists at HDC. A new work by realistic oil painter Barbara Rudolph is titled: “The Peacock and the Prada” – it’s a must see. There are vessels large and small by master woodturner Morrie Elmer – one is titled “Wild Lilac Burl with Turquoise Inlay” – it’s a must see. And “Into The Desert” by abstract painter Jan Griggs known for her energy, light and color – it’s a must see.
Interested in seeing the works of art that go with these titles? Visit STUDIO #14.
If you aren’t able to come to High Desert Creations during the event, I will be open by appointment – contact me via email Kathi89445@yahoo.com or call 775-304-6756.
Thank you – your presence is always an inspiration to me and I appreciate your interest and enthusiasm for my original hand-made works of wearable art.
REMEMBER: all year round, HDC Gift Cards are available on my website. Celebrate special occasions with your designated recipient by contributing a selected value from $75.00 and up toward the purchase of a Kathi Turner original work of wearable art. Recipient can view and choose from designs under Metalsmithing or I’d be happy to collaborate with the recipient on a custom piece. REMEMBER: HDC Gift Cards never expire.
HDC/HITH STUDIO #14 NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!
HITH/HDC STUDIO #14 open 10 am – 5 pm at 31616 N. Scottsdale Road 85266
Signature Cast Horses!
Images Arizona and Cowgirl Magazine promote HDC and my signature sterling silver cast horses. Also promoting the Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale. HDC STUDIO #14 will be open from 10 am – 5 pm on November 19-20-21 and 26-27-28. See you there and then!
Magnificent Stones & Master Stonecutters
A Whole Lot of Rock & Rustic – I use a whole lot of Turquoise: #8 Mine Turquoise, Kingman Turquoise, Tyrone Turquoise, Campito Turquoise and a whole lot of Jasper: Cold Mountain Jasper, Ocean Jasper, Bumble Bee Jasper, Owyhee Jasper to name a few. And more to name a few: Sonoran Sunrise, Mexican Crazy Lace Agate, Fordite, Varicite, even Kokoweef Cave Onyx from Goodsprings, NV!
Stones are often shaped by a whole lot of master stonecutters – see below.
(l) ”It’s The Cowboy Way” Tyrone Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM
(r) “Seeker Of The Lucky Horseshoe” #8 Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau of NM
(l) “Love Has No Bounds” Kingman Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM
(r) “In The Back Country" Turquoise Mountain Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM
(l) “Cooper” #8 Turquoise cut by Susan Hyde
(r) "Make Me A Promise” Tyrone Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM
(l) “Desert Breezes” Turquoise Mountain Turquoise cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ
(r) “Charting The West”, Morince Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM
(l) Owyhee Jasper cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ
(r) Ocean Jasper cut by Elizabeth Cain Dicken
(l) Biggs Jasper cut by Russ Kanuith, CA
(r) Willow Creek Jasper cut by Russ Kaniuth, CA the King of Hearts master
(l) Different Jasper cut by Helen Lorigan, UT
(r) Maligano Jasper cut by Jason Brousseau, NM
(l) Springtime Paint Jasper cut by Susan Hyde, UT
(r) Tabu Tabu Jasper cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ
(l) "Could You Point The Way" Lapis stone cut by Nicole Bennett
(r) “For The Love Of The Rimrock Landscape” Polk A Dot Agate cut by Keith Dull, OR
(l) "Interpretations" Crazy Agate cut by JP Britt, MS
(r) “Riding High In A 1969 Mustang” Fordite cut by Keith Horst, AZ
Mark Your Calendar! HITH Tour STUDIO #14
High Desert Creations STUDIO #14 will be up and running and open 10 – 5 during the Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale: November 19-20-21 and 26-27-28, 2021. Artworks are of a distinctive ‘must see/must have’ quality.
Returning guest artists are talented, innovative and professional:
Jan Griggs – Acrylic Painting; Barbara Rudolph – Realistic Oil Paintings; Rob Stenberg – Mixed Media/Acrylic; and Morrie Elmer – Hollow Vessel Woodturning.
Of special note: Morrie Elmer is one of the 8 artists who have participated in the HITH event since it began in 1996 – 25 years ago and he has contributed two pieces toward the Legacy Celebration collaborative artwork. Morrie’s work was shown in the October issue of Images Arizona promoting HITH.
We’re all looking forward to your visit!
High Desert Creations STUDIO #14
31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale 85266
(N. Scottsdale Rd & E. Lone Mountain Rd)
APPLY NOW: Cowgirl 30 Under 30 Recognition
I’m pleased to pass on to you information on this outstanding opportunity from Cowgirl Magazine. Act quickly because the deadline to apply is October 15!.
COWGIRL MAGAZINE’S 30 Under 30 serves to empower the Western industry by promoting the many young and talented women who make up its workforce. Since its inception in 2019, COWGIRL 30 Under 30 now has an alumnae class of 60 incredibly talented honorees who represent the extraordinary passion for which our industry is recognized.
The application deadline for COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2022 is October 15. Please click the links below for all the info:
https://www.cowgirlmag.com/cowgirl-30-under-30-class-of-2021
https://www.cowgirlmag.com/cowgirl-30-under-30-application-2021
The honoree presentation will be hosted by Wrangler on March 3, 2022, at the Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, TX.
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.
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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.