The Solitary Stone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Longhorn: living symbol of the old west

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

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

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

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

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.

Signature Cast Horses!

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

Magnificent Stones & Master Stonecutters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(l) Owyhee Jasper cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ

(r) Ocean Jasper cut by Elizabeth Cain Dicken

(l) Biggs Jasper cut by Russ Kanuith, CA

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

(l) Different Jasper cut by Helen Lorigan, UT

(r) Maligano Jasper cut by Jason Brousseau, NM

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Your Calendar! HITH Tour STUDIO #14

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

Returning guest artists are talented, innovative and professional:

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

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

We’re all looking forward to your visit!

High Desert Creations STUDIO #14

31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale 85266

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

APPLY NOW: Cowgirl 30 Under 30 Recognition

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

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE COWGIRL MAGAZINE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love the partnership I have with Cowgirl magazine!

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

Love My Ranching Connections!

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW UPDATES to WEBSITE MENU!

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

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

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

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

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

For both women and men!

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

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

Cowgirl Magazine Spring Fashion

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

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

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

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