The Lucky Star Gallery is owned by mother-daughter team Harriette & Missy Allison.  Based in Reno, Nevada, Lucky Star Gallery specializes in Western art, jewelry, home decor and leather accessories. In the last month the duo has launched a new website, The Lucky Star Leather Collection, an exclusive line of leather products that are one of a kind in their designs, quality, and classic Western style.

Each of the designs from The Lucky Star Leather Collection is the brain child of Harriette Allison.  Harriette won the prestigious Best of Show award at the Western Design Conference in 2009 for the beautiful Painted Ponies Chair {below}.  Harriette first began creating leather designs in the late nineties when she was hobbying around at night trying new techniques with wood dying and sewing.  Her first large project was an upholstered set of 1950’s wagon wheel furniture.  It was showcased in a store window and after raving reviews Harriette knew she had found a new art about which she could become passionate.

Every single item that you see in The Lucky Star Leather Collection is hand made in their shop in Reno.  Harriette designs and hand cuts the finest leathers for both inside and outside of each piece, while a local saddle maker hand stitches each item.  The work is the same quality as that of a saddle ~ it will last you a lifetime.

Harriette and Missy recently teamed up with jewelry designer Nancy Anderson from Sweetbird Studio to produce an exclusive line of handmade leather belts {ABOVE}.  Harriette has also been working on a new line of guitar straps like one seen with Juni Fisher {BELOW}.  In addition to offering custom straps for any musical instrument Harriette is also working on another new line of Western-Retro inspired handbags.

READ MORE After the Break >>>>>>>>>>>

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Here at the Cactus Creek STORE we are super excited to be the newest home for Artist Cathy Kline.  Cathy is a native Kansas City resident who has been creating and teaching art for over 15 years.  We love Cathy’s aesthetic and are pleased to now have her original work here in the store… Here is more about Cathy in her own words, plus a few images of her fantastic work.

CACTUS: What path led you to become an artist?

CATHY: When I was a child, I picked up a pencil, and was forever changed as I watched it leave its mark. I knew as early as middle school that I would be a commercial artist someday. But even before that it was my mom. She was always making something out of . . . something else. And her creativity has always been an inspiration to me. For instance, what she saw in our ping-pong table. It was not how she hacked it into bits, per se, that was so creative. Instead, it was how each one of those newly worthless pieces of ping-pong table fit together so perfectly to form a quite beautiful, and very functional shelf/desk combination. She painted the shelf white, and added lavender and blue flowers to the desk. I was very happy to have it, even though I had to share it with my sister. Ping-pong was not missed.

There have been so many people and experiences that have shepherded me towards art that to identify all of them would be maddening, and to name them, life-consuming. But one in particular is too influential to leave out. Her name is Pat Lierly.

Pat Lierly was my Blue Bird and Camp Fire Leader. Her creativity nearly rivaled my mothers. Pat was incredibly gifted and will always be an inspiration to me. Her daughter, (and my best friend) Elaine Lierly Jones, is a local artist as well.

Selling an oil portrait in high school only confirmed what I had believed all my life; that I wanted to be an artist. But any type of artistic career, commercial or otherwise, had to come second to four boys. When my youngest entered high school, I finally had the time to get serious about a career. So I began pouring a foundation in hopes that by the time Mark graduated I would have something on which to build.

‘Robin’s Eggs’ original painting Now Available at the Cactus Creek Store ~ call 816.386.4013 for price & details

CACTUS: And you also teach art?

CATHY: At that time in my life, I had painted a float and done some graphic design for one of my son’s football teams. This led to a portrait here or there, and a mural every once in a while, all through word of mouth. This provided exposure, but it was not enough to build a career on. Had I not read the book, The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brainby Betty Edwards and Jeremy P. Tarcher, I might still be lucking my way form portrait to portrait to sporadic mural, fifteen years later, with no source of consistent income whatsoever. That book helped me to wrangle a truth stuck deep within my soul, drag it through the forefront of my mind, and deposit it, almost gift-wrapped, on the tip of my tongue. When I put that book down, I discovered within myself the ability to teach. And not by photocopying the book’s pages or stealing its lessons, but by cultivating my newly found ability to articulate a truth of which I had long been simultaneously aware and ignorant. That book TAUGHT me what I already knew.

Even now, I am not what one might call super successful, and I do not expect to strike it rich as an artist. However, I have had my victories and to this point a surprisingly fulfilling career and it is doubtful that I would feel that way without the anchor that my weekly classes have become. I have had a class, in some form or another, for the last fifteen years, and I have no plans of stopping.

‘Cows’ original painting Now Available at the Cactus Creek Store ~ call 816.386.4013 for price & details

More from Cathy Kline after the break below…

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A few weeks ago a gal came into the store with her husband and we got to talking… Lana told me that she was a photographer and that she loved chickens. 

What she didn’t know was that while she was on the bottom level of the store shopping her husband was telling me what an amazing photographer she is and that I should really check out her work.  So I did, and wow…. I don’t usually spend a lot of time browsing through photography but last night Lana posted an image that just drew me in and I’m dying to share it.  Meet Lana from Cease Fire Studios…

I showed the boys this picture of a tiny baby robin, and it’s brothers & sisters still in their neon blue eggs… then we spent the next 30 minutes looking at more of Lana’s images.  I just love this rare glimpse into God’s details.

 I’ve posted a few of the images that I loved the most but there are thousands that Cease Fire Studios has posted and Lana invites you to browse through them.  She also photographs people, of course, and commercial photography, too, so visit her website HERE, and her blog HERE, and take a few minutes to explore the world of Cease Fire Studios.

More pics after the break below.

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I have always enjoyed looking at old pictures of people… I love to see the look in their eyes and to wonder what was happening that day that led to their picture being taken.  Were they happy or sad??  What were their struggles, their joys, their secrets??

Every time I peek into the world of artist Stephanie Rubiano I become lost and enchanted with the vintage photos and the art that she creates with the images.  Stephanie always sticks to images of people and gives each of the characters their own personalities using charming details such as wings, crowns & tiny words that might describe their disposition.

 We talk a lot about Re~Purpose * Re~Cycle * Re~LOVE ’round these parts… I do believe that Stephanie Rubiano has hit that nail directly on the head.  Click HERE to learn more about Stephanie and her Studio Rubiano.

** Click HERE for more ARTISTS **

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Faux Bois {meaning False Wood in French} is an art that can be traced back to the 1800’s.  Ferrocement Faux Bois uses a combination of concrete, mortar and cement paste applied to steel frames or armatures to sculpt three dimensional representations of wooden objects. Although the history of this art is rich, it’s sustainability has been threatened because the trade secrets have not been passed on by the masters. Artist Donald Tucker of Houston, Texas is looking to make an impact in the world of Ferrocement Faux Bois ~ not only with his highly admired capabilitlies, but also because of his willingness and enthusiasm to TEACH this art to willing craftsmen.

** Please note that all of these images feature work that is fabricated from hand sculpted cement. **

The first time Donald Tucker saw Ferrocement Faux Bois he knew that he wanted to take his skills as an architect and artist, and apply them to the craft.  He set out to teach himself through books and experts, and quickly realized that there were no books, and the experts were scarce.  So Tucker set about teaching himself by studying other Faux Bois sculptures.  After years of trial and error he has now perfected his craft and become one of the most noted Faux Bois artists in the country.

Concrete Faux Bois can be found in public parks around the world including many sculptures here in America.  Much of the American sculptures are from Mexican artists who call this same craft El Trabajo Rustico {the rough work} which is typically much more detailed than that of their French counterparts.  Mexican-born artist Dionisio Rodriguez was a master craftsmen of El Trabajo who produced works in Texas and across the United States through the 1950’s.  Today, Rodriguez’s largest sculpture can be found in Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, Texas, and it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, Rodriguez’s enduring creations ranks second only to Frank Lloyd Wright in having the greatest number of works listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Donald Tucker is a passionate pundit of Faux Bois and El Trabajo, in fact he works closely with Dionisio Rodriguez’s great nephew, Carlos Cortes.  Tucker is committed to seeing his artwork survive him, and his students.  That is a point of his passion for Ferrocement Faux Bois ~ making art that will last FIVE to SIX  THOUSAND years.  Thankfully he is generous enough to pass on the lessons of his work, and that of his predecessors, through classes that are open to the public.  For more information about the classes led by Donald Tucker please visit his website HERE.

** Click HERE for more ARTISTS **

** Click HERE for less serious Faux Bois Products **

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I first met Kat Ford from Corpirate a couple of years ago during Round Top Antique Week.  Despite our ten year age difference, living across the country from one another, and our different stations in life, she is unquestionably one of my favorite people on earth. 

From her rock-n-roll meets country style, to her wicked art that seems to touch everyone in a different way, Kat Ford is a one of a kind.  You don’t know a good time till you’ve spent a Friday night with Kat, and you understand the measure of a good friend when you get a glimpse of her loyal and faithful heart.

Kat recently debuted a new blog and website called Art and the Word where she shares her illustrations of Bible Scripture for the purpose of meditation on The Word.  Her  art {particularly the image above}  has touched me in so many ways, offering comfort and strength on days I’m operating solely on blind faith.

It has been on Kat’s heart for sometime to share these visions.  During bible studies Kat would get these wild images in her head and wasn’t sure what to do with them.  She felt called to share them with the public and saw a need for a  unique viewpoint of scripture for those who have a hard time with Christianity because they can’t relate to it ~ especially young people who did not grow up in a Christian environment, or those from rough backgrounds where the Word is harder to grasp.

She chose to share these illustrations in a blog format so that they may be viewed by anyone, anywhere in the world, and also so that people can go to it in private when they need a fresh perspective on how God is working in their life.  Kat doesn’t have a list of scriptures that she is planning to draw, or a schedule on how often she will update Art and the Word.  She’s leaving the details in God’s hands.

Most of the images have hands coming from above symbolizing the hands of God… and in many of the images there is a strong theme of black which symbolizes the evil that surrounds us.  It’s important that we  aknowledge the fact that there is evil and that we need God’s presence on a daily basis.

 When you have a moment to be quiet and still, go visit Art and the Word, enjoy it, pass it on to your friends… I hope that it will touch your heart as it has mine.  lvya,fancy

** Click HERE for more from Kat Ford **

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Artist/jeweler Kelly Buntin Johnson sent over images of some of her newest pieces are they are really exceptional… take a look ~ these are perfect for Mother’s Day!!

 Kelly will be showcasing these necklaces, along with more of her jewelry collection, this Saturday {5.8.10} at Missouri Bluffs in Weston, MO for those of you in the area.  Or you can always visit Kelly’s website HERE and contact her directly.

Because May is the month of  Mary, and because the 8th is the day before Mommy’s Day, this newest body of work honors the Blessed Mother.  There is also a Jesus necklace {BELOW}.

The images are actual collages with some stitching and hand sewn glass seed beads on some of the images.  These are then protected within a pendant of metal case and domed acrylic lens built by Kelly’s husband, who is also an esteemed artist, Rhett Johnson.

** Click HERE for more ARTISTS **

** Click HERE for more **
Rustic * Western * Vintage Fashion & Jewelry

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READ MORE Below for more pics…

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One of our favorite artists here at Cactus Creek is Dave Newman from Prescott, Arizona.  We love his whimsical spirit, free spirit, and a genuine heart that is as BIG as the wide open road.  Here is a sneak at some of his most recent pieces…

Of these two pieces {ABOVE & BELOW} I can’t begin to decide which one I love more…

 All of these pieces are available at DaveNewmanStudio.com and at XanaduGallery.com, located in Scottsdale,AZ.

Texaco & Cars {ABOVE} was inspired by Dave & his wife, Donna’s, ‘55 Ford Fairlane.

From Dave’s website… “These acrylic paintings are spontaneous commentaries of today’s Pop Culture, i.e., coffee cups, television, and the spaces we live in. They are created with a fun and whimsical feel because I view life in the same way.”  How could you not love art that comes from a view point like that??

** Click HERE for our INTERVIEW with **
Dave Newman

More pics after the BREAK below…

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HEY KC Folks… This Saturday, April 10, 2010 is Second Saturday in Weston MO!! Kelly Buntin-Johnson will be at MISSOURI BLUFFS with her new Spring collection of One-of-a-Kind Necklaces… You can shop from 10AM up to 8PM and MO Bluffs will be serving delicious samples from the Vineyard Restaurant.  How gorgeous is this necklace?? WOW!!

…and when you’re in town you had better stop by the Cactus Creek STORE!! See y’all Saturday…. xo,fancy

** Click HERE for more from Kelly Buntin Johnson!! **

** Click HERE for more STORES you’ll love!! **

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Our friend and ARTIST Rhett Johnson has just posted a few new items on his ETSY site… including his unique SPHEROIDS, his Winged Hearts, and a new Yellow RAT.

While many people have negative connotations of RATS, they do represent some qualities that are somewhat desirable… ambitious, generous, persistent, imaginative, thrifty and having the ability to save money, to live well and enjoy it.

I would love to have this RAT on my desk to remind me of the importance of remaining AMBITIOUS, PERSISTENT & IMAGINATIVE… Plus he’s SMART looking and a great conversation starter!!

Rhett’s Spheroids are unique gifts and perfect for a paper weight… and the Winged Heart looks great on a front door instead of a wreath.

** Click HERE for more images of Rhett’s ART **

** Click HERE for more ARTISTS **

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