Cowboy Christmas Booth 1710 www.OlavJulesDesigns.com
Short Branch Style
Tressie Childs Editor
Craig Bergsgaard asst Editor art/production Founder
Contributing editors
Dennis Doyle Cat Sandstrom LD Bergsgaard Photographic Contributions
Craig Bergsgaard Dennis Doyle Kristen Kabrin Tressie Childs ARK PhotoWorks Advertising
Tressie Childs
Tressiechilds@gmail.com cbstudios@Comcast.net
The brand that defines the old west is now being brought to you in Magazine form. You will be able to witness the people who are the heart and soul of Short Branch in a format that brings those friends to life. The Cowboys and Cowgirls of “Short Branch Style” are the rock in which this brand is built upon. Executive Editor Craig, and Editor,Tressie Childs collaborate to give life to the beauty we all love. Craig Bergsgaad is at the center of this endeavor. He has pushed the vision forward to the point where it is now a complete “style.” Craig is an incredibly talented sculptor and artist. He transforms a lifeless lump of clay into some of the most incredible bronze sculptures. He also brings that artistic talent to the jewelry of the west and of “Short Branch Style.” Craig’s soul is evident in every piece of art he creates, whether it is in bronze or in design for the vision he continues to expand. While bringing his vision to life, Craig introduced himself to Cat Sandstrom of Olav Jules Design. “Cat” is a jewelry designer and a fine artist, as well. The collaboration was a match made in the dust of the old west! Two artists working together and slowly bringing the entire Short Branch Style into a full “brand.” A culture of beautiful and fun clothing and wearable art, imagery and sculpture. There are even bottle stoppers in the “style”!!! One of Craig’s favorite quotes is from poet Robert Frost. “ Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” These wonderful words are at the heart of the Short Branch Brand. Be bold, be unique, and dare to be yourself... Craig hopes you all enjoy this journey into “Short Branch Style” as much as he is enjoying being at the center of this vision. The “Spirit of the West” is alive and well in the hearts and minds of Craig and everyone here at the “Style.” Don’t ever forget Craig’s words, “a Cowboy/girl is loyal to his brand, and the same Cowboys/girls ride with friends. Enjoy the “Short Branch” brand and the friends ya’ll have here.
From the Editor Welcome to Short Branch Style. The first edition of our new creative expression. This magazine is the culmination of many people using their artistic, creative talents. We are indeed “Short Branch Style.” This is not just a catchy title, but a lifestyle. Let me introduce myself. I am Tressie Childs, daughter of George, mom of Huck (the dog) and cowgirl at heart. I am a cowgirl and when my heart feels that artistic twinge, a fashion model that revels in all that is ‘the west.’ The style that leaves the dirt of the ranch to enjoy the life of the Saloon tonight! That is “Short Branch style.” That is the life we choose. The Short Branch Style is a lifestyle more than a product. It is a good story. It is a trail of smoke curling off a fine Cuban cigar at a Poker table. It is a short glass of fine Kentucky Bourbon and, yes, it is the Cowboy boots scooting across the dance floor while their owners laugh and enjoy life. That is the core of the “Short Branch Style.” A chance to live “the code of the west.” The first edition will include articles and contributions from our core contributors. Olav Jules Designs by Cat Sandstrom is a integral part of this evolution. Cat has been a part of the “Short Branch Style” since the very beginning teaming with the main force behind this creation, Craig Bergsgaard. Celebrated Author Larry Bergsgaard will captivate the reader with his stories of the west. Stories you can hear around the campfire or perhaps sitting on the porch rockers after a fine dinner. Western landscape photographer, Dennis Doyle, will show you the views of the western landscape that can transport you from the edge of the Grand Canyon to the high mountain meadows of Colorado. We will, also, be featuring the clothing and style of the incredible “Marika Nakk” and the “Designs by Triesta.” Let’s not forget the mainstays of this “Short Branch Style,” the beauty of the incredible cowgirls and the rugged good looks of the cowboys. The clothing and the jewelry, the stories and the ethics. These things will be regular pieces in this “Style.” Of course, the main driving force behind the entire project is Craig Bergsgaard, sculptor, photographer, actor and complete character! Thanks for being here to help us all launch this little bit of joy into the world,
Tressie Childs
www.STONESRIVERLEATHER.com www.etsy.com/shop/StonesRiverLeatherTN
“With the Dawn” Bronze edition of 21 approx 40” T
“Upon this land” Bronze edition of 21 approx 40” T
“Runnin’ the Ridge” Bronze edition of 21 approx 22” T X 30” L
DENNIS DOYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Dennis Doyle is a landscape photographer. An outdoorsman. A teacher and a guide. He is these things and more, with a passion for nature and a desire to share his images and experiences with others. You can see his world through his images and understand his love of nature when you attend a tour or seminar. As a native Nevadan, he has a love and understanding of the high deserts of the west. Be it Arizona, Colorado or Nevada, he travels to and capture with students and guests. He has been capturing nature one frame at a time his entire life starting from the “old� days of film and charging into the digital age. He has a thorough understanding of photography and he is able to communicate that deep knowledge to those that are just beginning or the seasoned professional. His images are displayed in many galleries and also at the prestigious Arizona Fine Arts EXPO in the Winter and early Spring for 3 months. His tours and classes are reasonable as he is as much committed to personal survival as he is in sharing a true, deep passion for photography and nature with others.
Blowin’ down the road
I Ain’t Got No Home
Olav Jules Designs by Cat Sandstrom
Born and raised in California, Cat had a heart deeply seeded in Cowgirl fantasies… ‘This is where my passion for designing Southwest style jewelry ignited. I recall as a very young child that as a family, we would travel from California to the Midwest to spend the summers on my grandparents farm. I would spend my time being a Cowgirl to my heart’s desire. On the way, we would stop at all the trading posts, and I would buy either a turquoise ring or a Native American bracelet. I would also select a Native American doll to add to my collection of cherished memories.
Many years passed, yet in the depth of my soul there lived a Cowgirl wanting to express herself through her passion for turquoise, leather and feathers. So, a few years back I made the decision to follow my heart. Spending my time seeing where my passion could, or would take me. Keeping in mind, I’d always heard; ‘Do what you love and the success will follow’ - So true! It humbles me to say, I am living the Cowgirl (jewelry designing) dream with Olav Jules designs by Cat Sandstrom. Although I must admit, none of this would have been possible without my adoring husband, Kris and his support and encouragement. I’ve been blessed, and I have so much gratitude to so many others as well. Olav Jules by Cat Sandstrom is jewelry for women of all ages who know how to express themselves through accessorizing with jewelry. Women with the knowledge that it is not just about the jewelry - it is how you live, it is your dream, and it’s living out your dreams in style.
Designs by Triesta As a child I was fascinated by beautiful leather work. Being from a ranching/ rodeo family there was always custom made saddles, belts, and boots on hand to admire.
Triesta Langford have been a lot cheaper to buy the belt!
When I was about 10 years old, my dad had a belt made that I thought was beautiful! I pleaded with him to order one for me and he refused. Instead, he bought $600.00 of leather, tools and paint and said; “there it is, make it.” I suppose he recognized some talent I didn’t know I had. It would
I taught myself through trial and error and became obsessed with designing and creating beautiful pieces no one else had made. I combined traditional tooling with my love for color and came up with a style uniquely my own. When I was in my teens a few of my designs started showing up in stores, copied by large belt and boot companies. I would just move on and design something better! I probably should have been born 100 years ago because if I could wear leather, buckskin and fringe everyday I would be in heaven! When I need to be inspired I pull out a book of designs by Nudie and Manuel, and then throw in some Al Stolman and Sheridan designs and I’m on fire!
When you visit Marrika Nakk’s studio in Hollywood Hills, CA, you know Miss Kitty(Gunsmoke) and Frida Kalho would have loved to just hang out ...... Music playing, candles burning, lots of gold mirrors and velvet couches. You feel welcome and inspired ,it reminds you of an old western saloon with a touch of Versailles. Growing up in Sweden, Marrika was fascinated with 2 things since an early age, old western movies and Rock and Roll. She wanted to grow up “fast” so she could dress like a saloon girl, and she loved reading about Belle Starr, Calamaty Jane, Donna Tules, Poker Alice, Sally Skull and Rose of the Cimarron. At 18 she visited Santa Fe, NM, for the first time and knew she wanted to live there one day...her dream came true years later.
Awards, The Golden Globe’s and The Oscar’s.
For the past 26 years her company has worked with hundreds of exclusive boutiques nationwide and internationally. Women all over the world enjoy Marrika’s feminine romantic look. Her couture line is frequently worn by the Hollywood elite to Red Carpet events such as The Grammy’s, The Country Music
Marrika’s western wear designs are truly unique. “I never wanted to be a part of a race in a corporate fashion industry” “My company has always been hands on... I know who I am and I feel I know who my customer is” She has built her career in fashion by following her own rules,while always listening to customers feedback. Her “signature look” are her romantic,sexy and flowing silhouettes with a universal almost “magical” fit. Marrika’s creativity and talent have kept her in the forefront of womens western wear for the past 30 years. Marrika continues to reinvent herself. In 2002 she introduced “Marrika Nakk Cowgirls” to her collection, and in 2006 she added “Ranch Weddings” to her bridal line. For 2012 “Cinderella Caramella”,a line of long flowing fairytail/bohemian dresses, should become the new addition. “I design with all types of women in mind” “The down to earth cowgirl, who is not afraid of getting her hands dirty, is as important to me as any Hollywood star” “I enjoy seeing my creations worn by women of all ages... it’s very rewarding being told how beautiful they feel wearing them” Marrika divides her time between her homes in Los Angeles, Santa Fe and Sweden. Her studios are located in Hollywood Hills, CA, and Santa Fe, NM. You can see Marrika’s lines at her exclusive showrooms in New York, London and Gothenburg, Sweden.
Trail Dust With L. D. Bergsgaard JAIL BREAK I seen the Sheriff bring them two cowboys into town all trussed up like a pair of hogs on their way to the market. Stage robbers they were, and killers to boot. Least that was what the Sheriff claimed. Course the Sheriff has some trouble with the truth, both finding it and telling it. Now as Asa told me through the jailhouse window, it was the Sheriff and his deputy what rob the stage and did the killin’. Not that the jury was going take the word of some cowpuncher over the lawman. Nope, didn’t take the jury but a single bottle of deliberating whiskey, furnished by the law, to declare Asa and Noble guilty. The judge, who received ten dollars for each hanging sentence, and only a dollar for a prison sentence, spit out the words, “Hang them mangy coyotes tomorrow before sunset.” If them two fellers had only waited a tad longer, I’d had them sprung from that there jail. I told them so whilist they was playing checkers with that dang fool deputy. Yup, Old Wooley, she’s my mule,
would have pulled them bars right smack out of that window. If I’d asked her and if’n I’d found some rope strong enough, we’d sprung them boys from the hoosegow. But they’s a pigheaded pair of cowboys. Especially, that Asa, a feller can’t change his mind anymore than the engineer can drive the train off the dang track. When Asa pours the coals to the lolocomotive, he’s a roaring down them tracks. Noble? He ain’t no better, maybe worse. And it was Noble who challenged that deputy to a game of checkers. He let that fellow win game after game just awaiting for the deputy to lean within reach. When he did, Noble grabbed him and darn near strained him through the bars. It was Asa I believe, who took the keys from the man’s pocket. I seen the Sheriff across the street from the jail. He was sittin’ in a rockin’ chair talking to one of them pretty working gals. Likely trying to get some free favors for his badge. I tried to shout to Noble to go out the back door, but I expect he couldn’t hear me over the caterwauling of the deputy. That blubbering is likely what got the Sheriff to his feet and charging towards the jail. And when he met with Asa and Barzell, he reminded them that he had a load of double ought in each barrel. “Put a hole through your gut
bigger than a pumpkin, boys.” So that’s why the boys, Asa and Noble are standing today, each with a noose around their neck. When asked for his final words, Asa thanked the townsfolk for taking the time to show up. “Right thoughtful of ya’ll for a pair of fellers you don’t rightly even know!” Barzell, was a tad more blunt when he shouted, “See you all in Hell!”
LD Bergsgaard www.LDBergsgaard.com
L. D. Bergsgaard’s love of the Old West formed during his childhood in Mandan, North Dakota, a small town on the Missouri River that bears the motto, “Where the West Begins!”Bergsgaard left those roots for an exciting career as a Federal and State Special Agent. Since retiring, Bergsgaard has returned to his Western roots settling in Southern Arizona where he is free to ride his buckskin mare and work cattle. Oh, yeah, Bergsgaard has also taking up writing mysteries, having published 8 novels and numerous short stories. Most recently he completed the Saguaro Murders set in the Sonoran Desert.
www.ShortBranchMercantile.Com
ERMILLION
P R O M O T I O N S
ERMILLION
P R O M O T I O N S
Award-Winning Fine Art, Wine & Culinary Festivals
Award-Winning Fine Art, Wine & Culinary Festivals
Immerse yourself in the Arts! Enjoy a weekend of entertainment, wine tastings, artist demonstrations, cultural performances, culinary delights and more!
Immerse yourself in the Arts! Enjoy a weekend of entertainment, wine tastings, artist demonstrations, cultural performances, culinary delights and more!
EVENTS
EVENTS
October 28, 29, 30 2016
October 28, 29, 30 2016
Stagecoach Village Fine Art & Wine Festival
Stagecoach Village Fine Art & Wine Festival
November 5 & 6 2016
November 5 & 6 2016
Litchfield Park Festival of Arts
Litchfield Park Festival of Arts
November 25, 26, 27 2016
November 25, 26, 27 2016
Stagecoach Village Arts Festival
Stagecoach Village Arts Festival
December 9, 10, 11, 2016
December 9, 10, 11, 2016
Cave Creek Christmas
Cave Creek Christmas
January 20, 21, 22, 2017
January 20, 21, 22, 2017
Cave Creek Indian Market
Cave Creek Indian Market
February 10, 11, 12, 2017
February 10, 11, 12, 2017
Stagecoach Village Fine Art, Wine & Chocolate Affaire
Stagecoach Village Fine Art, Wine & Chocolate Affaire
February 17, 18, 19 2017
February 17, 18, 19 2017
Wigwam Festival of Fine Art
Wigwam Festival of Fine Art
March 4 & 5 2017
March 4 & 5 2017
Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival
Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival
March 17, 18, 19, 2017
March 17, 18, 19, 2017
Stagecoach Village Fine Art & Wine Festival
Stagecoach Village Fine Art & Wine Festival
10am – 5pm Free Admission Free Parking www.CraigBergsgaard.net
10am – 5pm • Free Admission • Free Parking
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VermillionPromotions.com • Tel 623-734-6526
VermillionPromotions.com • Tel 623-734-6526