Crafting culture: Red Mountain Design’s jewelry sparkles at Gallery 873

Written by Jessi Bang
June 17, 2024

ST. GEORGE — From Italian leather wishbone bracelets to silver rings wrapped in leather bands and Navajo Pearl necklaces, each piece of this artist’s work tells a story, weaving together cultures and personal flair into wearable works of art.

Red Mountain Design offers leather bracelets, Ivins, Utah, May 29, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Red Mountain Design offers leather bracelets, Ivins, Utah, May 29, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“I think the most important fact to me is that I use quality pieces,” Red Mountain Design owner Barbara Parks said. “I get pieces that are going to last. And I back all my pieces.”

Parks said she’s always been a creative soul, finding joy in various forms of art. Her artistic journey took a colorful turn when her kids were young. Armed with paintbrushes and a vivid imagination, she transformed their walls into vibrant canvases.

After hanging up her apron from managing a bustling dining hall at Montana State University in 2010, she dove into the world of jewelry making, launching a collection on Etsy.

Coming from the frosty wonderland of Bozeman, Montana, where snow blankets the ground and winter reigns supreme, she couldn’t resist the sunny allure of Southern Utah. Nestled near Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the frigid beauty of Montana was spectacular, but the warmth and sun-soaked charm of Utah, with its close proximity to other breathtaking national parks, called to her.

Barbara Parks stands next to her creations inside Gallery 873 in Ivins, Utah, May 29, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Barbara Parks stands next to her creations inside Gallery 873 in Ivins, Utah, May 29, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

What started as a beadwork bonanza in Montana soon evolved into a leather lover’s dream when she and her family moved to Southern Utah in 2013. There, she added leather bracelets and stamped leather pieces to her lineup, transforming her hobby into a business venture.

“I’m self-taught,” Parks said. “It’s just been so fun seeing what I can create.”

Following her discovery of the Kayenta Art Village, she showcased her work at the Datura Gallery for four years before moving to Gallery 873 three years ago. In 2018, her son joined the fun, creating leather “catch-alls,” cardholders and cord holders, also sold at Gallery 873.

“People are very interesting that come here,” she said about Kayenta Art Village. “You meet people from all over everywhere.”

Her top seller? The Wishbone Bracelets — the very first designs she ever created. Named for their unique clasp that snaps together like a wishbone, these bracelets are a hit for their ease of use and charming design. These, alongside her popular magnetic closure bracelets, have become fan favorites.

Parks’ beadwork now features Navajo Pearls — sterling silver beads historically used by the Navajo culture for trade and currency. These beads, recognizable by their distinct black stripes, carry a rich heritage of bartering with other tribes and trading posts. Adding her own twist to the Navajo Pearl designs, many of her pieces also include turquoise inlays.

Red Mountain Design creates bracelets from Navajo Pearls, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Barbara Parks, St. George News
Red Mountain Design creates bracelets from Navajo Pearls, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Barbara Parks, St. George News

“They’re a part of history, so they’re neat,” she said about Navajo Pearls. “And they go with everything.”

Parks loves making jewelry that fits just right, so she’s always happy to create custom sizes. She also crafts leather bags, bag charms and other unique items and is thrilled to take on custom orders to bring accessory dreams to life.

Guess who’s dipping their brushes back into the rainbow pool of creativity? Parks just snagged some fresh canvases and is gearing up to dive back into the colorful world of painting.

Discover the creations of Red Mountain Design at Gallery 873, nestled at 873 Coyote Gulch Court in the heart of Ivins, within the Kayenta Art Village.

Additionally, catch a glimpse of her artistry at the St. George Museum, where a few of her pieces are on display. Shop online via Etsy, and follow @redmountaindesign on Instagram and Facebook.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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