An artist's passion can usually be seen in them from a young age, this is a prevalent part of Crissy (Cacti) Patiño’s story. Years before she would go on to graduate from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) a young Cacti could be found scrounging the floor of her father’s work area. Where others saw scraps she saw opportunity. 

Growing up Cacti was nurtured in an artistic household giving her the opportunity to explore how she could bring beauty into the world. Her late father, Cactus Max, owned his own fine metal art business and her mother Doreen Patiño added color to all aspects of life albeit a wall, a flower bed or art project.

Upon graduation from MIAD, Cacti returned home to San Antonio, Texas and went to work in the Cactus Max metal warehouse. Through this time her work with metal flourished as she returned to her roots and started collecting the scraps from his floor. From here Cacti started to play around with techniques and customization to create hand-hammered and stamped pieces. These individual pieces of metal art were then utilized to create her first line of earrings, necklaces, and key chains. Thus began, Cacti Crissy Creations.

Over the years Cacti has explored different disciplines of art adding hand-blown glass, handmade accessories and up-cycled clothing to her arsenal.  Today Cacti Crissy Creations has expanded beyond jewelry into home decor and clothing lines. 

Cheers to the people that have paved the wave; that have helped me to this point:

To Glass Maestro Gerado Muñoz, as my tutela, while studying under your guidance I’ve advanced as a glass artist and pieces of art glass have made their way into the collection.

To Edgar Muñoz, my fellow creator that has always supported, taught and influenced my endeavors.

To Mark Patiño, who knows when to check in and when to just send in the clouds 

To Mitzi Eastman, who feeds my creative side with ideas and provides the support I need to make it in life.