About
Cree Windmills
Decorative windmills can serve as whimsical reminders of earlier days when life was a bit slower and simpler, adding a touch of country charm to homes and yards.
Drawing inspiration from her travels, Cree Hyde Short, owner of Cree Windmills of Arizona, is continuing her father’s passion of manufacturing custom-made wooden windmills with a range of decorative motifs.
“After serving in the military, my father worked for a sign company that built and designed metal electric signs, when he retired, he built wooden clocks and then windmills”
She said her windmills conjure up memories of the Mid-West. “Some say it reminds them of their Grandparents’ place on a farm or ranch that they miss. A lot of people say it is relaxing just to watch the blades turn,” said Short, who lives in Camp Verde, Arizona.
Trained as a graphic artist, Short’s eight-foot windmills are painted with flower petals, feather heads, animals, flags and Native American designs. Each pieced is screwed in, nothing is glued. Short also manufactures what she calls a WallMill, a downsized version of a windmill made for hanging on a wall, along with birdfeeders and birdhouses.
“Cree’s windmills are so fun and eye-catching,” said Salt Mine Wine co-owner Leann Norton. “I was anxious to have the sunflower windmill for our vineyard because it is lively and positive. Her windmills are beautifully constructed with fabulous paint and details. We are so happy to own one.”
Manufactured from recycled. Distressed and new wood, Cree Windmills are made to order. “I use six coats of waterproof paint for each front and back petal or blade and a coat of flex-seal,” said Short.
“Cree does amazing work,” said Pam Moran of Rimrock, Arizona. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting her studio, so I’ve seen her whole set up, and it is impressive. I purchased a windmill with a Native American motif, it has feathers with pastel, turquoise, white and orange colors; it matched our home perfectly.”
Short officially began making windmills in 2006 in Laveen, Arizona as “Kreeder Feeders”,
but relocated in Camp Verde in 2026. She now works on making all parts needed, making a total of five or six at the same time. “My husband helped shape the wood on a lathe. Now I use the bandsaw, which I feel safer and more comfortable with,” she said. Last year, she made 87 windmills.
“In Idaho Ifound a magazine with pictures of mountain lions, different kinds of
flowers and other animals. It gave me so many ideas for my windmills and Pen n’ Ink drawings. I just seem to brainstorm and always look for new ideas. Making them brings me so much joy.”
At 77 years old, Short says she has a good 15 years left to make her windmills. “Both my parents lived to their mid-90s, so I hope to as well.”
Our mission is to provide quality products that help people enjoy the beauty of nature in their own special outdoor space. Our vision is to become the go-to source for BirdHouse/BirdFeeder/WindMills products worldwide.
Along with selling her products online, Short also sells at festivals around the Verde Valley, Arizona. she is planning on expanding into other areas.