It is interesting how many stones seem to inspire water imagery! Larkin cut and polished this stone from a purchased slab of plume agate. The red dendrites of the moss agate surround a druzy pocket of glistening crystal. The stone evokes an underwater ocean scene, matched by the wire fronds of kelp climbing the frame.
musings
Finishing touches
process, musings, productCommentDid you know how much of the detail and character of a tree of life appear at the very end of the shaping process? The first photo is before final pliers-work and the second is after all the crimping and kinking give the tree its final shape.
This dark green, almost black, stone is Applegate jade, a particular kind of serpentine found near our home in southern Oregon. This is another piece Larkin created from the slab up, so to speak.
Cabochon Mania
process, musingsCommentLarkin completed the rock shop's cabochon making class that is required before using the machines specifically for making cabs. They work so much better and faster than the other machines! I can't wait to see what comes next...
How Many Jewelers Does It Take To Screw In A Light Bulb?
musings, processCommentMe: How many tools do you possibly need to make one little piece of jewelry?!
Larkin: More.
Fingers Crossed...
process, musingsCommentThe middle stage of wrap projects are always exciting... and by “exciting” we mean they seem like they could go horribly wrong at any moment!
Market-Season Stress
venues, musings, processCommentWe've been quiet lately, we know! Larkin's first market of the season is Tuesday and the Idle Talons product line has changed a great deal since we designed displays-- fewer bead intensive pieces, more wire work. So we've been hard at work and getting a little loopy making sure everything is ready for a successful kick-off to market season!
Public Service Announcement
musings, processCommentSomeone's poor parent is going to go cross-eyed sorting them out later...
Dreaming Of A White Vending
venues, musingsCommentSo... one week from today Idle Talons will be wrapping up the first (outdoor!) market of the season. Keep your fingers crossed!
Bittersweet Goodbyes
musingsCommentIt is such a bittersweet moment as an artist (not to mention an artist's parent!) when a one-of-a-kind piece sells. So exciting! ...and then you ship it away. Goodbye, fair tree of life-- we're sure Montana will treat you well. :)And... an excuse to make another!
Decisions, Decisions...
musings, processCommentHelp us with a tough decision! The dragon eyes are very striking and are big sellers at local markets, but Larkin doesn't feel they can be priced in a way that accurately reflects how many hours of time are required to make them. The beadwork on one of these eyes takes literally less than half the time that the other does. Is it obvious which? Do you strongly prefer one over the other (discounting preference for the eye itself)?
Notes on Copper
product, musingsCommentAnd now for a random note on copper from Larkin's Chem-nerd mum. ;)We found claims on several jewelry sites that wearing copper against the skin allows your body to absorb copper if needed AND it will only turn your skin green when a copper deficiency is no longer present. A little research has convinced us that science does not back this claim. Elemental copper can not be absorbed by the human body and no form of copper can be absorbed through the skin. Idle Talons jewelry may make you feel wonderful, but not because it’s curing a copper deficiency!
For more information on taking care of copper jewelry, and avoiding green skin, we've added a page to the website:https://www.idletalons.com/copper-care
Milestones...
musingsCommentSpotted a stranger wearing Idle Talons jewelry while running errands in town today! 😀