Larkin went off to design 3-dimensional wire earrings and came back with this charming (but decidedly 2-dimensional) butterfly pendant. Teens these days. ;)
product
Owl Be Darned (Well, Beaded)
fun, musings, process, productCommentI (Larkin's mum/Idle Talons' minion-in-chief) was sitting watching Larkin make these sweet little owl charms and learned the story of how the pattern was developed. Apparently, when Larkin was 9 or 10, there was a popular Minecraft server that hosted 5 minute speed-build challenges. At some point the challenge was to create an owl, and Larkin won the round. The build translated well into beads and a pattern was born!
Tiger's Eye Marquise
product, processCommentLarkin cut and polished this marquise from a purchased slab of Tiger's Eye. This stone presented a new challenge because the angles of the cuts are so important to show off the stone's distinctive golden brown flash. It's hard to get a good photograph since direct light and high polish don't exactly mix, but this cab definitely captures the sun with a warm glow!
Silver Mermaid Tail On Seraphinite
product, process, funCommentThe first Idle Talons silver piece is done! Larkin wrapped a purchased seraphinite cab in a gleaming argentium silver mermaid tail. Seraphinite is said to infuse the wearer with wholeness and well-being, nurturing and love. Meanwhile, it's fun finding new and exciting photography backgrounds away from our home turf.
Opalized Petrified Wood
process, productCommentWhen our family found this unassuming piece of petrified wood near our home in southern Oregon, we had no idea we would find such striking opal and black markings inside! Larkin cut and polished the cab, then wrapped it in copper wire which has been oxidized and polished. This truly one-of-a-kind pendant will make its debut tonight at Talent Artisans and Growers Market from 5:30 until dusk!
Silver Futures
process, product, musingsCommentThere will be a pile of silver wire waiting when Larkin arrives home! Are there particular stones/wrap styles you think would be especially striking in silver?
On The Road
product, process, funCommentOne more week until Larkin gets home! Even while traveling Larkin’s tools are never far from hand— I can’t wait to see this wrap in person and polished up. The cab is cut from an opalized piece of petrified wood our family found. Bonus picture of Larkin on a ferry, mostly for hair appreciation.
More Dragon Eyes Are Here!
product, musingsCommentThe Idle Talons tech support team has been not-entirely-idle while Larkin is traveling. ;) The dragon eyes sell so briskly at local markets we've been a bit lazy about listing them all. Recognizing this isn't fair to our far-flung audience we've put them all together in one listing and included every one that is currently ready to ship. There is so much variety it's hard to choose a favorite!
That's A Wrap!
product, funComment
Rough Opal Commission
productCommentA customer brought Larkin these raw opals for commissioned wraps. They're much smaller than the cabs Larkin usually works with so some slightly different styles were called for. They catch the light beautifully!
Spiral Drops
productCommentThese elegant drop earrings are shaped from copper wire which has been hammered, wrapped, oxidized and polished. Short earrings measure about 4.2 cm from base of hook to bottom of drop and long earrings measure about 5.4 cm from base of hook to bottom of drop. Be thankful you weren't the one who told Larkin they remind you of bowling pins!
Chert Marquise
product, processCommentThis wrap is around a cabochon cut from a chert stone our family found near Larkin's grandparents' home on the northern California coast. The striking veining was formed when fractures in the matrix healed with agate. Wrapped in copper wire which has been oxidized and polished.
On The Road...
fun, process, productCommentLarkin’s mum is test-driving a new earring style while the family is on vacation! :)
Chert Curl
productComment
This wrap is around a chert stone our family found near Larkin’s grandparents’ house on the California coast. Dendritic inclusions create interesting depth and texture in the polished stone surface. Larkin cut and polished the stone and wrapped it in copper which has been oxidized and polished.
Cabled Lace Agate Leaf
product, musings, processCommentIt is interesting to see how all the time Larkin has devoted to various crafting techniques can be reflected in current wire work. This purchased lace agate cabochon is wrapped in a unique style reminiscent of knitted cabling, resulting in a stunningly elegant piece!
New Butterfly Wings
product, venuesCommentTwo new shades of these gleaming butterfly wings have alit! These are always eye-catchers at market days... you can check them out in person tomorrow near the Talent skate park!
Altman Creek Jade Tree of Life
product, processCommentYou may recall the story of how Larkin and Emile risked life and limb pulling several hunks of rock up a very steep embankment (see post from a few weeks back). Larkin cut and polished this cabochon from one of those stones, pulled from the waters of Altman Creek in southern Oregon. Boasting a dazzling array of greens, creams, and sparkling black, this Altman Creek jade is wrapped in copper wire which has been oxidized and polished. Second picture doesn’t show off the colors as well, but includes the stone from which it was cut.
Rose Quartz Roses
productCommentAnother sweet rose piece-- just in time for Mother's Day! Larkin cut and polished this cabochon from a purchased slab of rose quartz. Embellished with dainty roses, the back shows through the translucent stone on light surfaces, and blends in to darker backgrounds.
Snitches
productCommentLarkin made two of these snitch necklaces before Comic Con to see if they would sell and they flew off the display (see what I did there?!) in the first hour! Now they've been added to the standard Idle Talons product line. Beads are gold-plated copper and the wings are hand-wrapped copper that has been oxidized and polished. Any Harry Potter fan would be happy to capture one of these!
A Dragon Is Born!
fun, productCommentLarkin can’t help but name dragons as they are created. This guy has a ton of personality and was named Godric, after the founder of the Gryffindor house, due to his red and gold coloring.
