This 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.
Market Schedule
venuesCommentWhat's that saying? Out of the vacation pan and into the fire? I think that's close...
Idle Talons is gearing up for 4 markets in 5 days starting this Friday! Here's the line-up:
Friday, 5/31: Talent Artisans & Growers 5-9 pm by the Talent skate park
Saturday, 6/1: Brews, Bluegrass & BBQ 12-8 pm at Roxy Ann Winery in Medford
Sunday, 6/2: Crafter's Market at Hanley Farm 12-3 pm
Monday, 6/3: breathe. sleep. re-stock.
Tuesday, 6/4: Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market 8:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Ashland Armory
Hope to see some of you there!
On The Road...
fun, process, productCommentLarkin’s mum is test-driving a new earring style while the family is on vacation! :)
Made In Southern Oregon
venuesCommentCome see the Idle Talons booth today until 7pm at Made in Southern Oregon in downtown Central Point!
Leveling Up!
musings, processThis week, Larkin got samples of three of the most common kinds of silver wire used in jewelry making: argentium, sterling, and fine. Larkin preferred working with the argentium silver (naturally the most expensive option🙄) which also has the advantage of being slower to tarnish than the other two. Larkin has been saving some favorite cabochons that seem better suited to a silver wrap than copper— It must be time to place a larger order and see what comes next!
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!
Made In Southern Oregon
venuesCommentNext event... stop by the Idle Talons booth in Central Point this Saturday!
A Little Help From Your Friends
fun, musings, processCommentLarkin’s productivity has been a little low. We’re opening an investigation into probable cause.
Or should we say, pawsable claws…
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!
Comic Con Is A Wrap!
venues, funComment<Whew!> It was a long, very successful weekend at Comic Con for Idle Talons-- having a booth staffed by Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind didn't hurt! Larkin plans to buckle down to replenishing stock and will be making and wrapping some new cabochons in the coming weeks.
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.
Nature's Easter Hunt
fun, process, musingsCommentA beautiful day in southern Oregon— found some great pieces of petrified wood, agate and jasper, just laying on the ground waiting to be discovered!
Dragon Magic In The Making
fun, musings, process, productCommentWhen you bring your mum a dragon you stopped working on a while ago and she spends 2 minutes cooing and tickling its belly and demands you finish it NOW.
Stormy Weather
product, musings, processCommentThis piece is cut from a stone found by our family near our home in southern Oregon. Jasper and agate combine to paint a striking landscape in stone, which Larkin framed, cut and polished. Whether you see fields, forest or ocean, the copper wire wrap portends an oncoming storm. This cabochon was cut from a small stone (pictured) so there may never be another like it!
It's Elemental, My Dear Watson
productCommentY'all were right-- these are the elements inspired by the animated Avatar series! They have taken their final shape and are now available. Check out our Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/Idle.Talons) for a special limited offer for our Facebook followers. ;)
Geeky Finery
process, product, venuesCommentDesign work is under way for Medford Comic Con-- these aren't final, but progress is being made! Look familiar to anyone?
