The design phase of a new wrap. This is when it gets exciting and we ask Larkin every few minutes if it’s done yet.
process
Beads Shall Dance
process, fun, musingsCommentLarkin went a little wild at the big Dancing Beads (our local bead shop) sale this weekend. Let the gleeful plotting and designing begin!
All Polished Up And Somewhere To Go
process, funCommentCabochons from today's trip to the rock shop! Larkin has been so lucky to have people offer up stones and slabs for trade or gift. The two cabs on the left with the agatized shells are made of something known as "Turritella Agate" (see https://geology.com/gemstones/turritella/ for more info), the red and black asymmetric drop is mahogany obsidian, the three mossy blue/green ones are moss agate, and the round red and black one is jasper from Larkin’s grandparents’ place in Humboldt County.
You Can't Always Get What You Want...
product, processCommentLarkin went off to design 3-dimensional wire earrings and came back with this charming (but decidedly 2-dimensional) butterfly pendant. Teens these days. ;)
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.
Smoked Out
fun, process, musingsCommentLarkin came home the night that smoke from the latest wildfire rolled into our home valley, so we immediately got in the car and headed for the clean air of the coast. Larkin has started work on the very first silver Idle Talons wrap, with a gorgeous studio view courtesy of the grandparents (that’s cool, glorious fog, not wildfire smoke).
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.
Market Day
venues, processCommentAfter a personal record-breaking sale day on Tuesday at Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market, Idle Talons will be at Talent Artisans & Growers Market this evening from 5:30-dusk. One more commission to complete, then a bit of a break for travel!
Learning Curve
musings, processCommentWe know we've been quiet lately. This has been Larkin's first full market season and it has been a learning experience for the whole Idle Talons team! It turns out restocking is very time consuming and slows down the process of coming up with new designs. Larkin has received quite a few custom commissions which are always fun and challenging. Also, it turns out there's some value in enjoying being 14. ;) Larkin has some international travel planned in the next month and then is looking forward to focusing on more Idle Talons design work!
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! :)
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!
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!
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…
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.
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!
