Idle Talons was named May's artist of the month at Dragon Crystals, our local rock and gem shop! This was made official several months ago, and of course timing could have been better given... well, the pandemic. They are open, so stop by if you're local and would like to see some of Larkin's work in person! Please observe social distancing and wear a mask. It was a fun challenge deciding on layout and which pieces to include in their display case, and a brick-and-mortar display feels like a bit of a milestone!
product
Shipping Day!
product, processCommentAll these lovelies are now out for shipment or delivery! There's still time to get in on the action-- use the discount code MOTHER for 10% off all purchases until Mother's Day. :) (And no, your eyes don't deceive you-- there is a single earring in one order for a previous customer who lost one of a pair!)
Mother's Day Sale
venues, product, musingsCommentHi folks! We know we have been a bit quiet lately-- isolation is taking its toll on this extroverted teen. Larkin does have a special offer for Facebook followers, though! Now until Mother's Day, Larkin is offering 10% off all purchases with the coupon code MOTHER. If you happen to be local (generally between Central Point and Ashland) we're also offering free no-contact delivery before Mother's Day with the code LOCAL. It's a good time to get something to beautify your time in isolation if you've been on the fence.
Rose Stud Earrings
process, productCommentLarkin's first stud earrings! These sweet rose studs are formed from 20 gauge argentium silver wire, shaped and fused into a leafy bloom. Thanks to Larkin's younger brother, Finn, for lending his lovely lobes and locks to our photo shoot.
Spring Office Hours
process, product, musingsCommentHere's a view of the ever-changing Idle Talons workshop today! Amid the wildflowers and dirt from the hobbit-hole-under-construction, Larkin is working on these elegantly understated silver leaves.
Speaking Of Dragons...
product, musingsCommentMeet Puff, the latest dragon in the Idle Talons menagerie! Glistening green scales, silver spines, amazing wing veining and details. <sigh> I want to keep them all!
Dragon Eyes!
product, processCommentNew dragon eyes going up tomorrow! So much variety and character.
Red Jasper Flame
product, musingsCommentLarkin cut this cabochon from a very striking piece of red jasper found by our family in southern Oregon. The shape and color of the cab, combined with the style of the copper wire wrap, evoke the feeling of a flame. Historically, red jasper has been associated with vibrancy and endurance, worn by warriors and those who wish to champion justice. Today, it is more commonly viewed as a grounding stone, promoting connection to the earth. No matter your view, this piece is a gorgeous talisman!
Compass Rose With Amazonite
product, musingsCommentThis compass rose is crafted from pure argentium silver which has been hammered and fused. Larkin uses a torch to form each solid sphere. At its heart is a faceted bead made of amazonite, a stone said to represent truth, hope and luck. Who among us couldn’t use more of those these days?
Custom Gallifreyan Pendants
musings, productCommentWhovians rejoice! These Gallifreyan pendants can be made for any word up to seven letters in length. Pictured, starting at the bottom and working clockwise (because that’s how you read Gallifreyan), are TARDIS, dalek, angel, and doctor. The possibilities are endless! We like the idea of couples/friends sets where one is “spoiler” and the other “sweetie” or “timey” paired with “wimey!”
Size will vary slightly depending on the length of the word, but they are generally about the size of a quarter. Larkin crafts each piece by shaping and fusing argentium silver wire.
Beaded Medallions
musings, process, productCommentBeading was Larkin's first creative love. I went into craft stores asking about beads for my 3-year-old and they'd point me towards buckets of giant plastic monstrosities. I quickly learned to ask for seed beads! While Idle Talons has moved more towards stone and wire work, Larkin still loves beading. These medallion pendants are intricately mesmerizing!
Lapis Planet
fun, process, productCommentLarkin cut and polished this gleaming blue cabochon from a small slab of lapis lazuli gifted from a fellow rockhound at the rock shop. Wrapped in gleaming argentium silver rings that match shining flecks in the stone, this piece is truly stellar! (See what I did there?)
Just for fun, the second picture is a visual pun representing a well-known song title... can you guess it?
Out Of This World!
process, product, musingsCommentThis planetary cab is another that Larkin cut from an Applegate jade stone found by our family. This is a prototype for a design Larkin wants to do in silver, but the gleaming copper rings are pretty spectacular in their own right! Certain sci-fi buffs among us were amused to discover that it measures precisely 42 mm long.
Dynamic Design Duo
process, product, musingsCommentVoluntary isolation means lots of time for sketching and plotting... with a little help from Pippin. ;) Today's design features clean lines and sparkling beads which combine to form quite a striking piece!
Pride Flags
productCommentLet your pride flag fly with these beaded rainbow beauties! Currently available as large charm, small charm, earrings and pin.
Moonstone Scroll With Aquamarine
product, processCommentThis is the first moonstone and aquamarine scroll Larkin has made that was not commissioned... that means it's first come, first served! ;) The wider drop on this piece has a luminous blue/rainbow flash and is complemented beautifully by gleaming argentium silver.
Turning Over New Leaves
product, musingsCommentThere’s no stopping spring! The trees around us are really leafing out…
Aventurine Leaf
musings, process, productCommentThis may be my favorite of all Larkin’s designs to date. Deceptively simple with a distinctive organic elegance, it showcases the quality of the cabochon and lets the unique properties of the stone really shine through.
Serpentine Moonscape
musings, process, productCommentLarkin's latest tree is done! The large background cab is cut from a swirly, deep green Applegate jade/serpentine stone found locally by our family. Larkin cut the moon from another stone we found comprised of agate and common opal. The swing is hand-formed and fused, made of argentium silver. There is something very evocative about the scene this piece presents!
A Tree Grows Slowly
product, processCommentLarkin has a billion (okay, maybe slightly fewer) projects going at once and my pleas for JUST ONE to be completed seem to be falling on deaf ears. So here’s a view of Larkin’s office for today, complete with majestic guardian and parasol, and a photo of the tree-in-progress. I am still awed when Larkin gives that snarl of wires its final fancy form!