Larkin 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.
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
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!
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.
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.
