Jive Turkey

I just finished up a very unique commission that took months longer than anticipated:My client wanted a pair of turkey legs from her brother's farm to be mounted and embellished with the intent of using the toes/talons to hang her jewelry from.

 Of course I was in love with the idea from the very start, but when she brought me the legs I was shocked.  While my turkey mount experience is limited at best, I have handled legs before.  They are usually large, but not much more meaty than a large rooster. This turkey was a monster!  The feet were big enough to wrap around a small child's arm and meaty enough to make for a meal on their own.  

I made slices along the side of each talon to access the meat so I could flesh it out.  For traditional standing mounts where the turkey would be standing on an environment, foot pad side down, this is an easy job, but I had to keep in mind that the underside of these feet would be one of the focal points of the finished piece and therefore the cuts had to be neat and ultimately concealed.

I filled the foot in with clay where I had removed the flesh, sculpted it back into shape and wired the cuts shut so it could dry a bit in the right position.  After the clay had firmed up I lined up the skin on either side of each cut and used superglue to seal them back up.  I left the pair out to dry and cure a bit more, and perhaps it was the humid end of Summer climate but it took two months for them to get to a point where I could begin the finishing work. I then blended an epoxy clay into the "scars" and textured & painted them.  When I was done, the cuts were blended in so well I can barely find them!

Next came mounting on a custom plaque and embellishing, my favorite part!

I fancy myself a bit of an alchemist when I'm taking vintage gems, some old jewelry of my own and marrying it with those either gifted to me or found on the street during my daily journeys, and giving them a new purpose.  They go from being dormant and underappreciated to vibrant pieces of interactive art!

Since they were designed to hold jewelry, I gave them a test run with some of my own pieces before hadning off to my client.

Turkey legs as jewelry holders.   I adore my clients!

New Taxidermy Talon Charms plus a TREAT at the end!

Here are some of the trinkets I've been working on; this is everything I just listed on Etsy, with the exact descriptions listed on that site:

 Taxidermied chicken foot charm, from the very enchanting Silkie breed. These are very special birds, with skin unlike any other fowl. They have an extra toe and the talons are hauntingly long.
Great as a holiday ornament or for home decor, this charm is medium sized (about 7" in length) and delightful to touch.

 Taxidermy Raccoon paw charm with small Swarovski crystal accent. Raccoon paws are enchanting and remarkable in their shape and dexterity. This is a wonderful piece to hang around your neck for holding onto during times or stress or while in deep thought. Channel the energy of the resourceful and imaginative raccoon.
Also great for hanging from a bag, rear view mirror, Christmas tree , candelabra, the list goes on...

 Not all Taxidermy talon charms need to be clutching tings. Some of them are perfect in their own frozen finger expression for eternity. This piece genuine Swarovski crystals on one talon. This piece is on the larger side, measuring about 10" in length.
An ideal holiday ornament, gift, or charm to hang from a dream catcher over your bed to lazily reach up and bat around like a kitten, as you ease into your day.

 

 Two Large taxidermy chicken feet entwined in an eternal embrace cradle a mammoth costume ring. Talons are painted a metallic brown to compliment their feathers. This piece is on the larger side, measuring about 10" in length and speaks to the more elegant and sophisticated side of talon charms.
Lovely to hand from a Christmas tree or candelabra, perhaps from a door frame to replace that dusty old mistletoe. A magnificent gift for housewarming couples or newlyweds.

 Two Large taxidermy chicken feet entwined in an eternal embrace cradle a vintage functioning locket from a delicate chain. One leg is decidedly more "lady-like" as its emblazoned with a smattering of genuine Swarovski crystals and coated with a high gloss finish to contrast the rough simplicity of the bare leg it clasps.
This piece is on the larger side, measuring about 10" in length and speaks to the more elegant and sophisticated side of talon charms.
Lovely to hang from a Christmas tree or candelabra, perhaps from a door frame to replace that dusty old mistletoe. Put a secret note in the locket for your lover, or pass on as a magnificent gift for housewarming couples or newlyweds.

 

 Taxidermied chicken feet charm, eternally embraced and cradling a small piece of carved shell. One leg still has its identification bracelet.
Great as a holiday ornament or for home decor, this charm is medium sized (about 7" in length). An ideal gift for newly cohabited or unioned couples.

 The red nails contrasting with the black charm reminds me of my Friday evenings spent combing the racks of Contempo Casuals as a tween at the Granite Run Mall. This large (10" long) taxidermy chicken talon charm holds onto this throwback charm with the ferocity of a Ridley girl about to fight behind the Ruby Tuesday in the parking lot.
An idea gift for your favorite Don't F*** With Me friend to hang from their tree, rear-view mirror, etc.

 This piece is a direct reference to the way Bastian twists his fingers at the breakfast table in the beginning of the movie The Never Ending Story. This film is was beyond influential in my development as a human and I continue to hold its message dear: dream, dream, dream. DO NOT LET THE NOTHING GET YOU.
Like the one grain of sand Bastian is asked to rebuild the Princess's world with after it has been destroyed, this charm flaunts the beginnings of a sparkly new universe on its side. Caress it as you dream; see what manifests.
An ideal gift for you, the dreamer, or the dreamer in your life.

 Taxidermied chicken foot charm, from the very enchanting Silkie breed. These are very special birds, with skin unlike any other fowl. They have an extra toe and the talons are hauntingly long. This particular foot was dyed lavender, and embellished with an old Hollywood style vintage necklace. It will catch the light and reflect in it the most bewitching ways.
Great as a holiday ornament or for home decor, this charm is medium sized (about 7" in length) and delightful to touch.

 

Not Listed Yet:

Experimental Raccoon Paw Charm:

 This piece can hang, ideally on your wall.  its hollow enough inside to house a teeny tiny little moss plant or gem.


Large Talon Necklace:

I'm waiting to shoot this piece on a model to show how elegantly it hangs on the human form.  But here is a preview, it's for sale ($128) if you can't wait until the 18th of September when it will be listed properly.

Possum Tail Necklace:

Also not yet listed on Etsy because I am waiting to shoot it on a human model, again, if it strikes your fancy ($138), don't hesitate to contact me.

 

Fox Tail Ear Cuff:

Another addition to my rabbit tail ear cuffs, this little fox tail poof hangs from a shorter chain.  Like all my ear cuffs, the hardware is sterling silver.  Again, this piece will be listed on Etsy after I've shot it on a model, but it pretty much speaks for itself.  If you'd like to purchase ($68) feel free to contact me at diamondtoothtaxidermist@gmail.com

 

Like a Soft, Furry Fairy Whispering in Your Ear:

I'm working on a line of ear cuffs, so far I have rabbit tails in stock but will have some fox tail tips soon.  All up on my etsy page or available for pick up at my shop.

 These photos aren't the greatest but I think the pieces speak for themselves.  I've been wearing one throughout the day lately and I find them delightfully cute, lightweight and fun to wear.

  Not only are they a superb ice breaker but if you're prone to the occasional fidgeting they serve as a perfect place for your fingers to play.

Jazzed up Baculums

Here's a not so wordy post with pretty pictures of my new batch of baculum charms.  All are uniquely embellished and infused with my own brand of custom good vibes.  Let the mojo roll:


 Amethyst:

Vintage blue gem with Swarovski and filigree on the back:

Diamonds:

 

Vintage emerald charm: