Photos of our jewelry out in the wild (thanks Tim!)

At Xylocopa, we know that the key to a successful education is to begin learning at a young age. Like many of you, we are concerned about the state of science education in the public school system, especially in the lower grades. Specifically, we have noticed that there is absolutely no training in the K-6 grades that covers mad science. In this competitive 21st-century world, the need for mad scientists will only increase, but the lack of basic education in primary school leaves us concerned that there will be no future students capable of leading in this illustrious field.

Fortunately, we have a solution - a first step, if you will, along the path to mad science proficiency. We are pleased to announce the release of our Young Mad Scientist's First Alphabet Blocks. These lovely blocks contain many carefully engraved illustrations of the equipment, training, and activities that a budding mad scientist will require, combined with a clever alphabetic introduction to the concept depicted: for example, "H is for Henchmen", "C is for Caffeine", and "G is for Goggles", three of twenty-six key science concepts described.

These blocks are now available from this website, and may also be found in fine science labs and secret underground lairs near you.

A new bead: this one inspired by the skeletal structure of the prickly pear cactus.

A collection of our handmade beads and earrings. This picture may also include a cat.

Semi-finished.

Here are a few of the original shell, stone, and mother of pearl beads we produce.

Another example of our original inlay work. Red oak, walnut, and maple in bamboo.

This spider and its web are inlaid in a piece of desert ironwood (Olneya tesota), one of the world's hardest and most dense woods. The slow-growing ironwood is very difficult to work with but makes for a beautiful iridescent polished surface.

The spider is made from maple and oak veneer; the web is shimmery silicon carbide in resin.

An inlay of a ten-lined june bug in a chunk of desert ironwood. The piece of wood is 1.5" x 3.5" in size.

A few examples of our inlay work, these tailpieces add a subtle touch of color to the instruments they decorate. Working from one of our original drawings, we precisely cut tiny pieces of veneer and painstakingly inlay them by hand. The result is carefully sanded and polished to bring out the natural glow of the wood.