Classes and Workshops Overview

We offer faceting classes to interested members! We have several faceting machines that members can use to learn this fascinating hobby.  Eventually, members will usually invest in their own equipment and machines.  Our library is full of many books of specialized faceting diagrams.

Did you know that specific cuts are recommended for various gemstones due to the refractory nature of each type of stone?

In this workshop, we teach how to make various types of gem trees.  It's a lovely way to spend a few hours with friends and colleagues and they make beautiful gifts!              

In this workshop, we teach members how to make various wire wrapping projects.  Sometimes the projects involve simple weavings of wire.  Other projects involve beads or stones which are incorporated into the finished product.

We offer classes to members about setting a hand-finished stone cabochon into a beautifully woven wire setting using a variety of types of wire, including craft wire, copper or brass wire, and sterling silver wire.  These can then be made into pendants, pins, rings, or earrings.

This workshop is for members only - and we assist members in learning how to create beautiful copper, brass, or sterlilng silver settings for their cabochons.  We help members with both bezel and prong settings.  We also offer workshops in jewelry design, challenging our members to create beautiful and unique settings.

This workshop is for members only - and we teach members how to make beautiful penannular pins that can be used for scarves, hats, or even kilts!  These pins are made from 8, 10, or 12 gauge copper, brass, or sterling silver wire.  They can involve simple or complex patterns, and gemstones can even be set in them.  These make great gifts!  

These beading workshops involve a variety of projects, anything from simple to complex beading projects.  

This workshop is for members only.  In this workshop we use small torches to 'paint' with heat and flame on copper.  A wide variety of copper blanks are available, and copper squares can also be used.  Best gauge of copper to use is 24-26 gauge.

There are a number of places where materials can be purchased for metalsmithing.  Dead soft or half soft copper or sterling silver sheet can be used.  For backing stones, 18-22 qauge sheet is often used.  Hard, Medium, and Easy solder is also necessary.  Bezel and wire (round, square, and half round are often used in various projects).  A variety of tools will eventually be accumulated by each member although the club has a nice variety of tools available for learning purposes.  Many of us use Rio Grande Jewelry Supply which is a reputable only supplier.  Cabochons and stones can be purchased online, as can some metals although due diligence is advised if buying more expensive metals online.

In this workshop, members use soldering irons to 'soft solder' their cabochons or artwork, using copper tape, silver solder, and soldering irons.  This technique is similar to that used for stained glass windows, adapted to setting stones.  This is a members' only workshop.