GVR LAPIDARY & SILVERSMITH CLUB

Metal Clay Class Creations

Intermediate and Advanced Classes

Die-Cutting Bracelet Links

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL - Prerequisite: Learn the Torch class or equivalent and GVR Lapidary Club Membership. Learn to use die-cutting equipment to punch many shapes: Circles, hearts, squares, and teardrops. Learn to safely use the 20-ton hydraulic press and other forming tools. Have fun experimenting with textures to create a fun-to-wear bracelet. Materials are copper and sterling silver. This class is required for club members to use this equipment.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Kumihimo 2

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL/CLUB MEMBERS ONLY - Prerequisites: Kumihimo 1 class or prior Kumihimo experience AND Lapidary Club membership. Students will learn to load 8mm seed beads onto size 18 nylon thread and place it on the disk they received in Kumihimo 1 to make a beaded rope. Supplies must be purchased before attending this class. Using the same disk movements learned in Kumihimo 1 will now allow students to create unique and varied necklaces and bracelets using a variety of beads and styles.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Learn to Solder

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL/CLUB MEMBERS ONLY - Prerequisite: Learn the Torch OR previous annealing experience AND club membership. Please note: This class is a prerequisite for more advanced silversmith classes. Students will learn the basics of torch soldering to make jewelry. Begin developing skills and confidence needed to fabricate jewelry from silver and other metals. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Optivizor (magnifier) provided. Bring lunch.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Patina and Finishes

INTERMEDIATE/Club Member: Once you've created your piece, it's time to add unique qualities that reflect your style and brand. As watercolor embellishes a pencil sketch, patina and your fine finish bring a piece to life. This course covers the whole gambit: preparing your piece for the patina, selecting the patina agent and dip, selectively removing part or all of the patina, and preserving the patina. You will learn about the flex shaft, various polishing discs, and the appearance they produce.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Saw & Rivet Cool Earrings

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL/CLUB MEMBERS ONLY- Learn the basic jewelry makers’ skills of using a jewelers’ hand saw and easy riveting to hold component parts together. Both brass and copper will be used, and you’ll have a unique earring design that you’ll be able to replicate in various creative shapes. You will learn to use Lapidary Club tools including a drill press, bench pin, texture & riveting hammers, files, patina solution, and polishing tools. All materials and tools are provided. Wear close-toed shoes, apron, & tie long hair back.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click  to read the description and enroll in the course.

Silversmith I - Bezel Set Stone

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL - Prerequisites: Club Membership AND Learn to Solder or equivalent experience soldering silver. Tools and materials will be furnished to make a bezel cup for a pendant. Wear old clothes, closed-toe shoes. Tie long hair back. Please indicate special physical needs when registering. Optivisor magnification is provided. Open flames will be used, so oxygen tanks cannot be allowed. Strong magnets in some equipment may affect a pacemaker; concerned individuals seek advice from your physician.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Three Easy Rings

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL/CLUB MEMBERS ONLY:- Prerequisite: Learn the Torch class or recent jewelry experience AND Lapidary Club membership. Learn to Solder class may be helpful. You will practice safely using Lapidary Club equipment while learning to size and make three styles of rings in sheet metal and wire. Choose to solder rings or form styles without soldering. Copper and sterling are provided. Upon class completion you will have the option of attending a future workshop to add a stone to a soldered, wedding-band style ring that you have made.

Note: Pacemaker wearers- Club equipment may have strong magnets; consult your physician. Bring lunch.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Wire Bundle Wrapped Polished Stone Pendant

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL - Prerequisite: Completion of Basic Wire Wrapping Class or equivalent experience AND Lapidary Club membership.

We will use square and half round wire to create a mounting for a cabochon pendant. Polished cabochons provided. Bring jewelry tools (pliers, flush tool, ruler and fine-tip Sharpie). Tools available for purchase. NOTE: Requires working with pliers and can be difficult for arthritic hands. Magnifier lights are provided. Material fees may increase due to current market values.