GVR LAPIDARY & SILVERSMITH CLUB

WORKSHOPS

Workshops provide the opportunity for you to work on your projects with the support of instructors and/or experienced assistants. Bring your materials and tools with you. Depending on the workshop, tools may be provided and materials may be available for purchase.  All participants must be a member of the GVR Lapidary and Silversmith Club.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dichroic Glass Workshop

Prerequisite: Open to all members who have completed the GVR Dichroic Jewelry class.   Work on your own projects with help available if you need it.  Learn new skills from experienced instructors. Tools are provided; there is a small fee for firing. Materials such as fusible glass, dichroic glass and findings are available for purchase.

Tuesdays:                    Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm         Location: East Center Studio
By Reservation Only (contact Pat Reynolds)

Wednesdays:               Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm         Location: East Center Studio
By Reservation Only (contact Pat Reynolds)

Metalsmith Workshops

A variety of Metalsmith Workshops will be advertised for all members who have completed the GVR class Learn the Torch. Locations and times will vary depending on equipment used. A small material fee and pre-registration via our club website will be required if the workshop includes a hands-on project.

Check the GVR Lapidary Club Calendar for days when the workshops are offered.

Metal Clay Open Studio Workshop

You can sign up for this open-studio workshop once you take "Metal Clay Jewelry" or another metal-clay class. Bring your project to life using the studio and tools with the hands-on instructor. You can learn how to join clay pieces to give your creation depth, roll the perfect texture, add a bail, embellish your work with syringe clay, and include CZs or dichroic elements. You can sign up without a particular project to observe, learn, and be inspired.

Check the GVR Lapidary Club Calendar for days when the workshop is offered.