TBMSC Currently Offers Many Classes

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This is an 2-day introductory class on cutting faceted gemstones (transparent stones similar in appearance to diamonds). The following topics will be covered in the class: 

• Choosing cutting material
• Stone dopping
• Facet cutting
• Transferring a stone
• Facet polishing

Students will also be taught the proper operation and care of a faceting machine. Each student will complete a minimum of one stone.

Cost is $210 which includes materials. Contact Jim Kammel for more information

This is an 16-hour class on cutting cabochons. You will learn how to cut various shapes and various materials and the theories of how to work them. Shop safety, use of a trim saw and cabbing machine. All cutting materials are included. Students will need an Opti-Visor, waterproof apron, a towel, and closed-toe shoes. Cost $210
Contact Peter Favaro for more information. 

 Intarsia is the process of starting from the inside and working to the outside. This can be done in any number of materials. In this class, we use stone, glass and man-made composite. The finished product looks like little pictures with frames around them. Because we have one intarsia machine, there can be only  student at a time. All classes are by appointment only. You need to be competent in cabbing skills, plus understand the care and safety of machine use. This class can only meet on days when the lapidary shop is open. Materials cost varies.

Prerequisite: You must have taken the Beginning Cabochon class.

Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese technique where you braid many small cords or fibers together to make a thicker, stronger cord. Recently this technique has become very popular by adding beads to the cords. It makes beautiful cords for necklaces and bracelets. You can weave in or add a focal on a slide.  Beginners will learn the basics and then work into creating patterns with different bead colors and shapes. Class fees are per 2 ½ hour sessions and students will need a Kumihimo disk and eight bobbins which can be purchased from the instructor. Students will be given a list of places where they can purchase their own beads if needed.  

Table Crafts are $10/ 3 hrs plus materials and Instructor fees

In this Beginning Silver course you will learn the techniques of how to solder silver into wearable pieces of art. This course guides you through the detailed properties of jewelry making metals, soldering safely,  you’ll walk away knowing how to manipulate your metals with heat, a wide variety of tools and fun finishing techniques.  

This  course is designed to introduce you to that amazing world of precious metal clay. We will cover the basics and beyond! You’ll learn the tools you’ll need, different types of metal clays, kiln and torch firing. How to texture, stamp, mold and shape that metal clay the way you want. You will also learn how to layer the metal clay and create dimensional pieces. Caring and storing your clay. How to re-hydrate your clay when it dries out and much, much more! We will create earrings, charms and pendants. 

Class cost depends on project and cost of Metal Clay.

Viking knit is a method of weaving with fine wire to approximate the look of a knitted chain. This class is by appointment only. It takes approximately two 2-hour sessions. The technique can be learned in about 2 hours; you would take it home and complete the weaving to use up the remainder of your wire or to about three-quarters of the finished length you desire. The second session would consist of pulling the woven rope through a draw plate to reduce it to a diameter that you would like.

 This is an introductory class on opal cutting. The following general topics will be covered in the class:  recognizing the different types of opal fire, selecting opal rough, determining the shape of an opal, selecting the top of the opal, exposing the fire in a “patch and color” opal, cutting without over cutting, polishing the opal. Students will also be taught the proper operation and care of a cabbing machine. Each student will complete a minimum of 4 stones - Boulder Opal, Mexican Fire Opal and 2 Australian Opals 

Prerequisite: Must have completed Beginning Cabochon, plus have at least six months of active cabbing experience.

 Learn how to wrap stones or cabochons with craft wire, and turn them into jewelry you can wear. Learn how to make a shaped frame, add a bail, and close all the excess wire. Your three-hour class will include at least two completed projects. $55. Contact the instructor for class availability. 

We offer workshops on various advanced lapidary subjects to include: 

• Hearts
• Doublets
• Basic Stabilizing
• Calibrated Shapes 
• Jade

We offer these one-on-one and in small workshops

We offer open shop hours for $5 per hour to work on your own.

You must have completed Beginning Cabochon class, or demonstrated cabbing ability. For more information, contact Peter Favaro.