Workshop - Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society

Workshop Calendar
Lapidary Equipment
Basic Lapidary Course
Advanced Lapidary Course
Opal Lapidary Course
Beginner’s Silversmithing Course

Workshop Calendar

	February 2026
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
						1
2	3 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time February 3, 2026 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 5:00-8:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Nicole 5:00-8:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Nicole February 3, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details Jan 20, 27 & Feb 3, 10 6:00-9:00 Silversmith Basics Class with Cari in Langford Jan 20, 27 & Feb 3, 10 6:00-9:00 Silversmith Basics Class with Cari in Langford February 3, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada Book your spot HERE 25% off classes and bench time for VLMS Members in good standing - contact Cari at Silversmithing@vlms.ca - or check the emails sent to club members. Location: West Coast Creative Spirits located at 108-688 Granderson in Langford. See more details • • •	4 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time February 4, 2026 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 2:00-5:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Alice 2:00-5:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Alice February 4, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details 5:00-8:00 Open Lapidary Workshop with Joanne 5:00-8:00 Open Lapidary Workshop with Joanne February 4, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • • •	5 12:00-4:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-4:00 Independent Bench Time February 5, 2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 7:00-9:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Rachel 7:00-9:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Rachel February 5, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •	6 2:00-5:00 Skill Building Bench Time 2:00-5:00 Skill Building Bench Time February 6, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details •	7 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Barry 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Barry February 7, 2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details 1:00-3:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Gary 1:00-3:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Gary February 7, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •	8
9	10 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time February 10, 2026 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 5:00-8:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Nicole 5:00-8:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Nicole February 10, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details Jan 20, 27 & Feb 3, 10 6:00-9:00 Silversmith Basics Class with Cari in Langford Jan 20, 27 & Feb 3, 10 6:00-9:00 Silversmith Basics Class with Cari in Langford February 10, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada Book your spot HERE 25% off classes and bench time for VLMS Members in good standing - contact Cari at Silversmithing@vlms.ca - or check the emails sent to club members. Location: West Coast Creative Spirits located at 108-688 Granderson in Langford. See more details • • •	11 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time February 11, 2026 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 2:00-5:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Alice 2:00-5:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Alice February 11, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details 5:00-8:00 Open Lapidary Workshop with Joanne 5:00-8:00 Open Lapidary Workshop with Joanne February 11, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • • •	12 12:00-4:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-4:00 Independent Bench Time February 12, 2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 7:00-9:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Rachel 7:00-9:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Rachel February 12, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •	13 2:00-5:00 Skill Building Bench Time 2:00-5:00 Skill Building Bench Time February 13, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details •	14 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Barry 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Barry February 14, 2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details 1:00-3:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Gary 1:00-3:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Gary February 14, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •	15
16 Feb 16 11:00-3:00 Magic with Mini’s with Cari in Langford Feb 16 11:00-3:00 Magic with Mini’s with Cari in Langford February 16, 2026 11:00 am - 3:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada Book your spot HERE 25% off classes and bench time for VLMS Members in good standing - contact Cari at Silversmith@vlms.ca - or check the emails sent to club members. Location: West Coast Creative Spirits located at 108-688 Granderson in Langford. See more details •	17 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time February 17, 2026 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details •	18 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time February 18, 2026 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 2:00-5:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Alice 2:00-5:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Alice February 18, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details 5:00-8:00 Open Lapidary Workshop with Joanne 5:00-8:00 Open Lapidary Workshop with Joanne February 18, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • • •	19 12:00-4:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-4:00 Independent Bench Time February 19, 2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 7:00-9:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Rachel 7:00-9:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Rachel February 19, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •	20	21 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Barry 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Barry February 21, 2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details 1:00-3:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Gary 1:00-3:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Gary February 21, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •	22
23	24 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time February 24, 2026 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 5:00-8:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Nicole 5:00-8:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Nicole February 24, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •	25 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-5:00 Independent Bench Time February 25, 2026 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 2:00-5:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Alice 2:00-5:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Alice February 25, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details 5:00-8:00 Open Lapidary Workshop with Joanne 5:00-8:00 Open Lapidary Workshop with Joanne February 25, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • • •	26 12:00-4:00 Independent Bench Time 12:00-4:00 Independent Bench Time February 26, 2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details 7:00-9:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Rachel 7:00-9:00pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Rachel February 26, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •	27 2:00-5:00 Skill Building Bench Time 2:00-5:00 Skill Building Bench Time February 27, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm West Coast Creative Spirits Studio, 688 Granderson Rd #108, Langford, BC V9B 2R8, Canada How does it work? Paying one hour at a time - go straight to BOOK your Bench. If you don't see the time you want to book check the other benches. When you buy a Punchcard you save money and get extra time. More details about Independent Bench time can be found by clicking HERE. BOOK your Bench Save some money buy a punchcard HERE See more details •	28 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Barry 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Barry February 28, 2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details 1:00-3:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Gary 1:00-3:00 pm Open Lapidary Workshop with Gary February 28, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, 2612 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 4S9, Canada Access to building is through the doors beside the parking lot. If locked, use the bell on the single metal door to inform the manager inside. Parking is free after 6pm on all streets. See more details • •

Lapidary Workshop and Courses

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Please Note – in order to take classes then use the workshop you must be a club member ($25) so our liability insurance covers you. You must join first before being put on a course waiting list. See the Membership information on the Club Info page for details.

The workshop is located at the Silver Threads Centre at 286 Hampton Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 1H1

The Lapidary Shop email is – lapidaryworkshop@vlms.ca .

The workshop is usually open for drop-in use on Thursday evenings 7pm to 9pm and Saturdays 11am to 3pm. Please check the calendar for upcoming hours of access.

Lapidary Equipment

We have:

a 14″ oil-cooled Slab saw and two smaller trim saws
Five Diamond Pacific Genie Cabochon Machines with six wheels each to take you from initial shaping to final polishing
a small flat lap
a two wheel belt sander for initial shaping
a buffing machine which uses various oxides for alternate final polishing methods
a Dremel type tool for drilling holes etc.

Members can bring stones ( up to approximately five inches round, squareish or odd shape that may be accomodated ) to be cut on the slab saw by one who is qualified to use it. Fees for this are five dollars for 3 cuts or donate one slab to the club.

Basic Lapidary Course

Course dates are set when there are up to five people registered for a new course. They will be notified by email. Courses are popular and fill up very quickly. After joining email us at workshop@vlms.ca to be added to a waitlist for future courses.

Location – Courses are held in the club workshop at 286 Hampton Rd, Silver Threads – Les Passmore Seniors’ Centre next door to our meetings.
Location – Courses are held in the club workshop at 286 Hampton Rd, Silver Threads – Les Passmore Seniors’ Centre next door to our meetings.
Schedule – The schedule varies depending on the course and the day of the week that it is being offered.
Students – normal course load is 5 students for Basic Lapidary.
Duration – Basic Lapidary is 8 hours in total. Total length of hours per class day is dependant on the instructor.

The course provides basic skill sets, safety and shop equipment usage for lapidary work and is a pre-requisite for all other lapidary courses. Participants will be given knowledge of equipment types, usage, safety requirements, rock selection and preparation, and lapidary skills required to complete cabochons. This is primarily a hands on course and you must have reasonable hand strength and coordination. You will complete a basic oval shaped cabochon, a free form cabochon, and a more complex cabochon such as a heart.

Once you have completed the first part of the course covering safety and the use of the equipment you may attend the open workshops at the above times. It is asked that you do not work on the pieces you are working on in the course but practise on other pieces. Practising and watching more experienced members is very beneficial.

Course materials and tools are provided.

“If you have recent lapidary experience such as taking a course in another workshop, it might be possible to be accepted into the shop without having to take the course. Prior arrangement must be made with the workshop manager for a one-on-one assessment where you can demonstrate your skills. If satisfactory, an orientation session on our equipment and safety procedures will follow.”

To see a slideshow on what the course helps you make check out this post.

Advanced Lapidary Course

Building on the skills learned in the Beginner’s Lapidary course, participants will select a group project to work on such as intarsia, a lapidary object d’ art, or other topic using more challenging methods and materials. Typically this course will involve use of a flat lap, standard arbours, and other lapidary tools. Participants should be proficient in the lapidary arts before attempting this course as the course is intended to challenge and build techniques.

There may be a fee for course materials depending on the project selected.

Opal Lapidary Course

The Opal course explores one of the most popular materials. Participants will learn how to grade and select opal, treat common issues, maximize yield and display of colours. You will produce a triplet (material provided), a singlet, and a doublet. You must be proficient in basic lapidary skills for this course and taken beginner’s lapidary.

Course materials are provided for a triplet, for the other cuts you can either provide material or purchase from club members.

Beginner’s Silversmithing Course

Provides the basis of skill sets, safety and shop usage for silversmithing work. Participants will be given knowledge of equipment types, usage, safety requirements, soldering, and basic silversmithing methods. This is primarily a hands on course and you must have reasonable hand strength and coordination. You will complete a basic silver ring and a bezel set pendant for a cabochon.

Location – Courses are held in the club workshop at 286 Hampton, Seniors’ Centre next door to our meetings.
Schedule – The schedule varies depending on the course and the day of the week that it is being offered.
Students – normal course load is 5 students for Basic Lapidary and 4 students for Basic Silversmithing.
Duration – Basic Lapidary is 8 hours in total, Basic Silversmithing is 10 hours in total. Total length of hours per class day is dependant on the instructor

There will be a materials fee covering the cost of silver – Course tools and manual are provided. Beginner’s Lapidary is not required but recommended.

If you are interested in these courses or workshops and want more details please email us at workshop@vlms.ca for Lapidary. If you are interested in Silversmithing please email silversmithing@vlms.ca.