Workshops

To register for Workshops email lapidaryworkshop@vlms.ca. To register for Silversmithing courses or to book Bench Time, email silversmithing@vlms.ca
All details can be found on the Workshop and Lapiday Calendar

Open Lapidary Workshop

Prerequisite to attend the Open Lapidary Workshop is completion of the Safety and Shop Equipment Usage part of the Basic Lapidary Workshop OR demonstrated lapidary experience. Members can bring stones to be cut on the slab saw. We can accommodate up to approximately five inches round, square or odd shape. Usage fees are $5 for 3 cuts or a slab donation to the club.

Basic Lapidary Workshops

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. Course materials and tools are provided.

Advanced Lapidary Workshops

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.

Beginner’s Silversmithing Course

Participants will be given knowledge of equipment types, usage, safety requirements, soldering, and basic silversmithing methods. This is 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. 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.