In order to take this class, you must know how to knot (you don't have to be an expert, but you must be able to attach clasps and do knots.) The class will do multistrand necklaces, woven bracelets, watch bands, repairs, and whatever you feel you need to know. This is good for exchanging ideas, doing more than straight stringing, and figuring how to make more complicated pieces. This class is a bit more flexible than the more structured beginning beadstringing.

This ten-week course will put you on the road to becoming a lapidary — a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves precious and semiprecious stones. In Beginning Cabochons you’ll learn how to cut and polish one of the most common shapes, a 30 x 40mm oval cabochon and how to evaluate your finished project. In addition, you’ll learn how to select cutting material as well as how to use a standard template, a trim saw, and grinding and polishing equipment. Written instructions and material suitable for cutting into a cabochon is provided. Safety goggles and a waterproof apron are required. In Intermediate Cabochons, you’ll learn how to cut and polish the other common shapes for cabochon stones: round, square, cushion (rectangular), oblong, cushion antique, octagon-rectangle (rectangle with corners removed), octagon-square (square with corners removed), and pear.

This ten-week course is offered only to members of TLS. Students in this course work on advanced projects such as free-form designs that have both inside and outside curves. A senior instructor is available to answer questions. Most students taking this course are working on their advanced SKIP (SKill Improvement Program) certification. Students must provide their own cutting material, safety goggles, and a waterproof apron.

This class teaches the various techniques to make decorative jewelry chains. Students will learn the proper use of particular tools and how to choose the wire used to form the chains.

This course (or one-day seminar) will begin to instruct the student on the differences among the minerals and how to identify gems and minerals. Samples will be on hand to hold and examine.

In this class, students will learn to form a tree using wire that will then be attached to a decorative base. Small, tumbled pieces of gem stones will then be attached to the branches. Tools needed:

Pliers - (flat nose, round and regular nose), wire cutter, 527 glue (get at the craft store), ruler, pencil and paper for notes. Spool wire (usually $2 a spool) can be obtained at class. Tumbled gem stones, (usually $1.50 oz.) can be obtained at class. Stones for the base of the trees will be provided without cost.

The art of making glass beads involves knowing the technique and learning the correct use of the tools needed to make those beads. You will be guided in the design of your beads and instructed on the proper use of the tools and techniques.

Intarsia is the art of assembling small pieces of stone together to form a whole. The sides of the pieces of stone are ground carefully to form a tight fit, after which the sides are glued together. A solid piece of stone is added to the leveled back, after which the piece is then ground, sanded and polished to completion.

(Usually a one-day seminar)

Learn about the various types of jade and examine samples of each.

In this class the student will learn to shape silver sheet into jewelry. Students should be acquainted with the basics of silver jewelry techniques.

This five week course will help the student to learn the differences between the various types of opal found in the world and to identify those kinds. Many pieces of opal will be on hand to examine and study. The cutting and polishing of opal will also be covered. Time may be available to use the cabbing equipment at the end of the session to work on your opal pieces.

(Usually a one-day seminar)

Learn to string and knot pearls and get tips about pearls. Bring your pearls in need of repair and see how to fix them.

Scrimshaw is the careful decoration by carving and/or etching a picture on ivory, bone, shells or bone substitute such as plastic. An etching tool is used or an Exacto knife. Students will be taught the basic techniques of scrimshaw and guided as needed as they complete four or five pieces. Scrimshaw began many years ago and was practiced extensively by the whalerman in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Materials and tools needed: Pin vise, black and colored fine point pens. Plastic items will be supplied at class.

The art of channel jewelry includes the skills of soldering strips of silver together to outline a picture or figure, as in a line drawing, then soldering it to a silver back. The spaces (or channels) between these silver strips are then filled with accurately cut stones. Prerequisites: must have taken a cabochon course or equivalent and have taken a silver class or have knowledge of soldering. During the course the student will make one piece of channel. Although having some equipment at home is not necessary, it will help in the timely completion of the project.

In this class the student will be introduced to the basics of working with silver. The students will be guided through one or two projects that use various techniques of cutting, soldering, filing, and polishing. Some finished stones may be incorporated into the finished pieces. Projects will vary in each course. Most equipment and tools are available at the Skill Center. Any additional items needed will be made known.

This class is for the student who has mastered the beginning techniques of working with silver. Students are encouraged to work on their own with the guidance of the teacher. Some projects may be introduced by the instructor to teach a new skill.

In this class the student will learn the basics of carving using soapstone or alabaster (provided for you). You will learn to use a pattern to obtain the basic shape, followed by carving and finishing. Materials and tools needed: Files and rasps, fine steel wool or sandpaper, Boiled linseed oil and car wax. You will make at least 2 carvings.

In this class the student will learn to use water and molten pewter to create original pieces of jewelry or pictures. Students will need an old whisk broom (or a new one), paper and pencil, and a tube of 527 glue. Pewter may be obtained in the class.

Wax modeling is using the ancient art form of casting to make metal jewelry. Wax sheets, or forms are used to shape jewelry pieces that are then cast in gold or silver. Students learn how to use wax modeling tools and how to work with the different kinds of wax. Some tools provided at the Skill Center. Students will need to purchase a beginning set of wax carving tools. Wax may be purchased from the instructor. Expect to make 2-3 projects.