Date: Saturday & Sunday, December 5 - 6, from 10 am to 1 pm
Fee: $155/ discount with member code
Ages: 18+
Levels: All
Sessions: 2
Instructor: Bonnie Aubuchon + Leslie Dickinson
Location: Schack Art Center, Silversmithing Studio, Lapidary Studio
Create a one-of-a-kind sterling silver pendant from start to finish in this engaging two-day workshop that combines lapidary and silversmithing techniques.
On Saturday, join Leslie Dickinson in the lapidary studio to transform a piece of stone into your own polished cabochon. You’ll select a stone, trace a 22 × 16 mm oval, and cut it from a slab using a trim saw. You’ll then shape and polish your cabochon on a cabbing machine, finishing it with a cerium oxide buffing wheel for a brilliant shine. Most students will have time to create several cabochons, giving you the opportunity to choose your favorite for your finished pendant.
On Sunday, return to the jewelry studio, where expert silversmith Bonnie Aubuchon will guide you through fabricating your pendant. You’ll learn how to bezel-set your cabochon onto a sterling silver backing, create and attach a wire bail, and use essential jewelry-making techniques including cutting, filing, soldering, forging, and polishing.
By the end of the weekend, you’ll take home a unique sterling silver pendant featuring a stone you personally selected, shaped, and polished, set into a pendant you fabricated yourself. No previous lapidary or silversmithing experience is required.
For the Saturday class in the Lapidary Studio, please bring ear plugs, eye protection, a mask, and an old towel.
All other materials provided.