CLASSES &
WORKSHOPS

Learn new skills. Create something beautiful.

Whether you’re brand new to the lapidary arts or ready to build on your skills, OPLC offers hands-on instruction in a variety of techniques taught by knowledgeable club members.

ABOUT OUR CLASSES

OPLC offers hands-on instruction in a variety of lapidary and related arts. Classes are available to members in good standing and are designed to help members learn new techniques, develop their skills and explore new areas of the lapidary arts.

Classes are generally scheduled when at least four members have signed up and an instructor is available. Class size may vary depending on the subject and instructor.

NOT A MEMEBER YET?

No problem. There’s no waiting period to begin taking classes. You can join OPLC and start participating right away. JOIN THE CLUB

EXPLORE OUR CLASSES

Select a class below to learn more about instructors, schedules, costs, materials and what to expect.

BEGINNER CLASS

Beginning Cabochon Making

What You’ll Learn

Learn the fundamentals of turning rough gemstone material into a polished cabochon. Students will cut and polish an oval cabochon while learning about basic gemstone properties and the safe use of equipment in the cabochon lab.

During the class, students are introduced to the slab saw, trim saw, cabbing machine and buffing wheels used throughout the cutting, shaping and polishing process.

Slab Saw For slicing a rock into slabs.
Trim Saw For cutting out a section of a slab.
Cabbing Machine Grinding wheels for shaping and polishing cabochons.
Buffing Wheels For the final polish.
INSTRUCTORS Donovan Wagner
Brian Peterson
COURSE LENGTH Two sessions of instruction plus one open lab session, 3 hours each.
SCHEDULE Donovan Wagner teaches classes the first two Mondays of each month, 6pm–9pm.

Brian Peterson teaches Tuesdays, 6pm–9pm.
CHECK AVAILABILITY Call Donovan at (520) 869-2050 to check availability.
COST $45.00 per class
MATERIALS Rough is provided for the first couple of cabochons. Students are welcome to bring material they already have to discuss its suitability for cabbing or cutting into slabs.
BEGINNER CLASS

Beginning Faceting

What You’ll Learn

Get introduced to the art of faceting gemstones through a six-session beginner course. Students will begin with clear quartz provided by OPLC and learn using the club’s beginning faceting materials.

No tools or stones are required to get started. Meetpoint faceting is required for continuing students.

Important: Do not purchase stones for use in this class until you have completed the first class period.
INSTRUCTOR Dave Richardson
COURSE LENGTH Six class sessions for 3 hours each.
SCHEDULE Call Dave Richardson at (520) 245-2172
COST OPLC Membership is mandatory.
Each class is $100.00.
TOOLS & MATERIALS No tools are required. The first stone, clear quartz, is provided by OPLC. A beginning faceting booklet is also provided. Meetpoint faceting will be required for continuing students.
BEGINNER CLASS

Beginning Silversmithing

What You’ll Learn

Learn the fundamentals of jewelry fabrication by creating a sterling silver pendant featuring a cabochon.

Over four three-hour sessions, students will work through the process of creating their pendant using the tools available at the OPLC clubhouse. The club provides the necessary tools, although students who have their own are welcome to bring them.

COURSE LENGTH 4 weeks, 3 hour sessions.
FREQUENCY Classes are offered as needed. The sign-up sheet is in the clubhouse.
COST $60 to OPLC plus cost of materials.

Approximately $40–$60 for silver. This may allow you to make more than one pendant depending on size.
TOOLS The club has all the tools you will need. If you have your own, you are welcome to bring them.
METALWORKING

Casting

What You’ll Learn

Explore the lost-wax casting process in this four-week class. Students will learn about creating metal pieces through lost-wax casting while working with the equipment and tools available at the OPLC clubhouse.

Casting classes are offered during alternating months throughout the year, with open lab opportunities available during the off months.

COURSE LENGTH 4 weeks
SCHEDULE Call Chuck Lundstrom at (520) 241-9262.

Classes are held in January, March, May, July, September and November, starting on the first Wednesday of the month.

Times are 4pm–7pm.

The off months are open labs.
COST $80 to OPLC plus cost of materials.

Approximately $40–$60 for silver.
TOOLS The club has all the tools you will need. If you have your own, you are welcome to bring them.
SPECIALTY CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Other Classes

What You’ll Learn

There’s always something new to explore at OPLC. Additional classes may include chain making, inlay, opal cutting, bead making and other lapidary-related topics.

These specialty classes are offered periodically, most often during the fall and winter, based on member interest and the availability of volunteer instructors.

UPCOMING CLASSES Check the class sign-up sheets on the bulletin board in the clubhouse for further information on pending classes or check with the class coordinator.

HAVE SOMETHING YOU WANT
TO LEARN?

Is there a lapidary skill or technique you’d like to see offered as a class? Let the Class Coordinator know. New class ideas are welcome and may be considered when an instructor is available.Talk to the Class Coordinator at the clubhouse.

INTERESTED IN TEACHING?

OPLC classes are made possible by members who are willing to share their knowledge with others. You don’t need to be a professional instructor. If you have experience with a lapidary-related skill and enjoy helping others learn, consider sharing what you know. Talk to the Class Coordinator at the clubhouse to learn more.

READY TO START LEARNING?

Join OPLC and gain access to hands-on classes, club equipment, open shop sessions, field trips and a community of fellow rock and gem enthusiasts.

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