A memorial jade Ming tree; Lapidary Club member Chet Howe created this Ming Tree using jade stones for the leaves on a base of green kryptonite as a memorial gift for the family of long-time club member Violet Williams.
SunBird residents interested in pursuing the art forms in fused glass, rock cutting, silver, beading or jewelry should plan now to attend the first fall meeting of the Lapidary Club on Friday, November 4 in the Hopi Room at 9:30 a.m. At the meeting we will identify potential students and schedule the classes as well as conducting the required general safety and responsibilities review. Classes vary from one to four, four-hour sessions depending on the pursuit and include training and safety procedures for the equipment. Additional meetings will be held the first Friday morning of each month through the winter for latecomers.
Classes will be offered from November through April of 2017. Teachers are being solicited from the membership to teach the many lapidary arts including rock cutting and polishing, fused glass, silversmithing, lost wax casting, beading, wire wrapped jewelry, Ming trees and stained glass. For safety reasons club membership is required and classes must be completed to have access to the shop on the upper floor of the Clubhouse. Other than materials for one’s projects (glass or silver) and a small club membership fee, all classes and use of the HOA maintained shop is free.
Interested residents should view the display case next to Lapidary Shop where a variety of projects produced by members are on display. If anyone is working in the shop, be sure to come on in for a tour. Additional information is posted on the shop door and in the Library or you can contact President Dennis Hayward at 360-607-1395.