The Leith Lapidary Club runs regular workshops on enamelling, silver work and stone polishing for beginners and intermediate skills level. If you would like book a space or for more information about our workshops please email the club leithlapidaryclub@gmail.com.
Please note: the workshops are open to members and non-members. It is essential for members wishing to do lapidary to complete the Lapidary workshop.
Brief Details of LLC Workshops – Spring Session 2024
Wire Woven Pendant – 30March- £50
In this workshop, students will be taught beginner-level wire weaving techniques that will enable them to make a wire-wrapped pendant in class, which could lead to other wire-wrapped jewellery in the future. Enamelled copper wire of various colours and a choice of 40cm x 30cm dyed agate beads will be available for a £5 fee, however students are welcome to bring their own. The central bead needs to be round, teardrop or oval, vertically drilled and at least 35 to 40mm. The weaving wire needs to be 3mm wide and at least 3 metres.in length. The base wire needs to be 8 or 9 mm and at least one metre or more in length. It would be appreciated if the students could bring a large plastic spool or bobbin.
Enamelling on Silver – 27 April- £60
This Workshop is for people who have no prior experience of enamelling on silver. The technique of preparing the silver and transparent enamels to get the best effect for jewellery will be taught. Silver blanks and enamel will be available to buy at cost. Cloisonne will not be taught as it is the subject of another Workshop later in the Spring.
Silver Casting – 4 May- £60
This Workshop will cover sand casting in silver using wooden and aluminium moulds. No prior experience is necessary, and the tools will be provided. It is expected that students will bring their own scrap or casting silver, though there will be a small amount of casting silver for sale.
Fold Forming Copper – 18 May- £55
This Workshop will teach students how to fold form pieces of copper to make 3D forms. This technique can create items such as plates, leaves, cuff bangles or even works of art, although this workshop will be starting with more modest ambitions. Suitable copper pieces will be available to buy at cost.
Introduction to Flush Setting a Faceted Stone – 25 May- £60
In this workshop students will learn the basics of how to flush set round faceted stones, and gain the knowledge and confidence to take this forward. Students will learn about the tools and processes required to set 3mm cubic zirconia into prefabricated copper rings. After this Workshop students will leave with a sparkling test piece. Students should bring their own rotary tool (Dremel etc), Opti visors or loupe and ring clamp. Other tools will be provided, and materials sold at cost price.
Cloisonne on Silver – 8 June- £60
It is expected that pupils will know the techniques of enamelling on silver. Cloisonne on silver will be taught using flat silver wire to create cells that can be filled with coloured enamels, to make a unique design on a silver piece. Silver blanks or discs will be available to buy at £10 each. The enamels and fine silver wire will be included in the workshop price.
Lapidary – by arrangement- £60
This Workshop is for people with no Lapidary experience. The tutors will teach the lapidary
skills required to prepare a flat or cabochon stone, using saws and grinders and laps, then
polishing it using laps. The stone will be provided. The aim is for students to leave with a
finished stone. This will be arranged on a one-to-one basis with a Tutor.
Workshop participants must be aged 16 or over. If juniors aged 12-15 wish to attend any workshops then permission must be obtained from the person taking the workshop and a responsible adult must attend with them.
If you have experience in silverwork or enamelling and are interested in become a member, check our membership page, or email the club to arrange a visit leithlapidaryclub@gmail.com.