Class Descriptions
YVGMS members and non-members are welcome to sign up for any class. Upcoming classes will be shown below and on our calendar. For more detailed information, visit our Facebook page.
Cabbing for Kids
Member Cost:
Non-Member Cost:
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Class Size:
The Yucaipa Valley Gem and Mineral Society is offering Cabbing for Kids, a youth lapidary program, thanks to the City of Yucaipa Community Activity Grant.
Open to City of Yucaipa residents in grades 6-12.
Students will learn how to cut and polish a stone, lapidary fundamentals and workshop safety.
There is limited space available, so if this class becomes full, students will be placed on a waiting list for the next available date.
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There is no charge for this class.
Beginning Cabochon Making
Member Cost:
$8.00
Non-Member Cost:
$10.00
Instructor:
Class Size:
Come to the shop and you can learn how to make cabochons! Plan to arrive at the beginning of Shop Hours so you will have enough time to finish the cabochon.
Shop hours: Sun 1-5 | Tue 9-1 | Weds 5-9 | Fri 4-10 | Sat 9-1.
Supplies:
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Friday is +$2 more for 6 hours, +$4 for guests.
Membership for 1/2 year:
$20 individual, $25 family
Beginning Wire Wrap
Member Cost:
$65.00
Non-Member Cost:
$80.00
Instructor:
Brad Allen
Class Size:
4 students
In this class you will learn how to create an intricate pattern using sterling silver wire to wrap the pattern you create around a gemstone of your choice to make a one of a kind necklace pendant!
To enroll, email yvgmsclasses@gmail.com, with your name and cell phone number. You will be contacted to verify your enrollment.
Bring a Cabochon to wrap or there will be Cabochons available for purchase.
All tools will be provided.
Supplies:
Restrictions:
Other Costs:
Cash or check only.
Cost includes polishing cloth and display box.
Wire 16" 22 ga 1/2 round and 3' 22 ga square. Sterling Silver, $5.50 or Gold Filled Wire $10.50
Sand Casting with Liz
Member Cost:
$65.00
Non-Member Cost:
$80.00
Instructor:
Liz
Class Size:
4 students
Students can also bring argentium, copper or brass to melt and pour. Bring items to cast that can withstand being pounded into the sand. Some shells may be ok, along with thicker wax models. Items should be less than 2 ½ inches in length, width or depth. Ex: coins, pedants, medals, clock parts, fossils, nuts, etc. You will be able to cast 1-3 items and leave with finished casts of your items. Bring several to choose from.
Equipment is available to finish the castings by removing the sprue, then sanding and polishing the casting.
Supplies:
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Other Costs:
$1 for sand loss per cast. Silver is available for purchase at approx. $28/oz.
Beginning Ring
Member Cost:
$65.00
Non-Member Cost:
$80.00
Instructor:
D. Thomas Upton
Class Size:
5 students
Students will make a sterling silver ring with cabochon. Students will learn most of the basic silversmithing techniques in one project and complete a finished ring to wear (if time allows, a second ring may be possible).
You are encouraged to come to the shop and learn how to cut your own cabochon. Let the shop person know you are going to use it to make a ring an dthey wil help you make sure it is cut properly.
Supplies:
Restrictions:
Students should provide their own cabochon.
Other Costs:
$20.00 for materials
Sand Casting
Member Cost:
$40.00
Non-Member Cost:
$65.00
Instructor:
Jim Bowden
Class Size:
4 students
Sand casting is an alternative to centrifugal casting and for hundreds of years it was the most popular of all casting methods. Sand casting is a low cost method and provides quick results and ease of duplication to those students who take this class. Sandcasting can yield results that are as fine and true to detail as any other casting method, and produce results in a few hours.
Equipment is available to finish the castings by removing the sprue, then sanding and polishing the casting.
Supplies:
Restrictions:
Other Costs:
Silver is available for purchase at $18 per gram. $1 per cast for sand loss.
Precious Metal Clay (PMC)
Member Cost:
$40.00
Non-Member Cost:
$65.00
Instructor:
Liz
Class Size:
4 students
YVGMS offers a beginning PMC class. Students receive approx. 12.5 grams of PMC® OneFire Sterling™ Silver Clay, which is enough to make 2 – 4 pieces, depending on the size and thickness. Shrinkage is 8 - 12 % in the kiln, and you want it to shrink because that allows the silver molecules to bunch together to make a strong metal bond. Students can bring items to press into the clay to make impressions, such as coins, shells, pendants with patterns, or organic material such as ferns, feathers or flowers. The clay can also be carved with an X-Acto knife or cookie cutters. A template can be placed over the clay to cut out specific shapes as well.
A kit with all the supplies needed will be provided for each student to use during class.
Supplies:
Restrictions:
*Only PMC® OneFire Sterling™ Silver Clay will be used in this class, as different PMC clays require different kiln firing times and temperatures. If Students want to purchase and bring their own PMC Clay, ONLY PMC® OneFire Sterling™ Silver Clay will be allowed.
Other Costs:
Silver clay is $30 for 12.5g. There is a $5 kiln fee.
Sand Casting
Member Cost:
$40.00
Non-Member Cost:
$65.00
Instructor:
Jim Bowden
Class Size:
4 students
Sand casting is an alternative to centrifugal casting and for hundreds of years it was the most popular of all casting methods. Sand casting is a low cost method and provides quick results and ease of duplication to those students who take this class. Sandcasting can yield results that are as fine and true to detail as any other casting method, and produce results in a few hours.
Equipment is available to finish the castings by removing the sprue, then sanding and polishing the casting.
Supplies:
Restrictions:
Other Costs:
Silver is available for purchase at $18 per gram. $1 per cast for sand loss.