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July 2022 by Vincent “License Guy” DiAngelus
Excellent learning environment. The resources are second to none if you're looking to learn lapidary skills.There are separate stone, metal, and glass work areas. Each kept neat and tidy after every class. The facility also includes a library that has grown over generations and makes a wonderful resource for research and study of lapidary, jewlery, and geology subjects.
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May 2022 by Donald Hibbs
Wonderful classes. Check their web site.
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October 2021 by James Fisher
Great class and people.
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June 2021 by Jennifer Williams
Fantastic facility & people.
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February 2020 by L L.
Tuscarora Lapidary Society (TLS) offers jewelry making classes in a variety of different disciplines. -Wire wrapping -Cabochon making -Gem Identification -Silversmithing -Wax molds -Cloisonné -Glass fusing -Faceting / Gem cutting etc. The building is very unassuming, just off of Upland Rd, behind the CVS. I believe it used to be a post office. But inside, you have lab-like classrooms, equipped to do all of the above jewelry work, and more. There is a lunch/conference room, with interesting displays of beautiful donated works by past and present craftspeople who have studied and taught at TLS. They also have a library room with tons of industry information. The staff at TLS is accessible and friendly. They truly want you to learn, and are extremely patient about helping you actualize your creative vision. My class was Beginning Silversmithing. Our classroom could hold 10 students, each with a station that included our own torch, work block, cooling water, tools, etc. This was a decent number, and I'd say more would be too many. There was a waitlist to get in, despite there being 2 classes (one on Saturdays, one Sundays), so I recommend signing up early. Demographics of my class were mostly retired people, with me and a young couple as the youngest of the group, by a generation. But everyone was polite, respectful, eager to learn, and helpful toward one another. The atmosphere was relaxed, a Delco vibe, as only Delco can do. My class was full of hobbyists, though a beginner would still need to start here in order to learn to make things to sell if so desired. There are intermediate and advanced courses offered to give more practice and know-how, in order to produce on your own. But for my beginning exprience, given the processes involved (use of torches and such), everyone definitely picked up a number of skills, and was able to create and complete projects impressive for novices. Costs vary, but for example, my Silversmithing was: $180 for 4 classes (10am-4pm) $40 lab fee $32 in tools (and I didn't buy nearly all on the list) We made two silver projects (they're fixed, no choosing), a ring and a pendant. My ring is complete, and I'll post my pendant upon completion. I am making it to donate to a charity auction. All in all this was a fun experience, and definitely worthwhile for anyone looking to learn more about jewelry making. Almost everyone in my class had zero experience with any of the stuff we did, but our instructor, Barry, was really helpful and patient, giving tons of one-on-one instruction after her initial class demonstrations. She prepped us with a folder containing all kinds of background info, supplies that were mandatory, as well as optional, and let anyone pick her brain for more info at any time. Though our class was every other Saturday, many of us still missed at least one day for various reasons (winter illness at the top of the list), so Barry very kindly offered to give us a make-up class, of another full Saturday with her at our disposal. It was very kind and amazing of her and TLS to provide so much more time!
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February 2020 by Bobbi Butler
Great facility for lapidary, silversmithing, glass bead making, chain maille, cabbing, and anything related to lapidary arts. Classes are very reasonable with incredible instructors.
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October 2019 by Geraldine Goebel
Wonderful people! Lots of different expertise and stores!
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May 2019 by zasha morales
Wonderful place to learn and practice lamp work, lapidary, jewelry and more. Complete equipment, amazing setup.
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February 2019 by Dave Lesak
I am taking one of their beginner classes and find everything about the Society totally enjoyable.
