TUSCARORA LAPIDARY SOCIETY, INC.

We teach the journey from rocks to gems to jewelry.

Class Schedule

Fall Classes Begin September 5, 2024

TLS Education Center, 24 Upland Road, Brookhaven, PA 19015
Click HERE for directions and a map.

Those registering must be at least 18 years of age. Students between the ages of 12 and 18 can take classes by becoming junior members of TLS. To inquire about that possibility, send us a message on our Contact Form.
• Browse through the offerings below and make a note of the course IDs of the ones for which you wish to register. Then click this REGISTER button which will take you to our new registration system. Members must enter their email address from the current TLS membership directory. Members will then see member prices and all events open to members. Non-members will see non-member prices and all events open to non-members.
Please make note of our class refund policy that appears in full in the notes section at the bottom of this page.  

IMPORTANT: Before leaving this page, please make note of the ‘Supply Lists for any course for which you intend to register.

Weekday Classes

The Courses for Monday

Cabochon example

(F24AC9-9) Advanced Cabochons: (10 weeks beginning September 9) 7:30-9:30PM.
Members only. Limit 7.

Instructor: Stacey Segal.
T
uition: M$70.
Supply List

 

The Courses for Tuesday

Faceting example

(F24FT9-10) Intermediate/Beyond Beginner Faceting: (6 weeks beginning September 10) 7:00-9:30PM. Limit 7.
Prerequisite: At least one TLS Faceting course or workshop.
For students prepared to work on individual faceting projects to be determined with instructors.
Instructors: Steve Hansen and Karl Kobie.
Tuition: NM$130/M$70.
Supply List

 

Faceting example


(F24FT10-22
)
Beginner Faceting: (8 weeks beginning October 22) 7:00-9:30PM Limit 7.
New students only.

Instructor: Steve Hansen and Karl Kobie.
T
uition: NM$130/M$70.
Supply List

 

The Courses for Wednesday

Silversmithing example

(F24IS9-11) Intermediate Silver: (8 weeks beginning September 11) 9:30AM-12:30PM. Limit 8.
Learn fundamental silversmithing techniques and complete one or more projects, which could be a pendant, ring, or bracelet.
Instructor: Barry Messino.
Tuition: NM$144/M$72.
Materials fee (payable to instructor) approximately $45, depending on projects chosen.
Supply List

 

Silversmithing example

(F24BS9-11) Beginning Silver: (8 weeks beginning September 11) 1-4 PM. Limit 8.
Learn basic silversmithing techniques and complete one or more projects, which could be a pendant, ring, or bracelet.
Instructor: Barry Messino.
Tuition: NM$144/M$72.
Materials fee (payable to instructor) approximately $45, depending on projects chosen.
Supply List

 

The Courses for Thursday

Example cabs

(F24BC9-5) Beginning/Intermediate Cabochons: (6 weeks beginning September 5) 9:00 AM-noon Limit 7.
Learn how to cut and polish rounded gemstone shapes. Open to new students and those honing their skills in cutting and polishing cabochons.
Non-members have priority. Members must send registration requests and checks to the Registrar and, if possible, will be enrolled one week before the class is to begin in the order registrations are received.
Instructors: John Chickadel and Katy Winters.
Tuition: NM$130/M$70.
Supply List

Cabochon example

(F24AC9-5) Advanced Cabochons: (6 weeks beginning September 5) 1-4 PM Limit 7.
Members only.
Instructors: John Chickadel.
Tuition: $70.
Supply List

Example cabs

(F24BC9-5E) Beginning/Intermediate Cabochons: (10 weeks beginning September 5) 7:30-9:30PM Limit 7.
Learn to cut and polish rounded gemstones called ‘cabochons’. Open to new students and those honing their skills in cutting and polishing stones.
Non-members have priority. Members must send registration requests and checks to the Registrar and, if possible, will be enrolled one week before the class is to begin in the order registrations are received.
Instructors: Christina Groff and Joanne Morris.
Tuition: NM$130/M$70.
Supply List

Silversmithing example

(F24BS9-5) Beginning Silver: (8 weeks beginning September 5) 7:00-9:30PM Limit 8.
Learn basic silversmithing techniques and complete one or more projects, which could be a pendant, ring, or bracelet.
Instructor: Barry Messino.
Tuition: NM$144/M$72.
Materials fee (payable to instructor) approximately $45, depending on projects chosen.
Supply List

Weekend Workshops

Faceting example

(F24FT9-7) Beginner Faceting Weekend Workshop: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, September 7 & 8) 9AM-5PM. Limit 7. For new students.
Students will learn to facet cutting glass in one of the TLS Beginner patterns.
Instructors: Steve Hansen and Karl Kobie.
Tuition: NM$130/M$70.
Supply List

 

Lampwork beads

(F24BB9-14) Glass Bead-Making: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15) 9AM-5PM. Limit 6.
For beginners and those with some bead-making experience. Students will use a torch to make beads out of glass. This course satisfies the prerequisite for TLS Open Torch sessions.
Instructors: Lisa Laffend and Zasha Morales-Jose.
Tuition: NM$160/M$100.
Supply List

Example of Plique-à-jour

(F24EL9-21) Saw Piercing Plique-à-jour: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, September 21 & 22) 10AM-5PM. Minimum 6, maximum 8.
Plique-à-jour (French “open to the light”) is a technique developed in 14th century France and Italy, creating a miniature stained glass effect. In this class you will learn one way to achieve this enamel technique by saw piercing your design in fine silver and then enameling the open cells. Experience working with a jeweler’s saw is a plus.
Guest Instructor: Joan Strott-Alvini (http://www.glassongold.com).
Tuition: NM$265/M$205. Materials fee (payable to the instructor) is $45.
Supply List

 

Gem ID instruments

(F24BG9-28) Gem ID: (Saturday September 28) 10AM-3PM. Limit 8.
Beginner/Intermediate Level.
In this workshop, students will be given a brief introduction to geologic processes that form our favorite faceted gemstones, followed by a discussion of mineral physical and optical properties that help us identify gemstones, and finally we will have a hands-on session using the most common diagnostic instruments to try to solve the mystery of the unknown gem. Students are encouraged to bring a faceted stone of their choice to identify.
Instructor: John Chickadel.
Tuition: NM$60/M$35.

 

Casting example

(F24MC10-5) Jewelry Investment and Casting: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, October 5 & 6) 9AM-4PM. Limit 8.
Beginner/Intermediate level.
This class will focus on vacuum investment and vacuum casting using the “Lost Wax” technique.
Instructors: Dennis Coren and Don Schwarzkopf.
Tuition: NM$170/M$110 (includes $50 materials fee for metal, wax, casting investment, and supplies).
Supply List

Example intarsia

(F24II10-12) Intarsia: (One-day workshop, Saturday, October 12) 10AM-4PM. Minimum 4, maximum 6.
Create a design using thin slices of colored stones. Students should bring the Super Glue bottle that has a brush; stones will be provided at no extra cost.
Instructor: Kathy Statton.
Tuition: NM $60/M $35

Example of fire opal

(F24OP9-15/F24OP10-13/F24OP11-10) Sunday Opal Cutting Workshops: (Three One-day workshops, Sunday, September 15, Sunday October 13, Sunday, November 10) 10AM-5PM. Limit 7.
Prerequisite: One TLS Gateway (Beginning) Cabochon course.
Opal cutting for current or prospective opal addicts.
Facilitators: Steve Hansen and Anna Thompson.
Tuition: NM$60/M$35 per day.
Materials fee, payable to the instructor, tbd depending on materials used.
Supply List

Basket Settings

(F24IS10-26) Making a Basket Setting: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27) 10AM-5PM. Limit 10.
Beginner/Intermediate level. In this two-day workshop, students will learn to create a traditional wire basket setting pendant for a round stone in sterling silver. They will then learn the basics of stone setting to finish the piece off with an 8mm CZ. Some soldering experience is highly recommended.
Guest Instructor: Vi Hutchinson.
Tuition: NM$235/M$175 (Note: Tuition includes a $15 materials fee).

Glass fusing

(F24GF11-9 ) Introduction to Glass Fusing: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, November 9 & 10) 9AM- 5PM. Limit 6.
Learn the fundamentals of fusing glass, including cutting glass, kiln schedules, and the tools and equipment used. Explore the use of sheet glass, stringer, and frit to make several projects, including small dishes, pendants, and ornaments.
This class is for beginners.
Instructors: Lynn Bibolet and Jody Shaw.
Tuition: NM$150/M$90.

Supply List

chasing and repousée

(F24AS11-16) Introduction to Chasing and Repousse Weekend Workshop: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, November 16 & 17) 10AM-4PM. Limit 4.
This workshop will introduce concepts, tools, and methods of chasing and repousse (C&R). Consider a flat piece of metal: chasing yields a design on its side to be viewed, while repousse pushes out the material from the back to create visual depth in the finished piece. All working of the piece is done using steel punches and a hammer to move the metal to create the finished piece. Students will complete two pieces in the class using 2”x2” metal pieces – one with copper and one with sterling silver. A pitch bowl and set of basic C&R tools will be provided.
Instructor: Ken Dahl.
Tuition: NM$120/M$60. Materials fee (payable to the instructor) approximately $20.

Supply List

photo of Hydraulic press set up at TLS

(F24AS11-16A) Introduction to the Hydraulic Press: (Saturday, November 16) 12-3pm. Limit 4.
In this workshop, students will learn the basic operations of the electric hydraulic press. Techniques taught in this class will include how to use a pancake die, a silhouette die, and an impression die. Students who complete the class will end the day with components that can be used as elements in their jewelry designs. A materials kit will be provided.
Instructor: Stacey Segal.
Tuition: NM$40/M$20.
Material fee (payable to the instructor) of $15.

Faceting example

(F24FT12-8) Beginner Faceting Weekend Workshop: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8) 9AM-5PM. Limit 7.
For new students.
Students will learn to facet cutting glass in one of the TLS Beginner patterns.
Instructors: Steve Hansen and Karl Kobie.
Tuition: NM$130/M$70.
Supply List

Faceting example

(F24FT12-14) Intermediate/Beyond Beginner Faceting Weekend Workshop: (Two-day workshop, Saturday & Sunday, December 14 & 15) 9AM-5PM. Limit 7.
Prerequisite: At least one TLS Faceting course or workshop.
For students prepared to work on individual faceting projects to be determined with instructors.
Instructors: Steve Hansen and Michael Holmes.
Tuition: NM$130/M$70.
Supply List

The Open Shop Sessions

Cabbing example

Open Cabbing: 10AM-4PM. Limit: 7.
Prerequisite: One TLS beginning cabbing class.
Fee: NM$33/M$27 per day.
Supply List

Saturdays:
Supervisor: Stacey Segal
(F24OC9-21) September 21
(F24OC10-12) October 12
(F24OC11-9) November 9
(F24OC12-21) December 21

Mondays:
Supervisor: Christy Potter
(F24OC9-9) September 9
(F24OC10-14) October 14
(F24OC11-11) November 11
(F24OC12-9) December 9

Thursdays:
Supervisor: John Chickadel
(F24OC10-17) October 17
(F24OC10-24) October 24
(F24OC10-31) October 31
(F24OC11-7) November 7
(F24OC11-14) November 14
(F24OC11-21) November 21
(F24OC12-5) December 5

Fridays:
Supervisor: Joanne Morris
(F24OC9-13) September 13
(F24OC10-11) October 11
(F24OC11-8) November 8

Slab saws

 

Open Slab Saw: 10AM-4PM. Members Only.
Prerequisite: Must be certified for slab saw use.
May be taken concurrently with open cabbing.
Fee: $10 per hour. Indicate date and preference for AM or PM. The Registrar will schedule actual times.

Saturdays:
Supervisor: Stacey Segal
(F24OS9-21) September 21
(F24OS10-12) October 12
(F24OS11-9) November 9
(F24OS12-21) December 21

Mondays:
Supervisor: Christy Potter
(F24OS9-9) September 9
(F24OS10-14) October 14
(F24OS11-11) November 11
(F24OS12-9) December 9

Thursdays:
Supervisor: John Chickadel
(F24OS10-17) October 17
(F24OS10-24) October 24
(F24OS10-31) October 31
(F24OS11-7) November 7
(F24OS11-14) November 14
(F24OS11-21) November 21
(F24OS12-5) December 5

Fridays:
Supervisor: Joanne Morris
(F24OS9-13) September 13
(F24OS10-11) October 11
(F24OS11-8) November 8

supplies for silver clay, enameling and metal smithing

Open Metals/Enameling/Metal Clay: 6:30PM-9:30PM Limit 8.
Prerequisite: One TLS silver class or equivalent (approved by Supervisor).
Supervisors: Sheryl Dahl
Fee: NM$17/M$15 per day.

Mondays:
(F24OM9-9) September 9
(F24OM10-14) October 14
(F24OM11-11) November 11

 

 

Fusing examples

Open Fusing: 9AM-5PM. Limit 6.
Prerequisite
: One TLS glass fusing class.
Supervisor: Jody Shaw.
Fee: NM$64/M$56 per day.

Saturday:
(F24OG11-23) November 23 

Sunday:
(F24OG11-24) November 24

 

Jewelry making example

Open Metalsmithing/Soldering: 10AM-4PM. Limit 10
Prerequisite: One TLS silver class or equivalent (as approved by Supervisor)
Supervisor: Stacey Segal
Fee: NM$33/M$27per day.

Saturdays:
(F24OM9-7) September 7
(F24OM10-19) October 19
(F24OM11-30) November 30

 

bead making

Open Torch  (Bead-making/Marble/Flower): 9AM-5PM. Limit 10.
Prerequisite: One TLS glass bead-making class.
Coordinator: Lisa Laffend and Frank Warner.
Fee: NM$44/M$36 per day.

Monday:
(F24OT11-11) November 11

Tuesdays:
(F24OT10-8) October 8 (Members Only)
(F24OT10-29) October 29
(F24OT11-5) November 5
(F24OT11-12) November 12
(F24OT11-19) November 19

Saturdays:
(F24OT9-28) September 28

(F24OT12-7) December 7
(F24OT12-14) December 14

Sundays:
(F24OT9-29) September 29
(F24OT10-13) October 13 (Members Only)
(F24OT10-20) October 20

(F24OT12-8) December 8
(F24OT12-15) December 15

NOTES

1. Those registering must be at least 18 years of age. Students between the ages of 12 and 18 can take classes by becoming junior members of TLS. To inquire about that possibility, send us a message on our Contact Form.
2. Students: TLS offers classes to adults interested in pursuing lapidary and jewelry arts. No previous experience is needed unless a prerequisite is noted.
3. Membership: Membership requires completion of Beginning Cabochon or Faceting classes, participation in two TLS monthly meetings and willingness to participate as a volunteer in TLS activities. Non-members have priority in beginning cabochon classes.
4. Wait Lists: If you wish to be placed on a wait list for a class that is currently full, please send your request by email to our Registrar. Include your name, address, email address, and phone number in the message.
5. Pricing: Tuition for classes is listed for members (M) and non-members (NM). In some courses and workshops there is an additional charge for supplies and equipment.
6. Members registering online must use their email address from the current TLS membership directory.
7. Refund Policy: Some classes and many open shop sessions fill up rapidly and have extensive wait lists. If you must drop out of a class or open shop session, please do so as early as possible so others may be given the opportunity to enroll.  Your courtesy in doing so will be appreciated. Also, if you believe you are ill, or becoming ill, we respectfully ask that you decline to attend.  If you wish to withdraw from a class, workshop, or open shop session, you must notify the Registrar and instructor by email. When refunds are requested, we retain 10% of tuition as a processing fee. Tuition will be refunded 100% (minus the processing fee) if you withdraw before 7 days prior to the start date of the course, workshop, or open shop session. If you withdraw 7 to 3 days prior to the start date, tuition will be refunded 80% (minus the processing fee).  There will be no refunds for withdrawals within 2 days of the start of the class, workshop, or open shop session.  In the event of emergencies or other extenuating circumstances, TLS will consider making exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis.  If such an event or circumstance occurs, please email the registrar with your inquiry and it will be reviewed as soon as possible.
8. Registrations close one week in advance of any open shop session, workshop, or beginning of a class. Questions about the possibility of last-minute registrations should be directed to our Registrar (email).
9. Brief descriptions for many of our courses may be found on our Course Descriptions page.
10. To register by US Mail, click HERE for a registration form. Full tuition must accompany the registration form in order to reserve a spot in the class.
11. If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering online, contact our Registrar (email) for confirmation.  It is likely we received your registration, but there may have been a problem in the email to you.
12. Classes are removed from the Registration page after the registration deadline, approximately one week before the event. Questions about the possibility of last-minute registrations should be directed to our Registrar (email).
13. For more information, or if you have trouble with registration, or if you need to cancel a class for which you have already registered, please contact our Registrar (email).

Follow us on Social Media

Proud member of

Delaware County Arts Consortium

Contact us

24 Upland Road
Brookhaven, PA 19015
610-490-5252
email

New to TLS? We'll send several emails each year about upcoming events and classes. Please check spelling before clicking on subscribe!