A FLASH FROM THE PAST - THE ROCK GEM AND SILVER CLUB
By Cathy Porter
The SLRGS Club has been around an exceptionally long time. Opal m Rickensrud was the Secretary of the Club in 1984. Attached is a great article written by her in the Splash in April 1984. She is an entertaining writer. Makes for some fun reading.
She starts by telling how a guest speaker from the National Treasure Hunters League located in Apache Junction whose subject is Metal Detectors spoke to the Club. How metal detecting sounds like a great hobby for people “our age - not too strenuous”. Do people still do that? Sounds interesting.
And their March field trip to Deming, New Mexico. Fourteen club members had 3 “perfect” days there. Viewing mineral, rock and jewelry displays at local sites but mostly doing some “actual digging”. “Hickoryite specimens were found at Candy Rock and some large, beautiful agates (moss, tube and plume) were found at Big Diggings”. One of the diggers was overheard saying “Doesn’t this remind you of a large sand box and everyone busy with their pails and shovels having the time of their life? They can get as dirty as they want to, and no one will scold them for it’.
Field trips like this could resume soon. Wouldn’t it be great to go on one? One of the many good reasons for joining the club. Please see slrgs.com if you would like more information
She starts by telling how a guest speaker from the National Treasure Hunters League located in Apache Junction whose subject is Metal Detectors spoke to the Club. How metal detecting sounds like a great hobby for people “our age - not too strenuous”. Do people still do that? Sounds interesting.
And their March field trip to Deming, New Mexico. Fourteen club members had 3 “perfect” days there. Viewing mineral, rock and jewelry displays at local sites but mostly doing some “actual digging”. “Hickoryite specimens were found at Candy Rock and some large, beautiful agates (moss, tube and plume) were found at Big Diggings”. One of the diggers was overheard saying “Doesn’t this remind you of a large sand box and everyone busy with their pails and shovels having the time of their life? They can get as dirty as they want to, and no one will scold them for it’.
Field trips like this could resume soon. Wouldn’t it be great to go on one? One of the many good reasons for joining the club. Please see slrgs.com if you would like more information
The World of Gorgeous Glass
By Cathy Porter
Discover the world of gorgeous glass at the Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club. No need for previous experience as the club offers wonderful instructions in many types of glass. Showing are three pieces by Jan Meyers, our artist of the month. Truly works of art!
Glass has been used since Ancient Greek and Roman times. Notably stained glass to depict religious scenes in churches etc. SLRGS offers 3 types of glass classes.
Stained glass is cold glass. It involves cutting and combining different colored glass and textures. Then using copper foiling and soldering techniques to bind the pieces together.
Fused glass which is warm glass involved using a kiln. The glass is fired at different temperatures depending on the results you want to achieve. SLRGS offers classes in fused glass where you can create a variety of objects from birds to bowls to wall art.
Dichroic glass is simply glass that has metal infused or coated on it, producing metallic vibrant results.
Come meet some new and interesting people. And create beautiful objects at the same time!
Glass has been used since Ancient Greek and Roman times. Notably stained glass to depict religious scenes in churches etc. SLRGS offers 3 types of glass classes.
Stained glass is cold glass. It involves cutting and combining different colored glass and textures. Then using copper foiling and soldering techniques to bind the pieces together.
Fused glass which is warm glass involved using a kiln. The glass is fired at different temperatures depending on the results you want to achieve. SLRGS offers classes in fused glass where you can create a variety of objects from birds to bowls to wall art.
Dichroic glass is simply glass that has metal infused or coated on it, producing metallic vibrant results.
Come meet some new and interesting people. And create beautiful objects at the same time!
Lucky to Live in Sun Lakes-Oh it’s True
Rock, Gem and Silver Club Has Something For YOU
The Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club is more than just Rocks, Gems and Silver. We offer classes in a variety of art forms. This month we highlight four unique classes that might be of interest to you.
PMC (METAL CLAY) is an alternative to working in lost wax or silversmithing. The metal clay is available in silver, copper and bronze. The metal clay product is rolled out, textured, molded into a piece and embellished before firing in a kiln. Once the binder is burned out in the kiln and your piece fired you have a metal work of art. The piece is then thrown into a tumbler to clean and shine. If desired you can add color to finished pieces with patinas, colored pencils and enameling. This class will be taught in the near future. Keep it in mind for next year.
FETISH BEARS is an advanced lapidary class. Once you learn use of the saws, grinders and polishers and feel comfortable forming a cabochon, you might want to move on to this class. Cutting the correct size slab with the stone pattern in the best direction is important in forming this animal. Proficiency in creating curves and angles is a must to produce one of the many fetish designs available.
DICHROIC (TWO COLORED) GLASS used in fusing incorporates two or more colors with a metallic coating. When the glass is viewed from different angles the light creates multiple rainbows of color. That makes this glass perfect for Jewelry or to give a fused glass project a bit of extra “bling”. To create these pieces the glass is cut to shape, designed, then fused in a 1400-degree kiln for several hours. When the glass comes out of the kiln it is ready for finishing touches and you have a beautiful piece of Jewelry.
MING TREES (GEM TREES) are artificial recreations of miniature bonsai trees. These are simply made with a rock base, wire, gemstones, wire cutter and glue. With a little looping, twisting and bending of the wire you form the branches, trunk and roots of the tree. The roots are then wrapped around a stone base and glued in place. Lastly the gemstones are glued on the loops at the ends of the branches. They are typically no more than 1 foot tall (like true bonsai trees) and often have branches that grow flat across the top of the tree. Despite their size, they look very old, which is part of the appeal.
For more information on these classes and a complete schedule of club offerings go to our website at www.slrgs.com
PMC (METAL CLAY) is an alternative to working in lost wax or silversmithing. The metal clay is available in silver, copper and bronze. The metal clay product is rolled out, textured, molded into a piece and embellished before firing in a kiln. Once the binder is burned out in the kiln and your piece fired you have a metal work of art. The piece is then thrown into a tumbler to clean and shine. If desired you can add color to finished pieces with patinas, colored pencils and enameling. This class will be taught in the near future. Keep it in mind for next year.
FETISH BEARS is an advanced lapidary class. Once you learn use of the saws, grinders and polishers and feel comfortable forming a cabochon, you might want to move on to this class. Cutting the correct size slab with the stone pattern in the best direction is important in forming this animal. Proficiency in creating curves and angles is a must to produce one of the many fetish designs available.
DICHROIC (TWO COLORED) GLASS used in fusing incorporates two or more colors with a metallic coating. When the glass is viewed from different angles the light creates multiple rainbows of color. That makes this glass perfect for Jewelry or to give a fused glass project a bit of extra “bling”. To create these pieces the glass is cut to shape, designed, then fused in a 1400-degree kiln for several hours. When the glass comes out of the kiln it is ready for finishing touches and you have a beautiful piece of Jewelry.
MING TREES (GEM TREES) are artificial recreations of miniature bonsai trees. These are simply made with a rock base, wire, gemstones, wire cutter and glue. With a little looping, twisting and bending of the wire you form the branches, trunk and roots of the tree. The roots are then wrapped around a stone base and glued in place. Lastly the gemstones are glued on the loops at the ends of the branches. They are typically no more than 1 foot tall (like true bonsai trees) and often have branches that grow flat across the top of the tree. Despite their size, they look very old, which is part of the appeal.
For more information on these classes and a complete schedule of club offerings go to our website at www.slrgs.com
SUN LAKES ROCK GEM AND SILVER CLUB
“ALIVE AND WELL"
OUR CHAIRS ROCK: THE HEART OF THE CLUB
By Linda Shanahan
Left to right. Vic Hermann, Nancy Hibbard, Gail Wilder, Jim Marquis.
Heart shape Cabochons by Vic
Here is what’s Happening and How YOU can get involved. Classes are offered in a variety of skills including lapidary, lost wax, stained glass, dichroic glass, silversmithing, wire wrapping, faceting, opals, gourds and Ming trees just to mention a few. We invite you to join our club and participate in one or more of these classes. You need no background in art, just a willingness to try something new. Once you successfully complete a class you are eligible to pay a small fee and work in the open shop designated for that art form. Schedules, fees, prerequisites for advanced classes and open shop times are posted on the SLRGS website and on all shop doors. We have three shop locations: Sun Lakes 1 by the east parking lot, Cottonwood by the library and Oakwood by the patrol office. The club follows COVID 19 guidelines of taking temperatures, wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing. To join the club and sign up for a class or open shop or for answers to questions please refer to the website www.slrgs.com or call the chairperson in charge of the different disciplines. The list below categorizes the chair in charge of the various disciplines and what is included in that discipline.
LAPIDARY VIC HERMANN 815 814-1860
Lapidary 1, Lapidary 2 Bears, Stone Handles, Opals, Faceting,
Minerals and Mineral ID, Rocks and Rock ID
LOST WAX JIM MARQUIS 928 660-0777
Lost Wax 1 and Lost Wax 2
SILVER GAIL WILDER 480 721-8559
Silver 1 and 2, Inlay, Silver wire bracelets/necklace, PMC 1 & 2 Copper bracelets
STAINED GLASS NANCY HIBBARD 480 802-0193
Stained Glass, Dichroic Glass, Fused Glass
CREATIVE CRAFTS NANCY HIBBARD 480 802-0193
Gourds, Ming Trees, Beading, Woven Wire bracelets, Wire wrap jewelry
COME JOIN THE FUN. RELEASE YOUR INNER ARTIST!
Heart shape Cabochons by Vic
Here is what’s Happening and How YOU can get involved. Classes are offered in a variety of skills including lapidary, lost wax, stained glass, dichroic glass, silversmithing, wire wrapping, faceting, opals, gourds and Ming trees just to mention a few. We invite you to join our club and participate in one or more of these classes. You need no background in art, just a willingness to try something new. Once you successfully complete a class you are eligible to pay a small fee and work in the open shop designated for that art form. Schedules, fees, prerequisites for advanced classes and open shop times are posted on the SLRGS website and on all shop doors. We have three shop locations: Sun Lakes 1 by the east parking lot, Cottonwood by the library and Oakwood by the patrol office. The club follows COVID 19 guidelines of taking temperatures, wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing. To join the club and sign up for a class or open shop or for answers to questions please refer to the website www.slrgs.com or call the chairperson in charge of the different disciplines. The list below categorizes the chair in charge of the various disciplines and what is included in that discipline.
LAPIDARY VIC HERMANN 815 814-1860
Lapidary 1, Lapidary 2 Bears, Stone Handles, Opals, Faceting,
Minerals and Mineral ID, Rocks and Rock ID
LOST WAX JIM MARQUIS 928 660-0777
Lost Wax 1 and Lost Wax 2
SILVER GAIL WILDER 480 721-8559
Silver 1 and 2, Inlay, Silver wire bracelets/necklace, PMC 1 & 2 Copper bracelets
STAINED GLASS NANCY HIBBARD 480 802-0193
Stained Glass, Dichroic Glass, Fused Glass
CREATIVE CRAFTS NANCY HIBBARD 480 802-0193
Gourds, Ming Trees, Beading, Woven Wire bracelets, Wire wrap jewelry
COME JOIN THE FUN. RELEASE YOUR INNER ARTIST!
So... What are Woven Wire Bracelets?
By Linda Shanahan
Bracelets by Henry Huss. The Bottom is an 18 strand 18-gauge sterling silver wire weave. The top bracelet is a weave using 22-gauge sterling silver wire with gold wrap and an onyx stone.
Creating wire wrapped jewelry can be fun and extremely rewarding.
Woven wire bracelets can be made using many kinds of wire incorporated in a multitude of designs. You can use just one specific wire or choose to mix the wire; copper, bronze, gold, or silver just to mention a few. You can use any kind of less expensive nontoxic metal wire; mixed metals are currently extremely popular. Your design can be made with thin wire such as 22 gauge or a thicker wire such as 10 to 8 gauge, the thicker the wire the lower the gauge. It is best to keep the gauge consistent to enable a tight fit when wrapping. You can choose round, half round or square wire. A word of warning: in making the bracelet be sure not to twist the wire when forming the weave or the strands. The wire can be woven which simply means weaving it (similar to braiding) or it can be in straight alignment with a perpendicular wrapped wire holding it together. With a little experience you can weave or set beads, gemstones, or cabochons within the bracelet design. Handcrafted clasps are relatively simple to make but with a little imagination even they can be an intricate art form. You can also make earrings, wire rings, and learn to wrap fused glass or cabochons to create pendants. With a little experience and confidence, you can experiment with twists and turns in wrapping a stone. There are tutorials online, but nothing beats having an expert on hand to bail you out when you get into trouble. Whether you want to learn to make wire rings, bracelets, how to wrap pendants, or how to make your own unique handcrafted clasps, Henry Huss can help you get started in the world of wire jewelry making. For information or to sign up for a class with Henry or any other of our resident teachers visit our website at www.slrgs.com.
Woven wire bracelets can be made using many kinds of wire incorporated in a multitude of designs. You can use just one specific wire or choose to mix the wire; copper, bronze, gold, or silver just to mention a few. You can use any kind of less expensive nontoxic metal wire; mixed metals are currently extremely popular. Your design can be made with thin wire such as 22 gauge or a thicker wire such as 10 to 8 gauge, the thicker the wire the lower the gauge. It is best to keep the gauge consistent to enable a tight fit when wrapping. You can choose round, half round or square wire. A word of warning: in making the bracelet be sure not to twist the wire when forming the weave or the strands. The wire can be woven which simply means weaving it (similar to braiding) or it can be in straight alignment with a perpendicular wrapped wire holding it together. With a little experience you can weave or set beads, gemstones, or cabochons within the bracelet design. Handcrafted clasps are relatively simple to make but with a little imagination even they can be an intricate art form. You can also make earrings, wire rings, and learn to wrap fused glass or cabochons to create pendants. With a little experience and confidence, you can experiment with twists and turns in wrapping a stone. There are tutorials online, but nothing beats having an expert on hand to bail you out when you get into trouble. Whether you want to learn to make wire rings, bracelets, how to wrap pendants, or how to make your own unique handcrafted clasps, Henry Huss can help you get started in the world of wire jewelry making. For information or to sign up for a class with Henry or any other of our resident teachers visit our website at www.slrgs.com.
Silver Bells
Left to Right: Linda Shanahan, Gail Wilder, Anita Metzbower, Linda Murray, Susan Carter
These five Belles may have Silver in their hair
But let me tell you this, they don’t really care
Silver on their arms, silver on their hands
Silver on their fingers in the form of bands
Work inside the shop No better place to be
Designing silver jewelry, they’ll sell it for a fee
Want to buy their work? There gonna have a show
Solo shop for Christmas you really gotta go
Nine Artists make their work available to buy
Presents for your loved one if you are a guy
Ladies you may purchase anything you like
Location in Sun Lakes won’t have to take a hike
Shopping at this place it will be only you
Attention needed now I’ll tell you what to do
Call us on the phone the number’s at the end
Oakwood is the place just around the bend
Appointments will be made you’ll enter one by one
You’ll get to look and touch until your shopping’s done
Cash or check is what we’ll need to have for pay
We’ll package it right up and you’ll be on your way
We show for twenty days, we start December first
And we are so excited I think that we might burst
You might just get a cookie and maybe even punch
You’ll find something wonderful I just have a hunch
CALL LINDA SHANAHAN AT 503 422-8882
Silversmithing Artists from Sun Lakes Rock, Gem and Silver Club Participating:
Susan Carter Carter, Don Hall, Jim Marquis, Anita Metzbower
Linda Murray, Richard Sanderville, Linda Shanahan, Tony Thompson, Doug Williams
Left to Right: Linda Shanahan, Gail Wilder, Anita Metzbower, Linda Murray, Susan Carter
These five Belles may have Silver in their hair
But let me tell you this, they don’t really care
Silver on their arms, silver on their hands
Silver on their fingers in the form of bands
Work inside the shop No better place to be
Designing silver jewelry, they’ll sell it for a fee
Want to buy their work? There gonna have a show
Solo shop for Christmas you really gotta go
Nine Artists make their work available to buy
Presents for your loved one if you are a guy
Ladies you may purchase anything you like
Location in Sun Lakes won’t have to take a hike
Shopping at this place it will be only you
Attention needed now I’ll tell you what to do
Call us on the phone the number’s at the end
Oakwood is the place just around the bend
Appointments will be made you’ll enter one by one
You’ll get to look and touch until your shopping’s done
Cash or check is what we’ll need to have for pay
We’ll package it right up and you’ll be on your way
We show for twenty days, we start December first
And we are so excited I think that we might burst
You might just get a cookie and maybe even punch
You’ll find something wonderful I just have a hunch
CALL LINDA SHANAHAN AT 503 422-8882
Silversmithing Artists from Sun Lakes Rock, Gem and Silver Club Participating:
Susan Carter Carter, Don Hall, Jim Marquis, Anita Metzbower
Linda Murray, Richard Sanderville, Linda Shanahan, Tony Thompson, Doug Williams
TURQUOISE, THE SACRED STONE OF THE SOUTHWEST
November Splash Article - Linda Shanahan
Doug Williams’ Turquoise Shown Above Is In Different Phases
Starting with Raw Stone Slab And Ending In A Cabochon
Turquoise was thought to have been sacred pieces of the sky by Persians, Tibetans and Mayans. This stone is a combination of aluminum, copper, phosphorous, water and other local ingredients responsible for changing the color or adding matrix. The most rare and valuable stones are found right here, in the Southwest. There are about twenty mines in the Southwest United States that supply or have supplied gem quality turquoise. The most common mines are found in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. Most of these mines have been mined out with the exception of Nevada and a few in Arizona. Turquoise stones set in silver from Navajo artisans have become an icon of this part of the country. The silversmithing aspect dates back to 1828 when the Spanish occupied the Southwest region and shared this skill with the tribe.
When purchasing turquoise be aware that there are many different grades of stones. Stabilized stones are soft low-grade turquoise that has gone through a special process that enhances its color and hardness. This process involves putting the stone under pressure so that it absorbs a type of clear filler made of epoxy or plastic. The process makes the stone harder making it easier to manipulate and cut. There are also reconstituted or chalk stones. These are actually fragments of stone that are crushed into a powder and mixed with epoxy. This results in harder blocks that can be cut into slabs or stone shapes. Lastly, there are imitation (dyed plastic) stones on the market made to look like turquoise. Make sure you know what you are buying. High grade turquoise is worth three times the value of Gold because it truly is that rare. If it is inexpensive, it is not good turquoise. If you are purchasing a silver piece look for a “925” or a “STERLING” stamp somewhere on the back. This will assure you are not getting silver plate or some other metal.
As a healing stone, Turquoise is among the crystal healing master stones. According to followers of the New Age, the healing powers of Turquoise can benefit the whole body, with special strengths in healing ailments of the immune, respiratory, waste and skeletal systems.
Regardless of what attracts you to this stone, natural gem quality turquoise is one of the rarest and most collectable stones in our world today
PLEASE NOTE: Doug’s creations along with other SLRGS Club Silversmiths will be available for Holiday Sales Dec 1 to Dec 20. For more information check the December Splash under Silver Belles
Shopping will be by appointment only for social distancing purposes.
www.slrgs.com
Starting with Raw Stone Slab And Ending In A Cabochon
Turquoise was thought to have been sacred pieces of the sky by Persians, Tibetans and Mayans. This stone is a combination of aluminum, copper, phosphorous, water and other local ingredients responsible for changing the color or adding matrix. The most rare and valuable stones are found right here, in the Southwest. There are about twenty mines in the Southwest United States that supply or have supplied gem quality turquoise. The most common mines are found in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. Most of these mines have been mined out with the exception of Nevada and a few in Arizona. Turquoise stones set in silver from Navajo artisans have become an icon of this part of the country. The silversmithing aspect dates back to 1828 when the Spanish occupied the Southwest region and shared this skill with the tribe.
When purchasing turquoise be aware that there are many different grades of stones. Stabilized stones are soft low-grade turquoise that has gone through a special process that enhances its color and hardness. This process involves putting the stone under pressure so that it absorbs a type of clear filler made of epoxy or plastic. The process makes the stone harder making it easier to manipulate and cut. There are also reconstituted or chalk stones. These are actually fragments of stone that are crushed into a powder and mixed with epoxy. This results in harder blocks that can be cut into slabs or stone shapes. Lastly, there are imitation (dyed plastic) stones on the market made to look like turquoise. Make sure you know what you are buying. High grade turquoise is worth three times the value of Gold because it truly is that rare. If it is inexpensive, it is not good turquoise. If you are purchasing a silver piece look for a “925” or a “STERLING” stamp somewhere on the back. This will assure you are not getting silver plate or some other metal.
As a healing stone, Turquoise is among the crystal healing master stones. According to followers of the New Age, the healing powers of Turquoise can benefit the whole body, with special strengths in healing ailments of the immune, respiratory, waste and skeletal systems.
Regardless of what attracts you to this stone, natural gem quality turquoise is one of the rarest and most collectable stones in our world today
PLEASE NOTE: Doug’s creations along with other SLRGS Club Silversmiths will be available for Holiday Sales Dec 1 to Dec 20. For more information check the December Splash under Silver Belles
Shopping will be by appointment only for social distancing purposes.
www.slrgs.com
JIM MARQUIS: ARTIST WHO ASPIRES TO INSPIRE
Linda Shanahan
LOST WAX? What’s that all about?
Jimmy can tell you without a doubt
Can’t use a cell phone or even a fax
But this man can tell you all about wax
This man’s a genius he really does know
How to form wax and then make it flow
First out of wax you form what you choose
Sprue up that artwork, be sure not to snooze
Invest that wax pattern to form a nice mold
Now melt out the wax, it’s hot please don’t hold
Force in hot metal this is called casting
Clean glitches and sprue, your piece will be lasting
You’ll finish and polish your friends they will say
“You did it yourself?” No way! Oh no way.
JIM MARQUIS was born in Flagstaff and spent most of his childhood and teenage years around that area graduating from Flagstaff High in 1965. He enlisted in the army in 1966 where he attended airborne school making a total of ten jumps, one in the providence of Kom Tum. He served in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne then on to Ft. Bragg to finish his 3 years. Jim moved to Page AZ for an apprenticeship with the Bureau of Reclamation as a Power Plant Mechanic. His position involved maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment (turbines, pumps, air handlers, rotors, cranes etc.) and all other mechanical equipment associated with the installation and repair at Glen Canton Dam. Later he was promoted to the Mechanical Supervisor position. After retiring in 2008 he moved to Sun Lakes where he became involved with the Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club. He has served as a valuable member of the club teaching Lost Wax which he truly enjoys. This art form which starts with wax and ends with a metal jewelry piece involves a few steps but Jim says “If I can learn them then I am certain anyone can. Being a member of this club has been a positive experience for me and I look forward to teaching more classes and creating more projects at our three shops in Sun Lakes. My lovely wife Patty (the clubs raffle coordinator) and I hope to continue doing our part to promote the club. We have met some very artistic people involved in this group and encourage anyone who is interested to join and discover their inner artist.” Our meetings are the third Monday of the month (starting in October) at the Sun Lakes Najavo room at 10am. For more information visit our website at www.slrgs.com. A big thank you to Jim for his commitment and dedication to the club.
Jimmy can tell you without a doubt
Can’t use a cell phone or even a fax
But this man can tell you all about wax
This man’s a genius he really does know
How to form wax and then make it flow
First out of wax you form what you choose
Sprue up that artwork, be sure not to snooze
Invest that wax pattern to form a nice mold
Now melt out the wax, it’s hot please don’t hold
Force in hot metal this is called casting
Clean glitches and sprue, your piece will be lasting
You’ll finish and polish your friends they will say
“You did it yourself?” No way! Oh no way.
JIM MARQUIS was born in Flagstaff and spent most of his childhood and teenage years around that area graduating from Flagstaff High in 1965. He enlisted in the army in 1966 where he attended airborne school making a total of ten jumps, one in the providence of Kom Tum. He served in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne then on to Ft. Bragg to finish his 3 years. Jim moved to Page AZ for an apprenticeship with the Bureau of Reclamation as a Power Plant Mechanic. His position involved maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment (turbines, pumps, air handlers, rotors, cranes etc.) and all other mechanical equipment associated with the installation and repair at Glen Canton Dam. Later he was promoted to the Mechanical Supervisor position. After retiring in 2008 he moved to Sun Lakes where he became involved with the Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club. He has served as a valuable member of the club teaching Lost Wax which he truly enjoys. This art form which starts with wax and ends with a metal jewelry piece involves a few steps but Jim says “If I can learn them then I am certain anyone can. Being a member of this club has been a positive experience for me and I look forward to teaching more classes and creating more projects at our three shops in Sun Lakes. My lovely wife Patty (the clubs raffle coordinator) and I hope to continue doing our part to promote the club. We have met some very artistic people involved in this group and encourage anyone who is interested to join and discover their inner artist.” Our meetings are the third Monday of the month (starting in October) at the Sun Lakes Najavo room at 10am. For more information visit our website at www.slrgs.com. A big thank you to Jim for his commitment and dedication to the club.
LOST WAX...WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT?
WAX + METAL = AN ORIGINAL HANDMADE GIFT
Linda Shanahan
Casting – Lost Wax Process
The lost wax casting process is widely used as it offers asymmetrical casting with very fine details to be manufactured relatively inexpensively. The process involves producing a metal casting using a refractory mold made from a wax replica pattern.
Steps involved in the process of lost wax casting are:
•Create a wax pattern of your piece. Premade wax patterns are available in our shops.
•Sprue the wax pattern
•Mix Investment material, add to can with the wax pattern. Set to harden.
•Eliminate the wax pattern by melting it (inside the furnace or in hot water). This will create a new mold (a negative impression of your wax pattern).
•Using the acetylene/oxygen torch, heat the metal in a crucible and spin to allow the liquid metal to flow into the negative impression.
•Clean the cast of investment debris.
•Remove sprue from the cast
•Finish and polish the casting on the die.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS? YOU CAN DO IT.
JOIN SUN LAKES ROCK, GEM AND SILVER CLUB
www.slrgs.com
Casting – Lost Wax Process
The lost wax casting process is widely used as it offers asymmetrical casting with very fine details to be manufactured relatively inexpensively. The process involves producing a metal casting using a refractory mold made from a wax replica pattern.
Steps involved in the process of lost wax casting are:
•Create a wax pattern of your piece. Premade wax patterns are available in our shops.
•Sprue the wax pattern
•Mix Investment material, add to can with the wax pattern. Set to harden.
•Eliminate the wax pattern by melting it (inside the furnace or in hot water). This will create a new mold (a negative impression of your wax pattern).
•Using the acetylene/oxygen torch, heat the metal in a crucible and spin to allow the liquid metal to flow into the negative impression.
•Clean the cast of investment debris.
•Remove sprue from the cast
•Finish and polish the casting on the die.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS? YOU CAN DO IT.
JOIN SUN LAKES ROCK, GEM AND SILVER CLUB
www.slrgs.com
September 2020 Splash Article
Meet “THE FACETING FANATIC”
Think you can facet? Of course you can. Be you a woman or be you a man Tony can teach you, yes he is the king The “facet fanatic” it has a nice ring Five seven facets go on the gemstone He’ll help you out. You won’t be alone Cut and then polish the facets and girdle At first you’ll be slow so much like a turtle You’ll finish your work and he’ll tell you “well done” Then you’ll share with your friends “that was such fun” Tony Thompson The Artist who “Aspires to Inspire” After 36 years in banking in Northern Nevada, Tony Thompson made the move to Sun Lakes, Arizona. He became a member and a student at the Sun Lakes Rock, Gem and Silver Club in 2014 and contributes regularly as a volunteer instructor and helper in the various shops. He and his wife Judy enjoy much of what Arizona has to offer: the arts, theater, sports and the great weather. They also enjoy traveling and discovering the history of the area. While traveling they always find rock shops to browse through finding material to bring back and work up in the various Sun Lakes lapidary shops. Tony enjoys the shop forming stones into cabochons that can later be used in the silver shops. His summer hiatus in Nevada allows him plenty of opportunities to rockhound and rub shoulders with the local ranchers. His first love is faceting learned in a class provided by SLRGS club. He now gives back by teaching the craft. Tony also enjoys the art of stained glass which he teaches in the summer out of his home studio. He also works with lapidary, lost wax, silversmithing and fused glass. He is the father of two sons and one daughter and grandfather of four (soon to be five) college graduates. Interested in becoming a “faceting fanatic”? If so visit our website at www.slrgs.com. It’s never to late to learn or to discover your inner artist. Linda Shanahan |
