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Multicolor Rhodochrosite Cabochon
Lapidary Arts Faceted Blue Stone
Wire Wrapping

News and Events

Below are the 2 latest posts. Be sure to check the News and Events section for additional posts about workshops, meetings, classes, etc!

Latest News
November 22, 2023Business Meetings / Just for FunFirst, November Reminders! Thanksgiving Closure This Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 there will be no workshop to celebrate Thanksgiving. Jewelry Making SIG Class: Christmas Earrings As a reminder, Deb Delvaux will be teaching us how to make some super cute earrings for the holidays. Because of the holiday party, this year’s class will be on Nov. 30. Kits will be available. See the Christmas Earrings Class post for all the details. Now on to December Business Meeting Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 will be the final business meeting of the year! And it will be short because we are having our PARTY! Christmas Party Dec 7, 2023, 5:00-8:30 pm: We need to get a headcount for all members, spouses or significant others planning on attending this year’s Christmas Party. Signup sheets for the dish you are bringing (appetizer, main dish or dessert) are on the table at our workshops. For the steal a gift portion of the festivities (participation is not required, but it is a lot of fun), please bring a wrapped gift of $15-$20 value. Consider a gift related to lapidary, wire wrapping, mineral collecting, etc. Note: you do not have to bring a gift, only those bringing one are eligible to participate in the steal. If you are not able to attend the December meeting but plan on attending the party, please email Barb Helfer at: blhelfer (at) gmail.com 5:30 pm Business Meeting Please download a copy of the minutes of the November Meeting and the agenda for December’s meeting. BTW: If you want to see past minutes or an agenda from any meeting in the last year, you can see them on the business documents page. Renew Your Membership Renewals are due by December 15, 2023 so we have an accurate count for insurance purposes. Please download the revised renewal form (which has mailing instructions) and bring to a meeting or mail to Bob. [...] Read more...
November 2, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGHoliday Earrings 2023 When: Thursday, NOVEMBER 30 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm You may have noticed, this is not our usual week for our Wire Wrapping/Jewelry Making SIG classes, but December 7th is our Holiday Party, so Deb has moved this class up one week. Be sure to mark both dates on your calendar. And of course, that means we can all wear our new creations to the party the following week! Where: SeaBreeze Recreation Center, Datona Beach Room Instructor: Deb Delvaux What will be covered: How to make a pair of holiday earrings. This is a beginner level project. There will be 2 versions taught. One is 1-1/2″ long and the other is 1″ long. This way you can select which length of dangle you prefer. Tools Required Bead mat Flat nose pliers Chain nose pliers Flush Cutters One Step Looper, if you have one. Supplies Required Kits will be available for $2/ pair of earrings. The stars are mother of pearl and the included findings are silver tone. If you prefer other stars or findings, bring those, or learn the technique with the kit and then branch out on your own later. Additional Information If you don’t have a One Step Looper, the club has 3 that can be shared. [...] Read more...
November 1, 2023Announcements / Shows and SalesApply now for the March 1-3, 2024 event which will be the 6th annual Rockhound Roundup sponsored by the Southeast Federation Mineralogical Societies, Inc (of which we are a member.) Every year the event has gotten larger and they anticipate this year will be no exception. This is designed to be a networking event in addition to being an old fashioned Rock Swap and Sale.  Can I Participate? The SFMS would love to have participation from all the clubs in the Federation. Any member of any of the SFMS clubs may take part. That means any of OUR members can set up a booth–and they can team up. In some years clubs have set up a “Club Booth” and have provided information about their organization and made sales with benefits going to the entire club. When and Where is the Rockhound Roundup? When: March 1-3, 2024 Where: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. (Approximately 2 hours north of SeaBreeze Rec Center). The address is: 3076 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060 How Can I/We Participate To participate, download the application form. No deadline is noted on the form, but in general it is a good idea to sign up early. If you want a tent, tables or chairs you do need to bring your own. Apparently you can sell straight from your truck if you prefer. The event is 3 days, but you do not have to commit to all 3 days. The fee is the same whether you want to sell one day or for the entire event. Tell Me More There are lots of details about the event on the application form, including what to expect, hotels and campsites, etc. You can also download the flier which would be great to share with others! What if I Don’t Want to Sell Anything You can still attend this event which is part socialization meet-up and networking and part buying and selling! There will be Rough Rocks and Slabs, Polished Stones, Handmade Jewelry, Tools and Equipment for Lapidary Arts and Silversmithing [...] Read more...
October 27, 2023Business Meetings / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGThe first Thursday of the month is a busy time for all members of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society with something for each and every person. See you there! Business Meeting This Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 is our next business meeting. We look forward to getting together and hearing about what has been happening here in The Villages and “up north.” As a reminder, this month is the election of officers and all positions are open, so having as many folks present as possible is important. Jewelry Making Special Interest Group 6-7:30pm Members who attended the Beaded Connections Technique class Nancy taught on October 26 are encouraged to bring in the projects and finish them up. Or if you have finished your project, bring it in and show us the results. We also would like to take photo of the finished and in-process works to post on the website photo album! We will meet for 1-1/2 hours in the Crescent Beach Room and clean up and then head over to the craft room for the business meeting. The Dec SIG class will be our annual Holiday Earrings class taught by Deb Delvaux–this month it will be held on Nov 30th because we are holding our holiday party on Dec 7 (hint: wear your earrings!). Short Workshop 5-7pm As usual, prior to the business meeting the craft room will be open for us to work on our stones for 2 hours. 5:30-7pm New members session in the Crescent Beach Room This is a Welcoming session and registration for our newest members. 7:30-8:50pm Business Meeting Please download a copy of the Oct Meeting minutes and the agenda for Thursday’s meeting. Again, one of the items on the agenda is is the election of officers. All positions are open, so this is the perfect opportunity to give back to the Gem and Mineral Society. BTW: If you want to see past minutes or an agenda from any meeting in the last year, you can see them on the business documents page. Chinese Auction Last, but not least, we always close out the monthly business meeting with a “Chinese Auction”–and there are always some great goodies so don’t cut out early or you will lose out. [...] Read more...
October 25, 2023Sales and ShowsThe Pre-Christmas Sale is Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023! Yes, it is that time again! Be sure to check your list (twice) and stock up on all your gift-giving and stocking-filling needs. “Christmas in October” is Open to the Public For the first time ever, our pre-Christmas show and sale will be open to the general public–you no longer have to be a resident of The Villages to take advantage of these goodies! So get on down to this sale (no snow will be involved) and bring your friends and neighbors to grab these 100% unique items that are sure to please! Stock Up for the Holidays Our elves, er, club members have been busy creating gorgeous cabochons and jewelry sure to please everyone on your list. What about that maker you have on your list? No worries, you can find fossils, rocks, and slabs that will blow their stockings off! All items are for sale and made exclusively by members of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society. Where and When is the Sale? When: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10am -2:00pm Where: Rohan Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, The Villages, FL 34785 Bottom line, whether you want to buy raw materials for an artisan you know (or even for yourself), or you are looking for beautiful jewelry for those on your holiday gift giving list–this is the pre Christmas show for you! [...] Read more...
October 20, 2023Announcements / Shows and SalesThis might be of interest to our members–a big show that is pretty close to home! The Tampa Bay Mineral & Science Club is having their (64th!) Annual Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show Nov 4 & 5. There will be Demos, concessions, and gems & minerals, fossils, crystals, cabochons, beads, findings, jewelry “and much more” for sale. They will even have an ATM out front if you don’t have enough cash on hand. Admission is $8 for seniors and parking is free (enter at the MLK gate or you will have to pay to park). The Gem and Mineral Show runs 10-6 on Saturday, 10-5 on Sunday and will be at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. You can get more information on their website including a map you can download showing where all the vendors will be. Car Pool If you are interested in going to the Gem and Mineral Show check with other members of our club and see if anyone wants to carpool and share in the fun. The Club also offers a variety of classes that we cannot, if you are interested and willing/able to drive to Tampa. [...] Read more...
October 14, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGMake sure you have marked your calendars and bought your supplies for this month’s Jewelry Making SIG class on October 26, 2023. This month the Jewelry Making SIG class is on making Beaded Connections. Come learn the technique and make your own connections–both beaded and interpersonal with other SIG members! Nancy is teaching this class and as you can see from the photo, there are so many different ways this technique can be used for making jewelry. For more details, please click here and you will be taken to the original post. That has all the tools and supplies you will need. [...] Read more...
October 10, 2023Announcements / Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGTree of Life Pendant… Our Wire Wrappers really twisted things up in September during this Tree of Life Pendant class that Deb Delvaux taught. So cool how with the same basic elements everyone was able to put their own spin on the formula to create their very own unique creation. Wirewrapping Class… The Results! Well done, everyone. Thanks for all your efforts–it really paid off. [...] Read more...
October 6, 2023AnnouncementsOct 12, 2023 we are having a special “Chinese Auction” since we had a silent auction at our business meeting on the 5th. Be sure to bring dollar bills for your tickets–you are sure to find some goodies, whether they are raw stones that strike your fancy or some amazing tools. Please note the items pictured below are from a previous auction. Each auction will feature different items donated by our members. All proceeds benefit the Society and keep our dues low! [...] Read more...
October 1, 2023Announcements / Field TripsThanks to Bill Collins for arranging this month’s gem and mineral field trip. The field trip to the Santa Fe College’s Museum of Earth Sciences (Gainesville) is scheduled for Wednesday October 4th, anyone interested should meet at the SeaBreeze Recreation Center 8:00 am. What we will see: Santa Fe College’s Museum of Earth Sciences houses minerals, fossils and rock sample from around the world–and even outer space! Read more about the museum and to get a map for direction here https://www.sfcollege.edu/naturalsciences/science-resource-areas/museum/ The Jean Klein Rock Cycle Garden which features boulders from across the US. Read more about the garden:https://www.sfcollege.edu/naturalsciences/science-resource-areas/rockcycle/ [...] Read more...
October 1, 2023Announcements / Business Meetings / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIG / WorkshopsEvery first Thursday of the month The Villages Gem and Mineral Society has their business meeting (okay, not EVERY one as we do take the summers “off”). But that isn’t all that happens on the first Thursday–there is truly something for each and every member, so be sure to take advantage and stick around for the meeting. Jewelry Making Special Interest Group 6-7:30pm Members who attended the Tree of Life pendant class that Deb taught on Sept 28 are encouraged to bring in the projects and finish them up if you didn’t get a chance to. Or if you have finished your project at home, bring it in and show us the results. We will meet for 1-1/2 hours in the Crescent Beach Room and clean up and then head over to the craft room for the business meeting. Here’s one shot of some of the results from the class–very cool how different they all look. Be sure to check out all the results on the Photo Album! Wire Wrapping Class… The October Wire Wrapping SIG class will be on the Beaded Connection Technique, which you can use on so many different projects. Definitely a technique you will want to have in your tool box. Be sure to check out the details of Nancy’s class. Short Workshop 5-7pm As usual, prior to the business meeting the craft room will be open for us to work on our stones for 2 hours. 5:30-7pm New members session in the Crescent Beach Room This is a Welcoming session and registration for our newest members. 7:30-8:50pm Business Meeting Please download a copy of the minutes of the September Meeting and the agenda for Thursday’s meeting. BTW: If you want to see past minutes or an agenda from any meeting in the last year, you can see them on the business documents page. Silent Auction Last, but not least, we generally close out the monthly business meeting with a “Chinese Auction”–but this month we will be having a very special Silent Auction. You do NOT need to be present to be the winning bidder. If you are unable to attend the meeting and wish to bid on any item(s) be sure to get with Bob Delvaux prior to the meeting with your bid and he will get you on the bid sheet. Remember, all proceeds benefit The Villages Gem and Mineral Society. (Only members are allowed to bid on these items.) Items for bidding include: Rock Tumbler Rolling Mill Earrings and Pendants Chains of varying lengths Onyx Figure Opals Onyx Lamp Spindle To see all the details, download the catalog now. [...] Read more...
September 15, 2023AnnouncementsThe Gem & Mineral Society has received a gift certificate for a class at William Holland School of Lapidary Arts which will be going to the first “reasonable offer”. Proceeds are a donation to TVGMS. All instructors at WHSLA are volunteers. There are a wide range of classes available at this campus in northern Georgia. Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, we are a school devoted to preserving and perpetuating lapidary and jewelry art skills, for generations to learn and enjoy. We invite everyone to come and learn in a creative space and build relationships in this unique educational environment. Founded on the principle of volunteerism, all our instructors continue to donate their time to help us fulfill this mission. They travel from all around the U.S. and Canada, lending their talents to continue making William Holland a wonderfully one-of-a-kind destination. We invite you to come take a closer look – rock on our porches in the North Georgia Mountains, and enjoy our fabulous classes! What is covered: the class (choose from the options available), lodging, meals What is not covered: material and/or lab fees which are paid directly to the instructor at the time of the class. Although instructors are “volunteers” some may charge a fee for their time and talent to teach. Important notes: This certificate is ONLY GOOD FOR THIS SESSION. The last week of class starts on Sunday November 5, 2023. If you cannot attend, do not submit an offer. Submit Offers to: Greg Vollendorf, gregvtvgms@yahoo.com or to Bob Delvaux, rdelvaux.tvgms@gmail.com [...] Read more...
September 9, 2023Announcements / ClassesBrian is setting up for the workshop The lapidary arts requires the use of various pieces of equipment. Learning how and when to set up, use, and clean up the equipment (safely and properly) is essential to create excellent work. It also is an important way to help keep our club costs down as misused equipment costs us all money. Training on the various pieces of equipment that we use in the lapidary arts will begin again on the 2nd Monday of the month–starting Monday, Sept 11, 2023. This training is open to ALL members of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society. Whether you are new and want additional training or if you have been away for a while and want a refresher, this is an awesome opportunity to gain confidence and skills. Please let Bob Delvaux know if you are planning on attending–and if you have a specific piece of equipment you would like to be trained on. [...] Read more...
September 8, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGBeaded Connection Technique When: Thursday, Oct 26, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: SeaBreeze Recreation Center, Destin Room Instructor: Nancy Buettner What will be covered: Learn to make “wrapped-loop” beaded connections. These beaded connections can be used to make earrings, bracelets, and necklaces—“A Must-Know Basic Technique” Please note the pictures above are EXAMPLES of what you can create with the beaded connections technique. The circled images on the right are different ways the same technique can look. Everyone’s project will be unique based on the beads you choose (size, type and number). We will NOT be making the specific items shown in the pictures during this class. Some of you will be able to complete a project during the class; especially if you choose to make earrings or a bracelet. Whether you finish that night or not, you will be able to apply what you learn to create numerous pieces later. Above is another example of a finished necklace that uses the beaded connection technique Above is a close up, showing a beaded connection to the pendant. The stone was wire wrapped during an earlier class taught by Mary McGee. The picture above is a close up that shows using the beaded connection technique at a clasp. In this case it is the necklace shown earlier, but it could also be used on a bracelet. Tools Required Wire cutters Round-nose Pliers Bent-nose Pliers or Chain-nose Pliers Flat-nose Pliers Bead Mat Black Fine Point Sharpie for marking round-nose pliers Supplies Required Wire: Approximately 4” of wire per bead 22 gauge round wire (for 6mm or 8mm beads) 24 gauge- Round wire (for 3 mm or 4mm beads) Beads: Glass, crystal or stone beads. 3mm, 4mm, 6mm or 8mm The number of beads required depends on what you will be making, such as earrings, a bracelet or necklace. Other considerations are the size of the bead(s), your wrist size, the length of the necklace. Additional Information there will be limited number of loaner tools available As always, it is important to be at the class on time. [...] Read more...
September 8, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGTree of Life Pendant When: Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: SeaBreeze Recreation Center, Destin Room Instructor: Deb Delvaux What will be covered: Creating a Tree of Life Pendant. This is an intermediate level project. We will be doing a lot of wire wrapping and twisting. Finger dexterity is important. In order to get us off to a quick start, Deb will pre-make the frames. You will start by making the bail, and then the tree. Tools Required Flat nose pliers Flush cutter Nylon jaw pliers Bail Making pliers Bead Mat Ruler Needle nose pliers if you have them If you are going to make your own frame, also bring: Chasing hammer Steel block Marker Supplies Required 8 inches 16 gauge wire  5 inches 20 gauge half round wire 72 inches 26 gauge wire for the tree. Cut into 8 pieces of 9 inches each.  small gemstone chip beads, about 6-8 inch strand (must have hole in the beads) Note: If you buy the kit from Deb you don’t need to bring any supplies. You can chose to provide your own wire and/or chip beads (beads must have a hole in them.) Kits to be Provided and Cost A wire kit with the pre-made frame, the half round wire, and the 28 gauge wire will be $2.  Chip bead kits will be available with a variety of gem stones to select from. Price will vary from $1 – $5 depending on the value of the gemstone.   Or, you are welcome to bring your own wire and/or chip beads, but remember beads must have a hole in them. Glass chips will not work unless they have holes.  Additional Information Everyone will receive printed instructions to take home.  As always, it is important to be at the class on time. [...] Read more...
September 3, 2023Announcements / Business Meetings / WorkshopsWelcome Back! Business Meeting This Thursday, Sept. 7, 2022 will be the first business meeting of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society since May when we broke for the summer. We hope that everyone had a great summer. We look forward to hearing about your trips, rock finds, and treasures you created whether you were somewhere in The Villages or somewhere ‘up north’. There are some changes to the team, so if you are in town, please plan on attending to get the latest scoop. As always, there will be more than the business meeting going on: Jewelry Making Special Interest Group 6-7:30pm Members are encouraged to bring in any projects to work on, whether new or something that you want o finish up. Did you participate in Greg’s Beginning Wire Wrapping Class last month? This would be a great opportunity to finish up for those who didn’t quite get their piece done, or bring in another piece and practice your skills. Or if you have finished your project, bring it in and show us the results. We also would like to take more photos of your finished and in-process works to post on the website photo album! We will meet for 1-1/2 hours in the Crescent Beach Room and clean up and then head over to the craft room for the business meeting. The Sept SIG class will be on creating a “Tree of Life” taught by Deb Delvaux. Keep your eyes out for updates on what tools and supplies you will need. Short Workshop 5-7pm As usual, prior to the business meeting the craft room will be open for us to work on our stones for 2 hours. 5:30-7pm New members session in the Crescent Beach Room This is a Welcoming session and registration for the newest members of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society. 7:30-8:50pm Business Meeting Please download a copy of the minutes of the May Meeting and the agenda for Thursday’s meeting. BTW: If you want to see past minutes or an agenda from any meeting in the last year, you can see them on the business documents page. “Chinese Auction” Last, but not least, we always close out the monthly business meeting with an auction–and there are always some great goodies so don’t cut out early or you will lose out. [...] Read more...
August 25, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGDespite the heat and road closures, 11 members attended the August 24 Basic Wire Wrapping class taught by Greg. August 24, 2023 Basic Wire Wrapping Class Results Congratulations to all on learning new skills and/or honing your existing ones. We all need to practice, practice, practice in order to get better–and you all did an excellent job! [...] Read more...
August 10, 2023ClassesHave you been wanting to learn some basic wire wrapping skills? Or maybe you took a class a while ago and need to brush up before you take a more advanced class. Well, now’s your chance, so mark your calendars! Basic Wire Wrapping When: Thursday, August 24, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: SeaBreeze Recreation Center, Destin Room Instructor: Greg Vollendorf      What will be covered: This is a basic wire wrapping class that will give you a base for the more intermediate to advanced wire wrapping classes that will be introduced in future months. Tools Required (1) beading mat or piece of felt      flush cutter     long nose pilers (preferably micro pilers) but if you don’t have them regular jewelry pilers will do     Round nose pliers Supplies Required 20ga or 21ga DEAD SOFT square copper or sterling wire approximately 15″ long 24ga or 26ga DEAD SOFT 1/2 round copper or Sterling wire (3) pcs 4″long (1) pc 7″long (1) 40×30 cabochon if you don’t have one there will be some for sale Additional Information Anyone planning to attend look up on YOU TUBE for Beginning Wire Wrapping videos, they are extremely helpful. [...] Read more...
August 3, 2023Announcements / WorkshopsCamp Villages will be using the craft room August 3, 2023, so there will not be a workshop. As a reminder, you can see when we have closures by looking at the right column on the website, or by clicking on the Calendar [...] Read more...
July 10, 2023Announcements / Sales and ShowsRequest Your Spot Now While There is Still Space Available! If you have not requested a table for the Pre-Christmas TVGMS Show we have a few tables (spots) available.  Complete the registration form and enclose a check for the $40 fee. Either mail the Form and Check back to Bob Delvaux, address is on the form or turn it into either Greg or Bob at a workshop.  We will return the check if the remaining spots are taken before you respond. Spots will be assigned based on the date of request. If you mail the form and check we will use the postmark date as the date of the request. If you hand it in it will be the date of the workshop. Pre-Christmas Sale Location, Day, and Other Details A new date and place will be sure to give us lots more visitors, so be ready for a fantastic event. For the first time, this show will be at Rohan Recreation Center, not Seabreeze. This should allow us to draw customers from the new southern part of the Villages. In order to attract more visitors and buyers we have made other changes as well. It is also open to non-Villagers just like our February show. It is being held on a Saturday not a Thursday evening. Finally, it will also be advertised in the Sun Times in addition to the Recreation News. Let’s all have a successful sale and get the holidays off to a great start! Read all the details at our earlier post here [...] Read more...
June 10, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGSomewhere bells must have been ringing because there were definitely some newly minted angels in our group in May! With a pretty cabochon and some wire and the guidance of the talented Mary McGee, some of the Jewelry Making and Wire Wrapping SIG created their own tear drop angels! [...] Read more...
May 25, 2023Announcements / Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGHear Ye, Hear Ye! 2 quick reminders for All Club Members Who Still in Town– Thursday (today) May 25th is the SIG class taught by Mary McGee “Tear Drop Wrapped Cabachon/ Angel” Be sure to click the link to see what tools and supplies you need for this class. Sunday, May 28th there will be no workshop in honor of Memorial Day [...] Read more...
May 3, 2023Announcements / Sales and ShowsNew Date and Location We are now accepting registrations for our annual Pre-Christmas Show Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Rohan Recreation Center. This replaces the show we had on the second Thursday of November at Seabreeze instead of a workshop. We will have a regular workshop on the second Thursday of November. Items to note: The Show is on a Saturday from 10am to 2pm The Show will be at Rohan Recreation Center, not SeaBreeze This Show will be open to non-villagers to shop, but not to sell. There is a $40 table fee. This is because we have to pay for show insurance, rental to Rohan and advertising this show in the newspapers. We have only one room so there is a limited number of tables to cover the costs. At this time only one table per member (you may be able to share a table if you wish) You can sell only lapidary and/or SIG related items Only members as of April 1, 2023 can get a table NO selecting a spot. Tables will be assigned based on when the Registration form was mailed. We WILL NOT accept registrations at a meeting or workshop they have to be mailed. Do not submit payment with your registration. You will be notified if you have a spot and payment is then due within 14 days of the date of the notification. Please download the documents: the Show Policies explain the show procedures in more detail and the Show Registration Form.   [...] Read more...
May 3, 2023Business Meetings / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIG / WorkshopsThe first Thursday of the month is a busy time for all members of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society with business meetings and workshops– something for each and every person. See you there! Business Meeting This Thursday, May 4, 2023 will be the final business meeting before we break for summer. If you are still in town, please plan to attend. Jewelry Making Special Interest Group 6-7:30pm Members who attended the Intro to Wire Wrapping class on April 27th are encouraged to bring in the projects and finish them up. Or if you have finished your project, bring it in and show us the results. We also would like to take photo of the finished and in-process works to post on the website photo album! We will meet for 1-1/2 hours in the Crescent Beach Room and clean up and then head over to the craft room for the business meeting. The next SIG class will be May 25 when Mary McGee will be teaching “Tear Drop Wrapped Cabachon/Angel.” Details will be posted to the website soon. Short Workshop 5-7pm As usual, prior to the business meeting the craft room will be open for us to work on our stones for 2 hours. 5:30-7pm New members session in the Crescent Beach Room This is a Welcoming session and registration for our newest members. 7:30-8:50pm Business Meeting Please download a copy of the minutes of the April Meeting and the agenda for Thursday’s meeting. BTW: If you want to see past minutes or an agenda from any meeting in the last year, you can see them on the business documents page. Raffle Last, but not least, we always close out the monthly business meeting with a raffle–and there are always some great goodies so don’t cut out early or you will lose out. [...] Read more...
April 8, 2023Announcements / Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIG / WorkshopsWire wrappers working on their projects Basic Bead Embroidery part 2 with Diann Eilering Class participants hard at work creating We have had to revise our class schedule. Thanks to Nancy, we are still going to have a class–this one is geared for beginners and a new option for all members is the open workshop. New Member Introduction to Wire Wrapping, and Open Workshop When: Thursday, April 27th @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: SeaBreeze Recreation Center, Destin Room Instructor: Nancy Buettner What will be covered: Explanation of tools, wire, and other supplies needed to attend SIG classes. Tools Required bring any tools you have (the club has some loaner tools) Bead Mat. The blue mat pictured below is a bead mat. The actual use of a bead mat is to keep beads from rolling around and off your work space. Small seed beads will sit up with the holes on top, making them easier to pick up with a needle You can buy just the mat, or a mat in a case (allows you to close the case and carry what you’re working on home) Supplies Required supplies will be provided to make a simple pair of earrings. Additional Information This is an excellent class for anyone just getting started wire wrapping or who would like a refresher Open Workshop All others members are invited to use this time as a workshop. Bring your projects to work on. Do you have a project you just haven’t gotten around to finishing? Now’s your chance Want to have another go at a past class project, with support from others? New members can see the variety of projects they can learn to create Enjoy the time and camaraderie of other wire-wrapping and jewelry making enthusiasts of all levels Connect and share [...] Read more...
March 28, 2023Announcements / Business Meetings / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGThe first Thursday of the month is a busy time for all members of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society with something for each and every person. See you there! Jewelry Making Special Interest Group 6-7:30pm Members who attended the Basic Wire Wrapping 2 class on March 23 are encouraged to bring in the projects and finish them up. Or if you have finished your project, bring it in and show us the results. We also would like to take photo of the finished and in-process works to post on the website photo album! We will meet for 1-1/2 hours in the Crescent Beach Room and clean up and then head over to the craft room for the business meeting. The April SIG class will be Chain Maille / Earrings: Variation of Helm Weave held on April 27 Short Workshop 5-7pm As usual, prior to the business meeting the craft room will be open for us to work on our stones for 2 hours. 5:30-7pm New members session in the Crescent Beach Room This is a Welcoming session and registration for our newest members. 7:30-8:50pm Business Meeting Please download a copy of the minutes of the March Meeting and the agenda for Thursday’s meeting. BTW: If you want to see past minutes or an agenda from any meeting in the last year, you can see them on the business documents page. Raffle Last, but not least, we always close out the monthly business meeting with a raffle–and there are always some great goodies so don’t cut out early or you will lose out. [...] Read more...
March 10, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIG / UncategorizedThe results from February’s Special Interest Group class prove that you all really know how to rock! Thanks to Susan and Nancy for this class and to Deb for the photo of your work. [...] Read more...
March 10, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGBasic Wire Wrapping Class (2) When: Thursday, March 23, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: SeaBreeze Recreation Center, Destin Room Instructor: Greg Vollendorf What will be covered: Basic wire wrapping class (2) taught by Greg Vollendorf that will continue to reinforce wire wrapping techniques.   We are trying to build skills in wire wrapping so you can use those stones that you or someone else have cut and shaped.  Practice makes perfect!!! Tools Required Needle nose pliers Round nose pliers Flush Wire cutters Small dowel rod or pencil to make a bail Supplies Required 1 oval gemstone cabochon – approx. 40x30mm (1 ½” x 1”) 20 or 21 gauge dead soft wire – 3 pieces at 15” long each – NOTE: Dead Soft will make it much easier to work with as a beginner (3 pieces) 20 or 21 gauge dead soft wire (square wire preferable) 15″ long (3 pieces) 24 or 26 gauge dead soft wire (half round wire preferable) 4″ long (1 piece) 24 or 26 gauge dead soft wire (half round wire preferable) 6″ long  Additional Information The Club has a couple of loaner sets of tools but having your own set of tools is invaluable. [...] Read more...
March 10, 2023Field TripsThe next field trip for The Villages Gem & Mineral Society is on! Join us as we venture to the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville (click on the link to learn more about the various collections and exhibits you can see) on Wednesday, March 29. Whether you want to check out the Butterfly Rainforest, Spiders Alive, see the Inner Beauty Exhibit, or fossils, or…whew…there is something for everybody! This will be an all day field trip, so bring a picnic lunch, which you can leave in a cooler in your car until the group breaks for lunch. Judy is providing a surprise dessert at the picnic–yum! So if you are planning on attending and enjoying dessert, let her know that you will be there. The group will be leaving from the SeaBreeze Recreation Center parking lot at 9:00am. The ride is about 1-1/2 hours. If you need transportation, please contact Judy Mitchell so she can help coordinate transport. Check out the itinerary here Costs: General admission is free, but Seniors rate for the Butterfly Rainforest Exhibit is $12.50 and for Spiders Alive is $7.50. Also, parking is $4 and if you are not driving, please chip in for gas for your driver. The plan is head back to The Villages about 3:30pm which should get us back to SeaBreeze about 5pm. [...] Read more...
March 8, 2023Classes / Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping SIGCabochon Angel Pendant When: Thursday, May 25th @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: SeaBreeze Recreation Center, Destin Room Instructor: Mary McGee What will be covered: In this month’s wire wrapping class we will learn an Intermediate/ Advanced skill to make wire wrapped cabochons that look like angels. Tools Required Limited number of tools available from club–please bring if you have your own Pin-vice Bail-making pliers Round-nose pliers Flat-nose or Needle-nose pliers Bent Nose pliers Nylon-jaw pliers bead mat Wire Cutters Supplies Required (4) 8″ pieces of 20g square wire 24g half-round or round wire (1) 1″ x .75″ or 1.25″ x .75″ cabochon Kits to be Provided and Cost:   Mary will be providing kits for $6.00 that include both cabochons and wire. ☆If you buy a kit from Mary, note that the wire will either be copper or brass.  Additional Information As always, it is important to be at the class on time. Please have correct change for kits If you are not purchasing a kit; please make sure your supplies are the same as the instructor is using. [...] Read more...
Our workshop hours are currently Thursdays 5:00 – 9:00pm and Sunday 9:00am – noon.

Clean up starts no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of our sessions as we must be out of the room/building on time.

No preregistration for workshops is required at this time.

Please contact the group for more information including current workshop and business meeting schedules.

Workshop and meeting times are subject to change.

The Villages Gem & Mineral Society-Lapidary Artisans is an organization devoted to the collecting and study of minerals, geology, paleontology and the lapidary arts (stone cutting, polishing, faceting and jewelry making).

Members’ areas of expertise include stone cutting, jewelry making, silversmithing, gem faceting, wire wrapping, beading, metal forming, geology, gemology, fossil collecting, carving, creating mosaics, and more!

No experience is required to become a member of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society–just an interest!

New members will be trained in the use of our equipment to shape, cut and polish rocks and minerals as cabochons and faceted pieces and additional techniques, in the lapidary arts.

Our members pay dues that support the purchase and maintenance of equipment dedicated to the lapidary arts. Members teach and encourage each other in the various skills of the lapidary arts.

This website is for the members of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society. Our Mission: To teach new members the lapidary arts, improve on our own skills and to have a good time.

Here members will find educational information, announcements about upcoming events, membership news, etc.

All members must read and abide by TVGMS Safety Standards and be trained in the safe and proper use of each machine before they will be allowed to use the equipment.

  • In order to be a member of this group, you must live in The Villages, Florida
  • Meetings are held at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center craft room
  • Business meetings are the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm allowing for 2 hour workshop prior to the business meeting.
  • Workshops are held all other Thursdays 5:00-9:00pm and Sundays 9:00-noon

Wire Wrapping SIG

The Wire Wrapping SIG consists of members who want to focus on various jewelry making techniques, including wire wrapping. This special interest group is open to all members of TVGMS.

Members of this SIG teach classes on a variety of techniques for beginners and those more advanced.

They meet on the 4th Thursday of each month from 6-9pm in the Destin Room for projects and instruction. Members also meet on the 1st Thursday in the Crescent Beach Room (aka the card room) where they can finish projects, socialize and then attend the business meeting.

The Annual TVGMS Artisan Show

Mark you calendars for Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024!

Click here to read more about the 2024 Annual Artisan Show

The annual Artisan Show, hosted in The Villages each February allows members the opportunity to sell some of the items they have created. The event is open to the public and attracts vendors from around the country who also display and sell their wares. Items for sale range from raw materials to finished jewelry. There is something for everyone available at this event, in every price point.

Also demonstrations of the lapidary arts are put on throughout the day.

Field Trips

The group has gone on field trips in the past to places like Rucks Pit, Graves Mountain, Hoggs Mine and the Peace River. We are considering trips back to these places and other places such as museums, mines and beaches.

Field trips will only be scheduled when there is sufficient member interest for the trip. You must arrange your own transportation for a field trip.

Annual Pre-Christmas Sale

This one-day annual show features work by  members of The Villages Gem and Mineral Society. Items for sale will include jewelry, cabochons, fossils and slabs and rocks for you to create your own treasures and gifts.

For the first time in 2023, this event is open to the general public to purchase items from Club Members. Also new for 2023, the sale will be held at the Rohan Recreation Center on Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10am to 2pm.

Read more about this event by clicking here

For More Information

For further information please stop by any of our workshops or meetings or contact one of the TVG&MS officers.