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Beyond Basic Lapidary: Designing with Stone

Lapidary is more than just cutting and polishing gems. Learn how to integrate stone and metal as a whole, rather than as separate objects. Michael will demonstrate how to shape rough stones, drill through them, make perfect bezels for unique shapes, set stones on top of stones, add decorative rivets, and how to enhance your designs. Explore the possibilities that cutting your own stones allows.

During this intensive four-day workshop, students may cut numerous stones, apply unique setting methods to finished stones, and/or focus on completing pieces as time allows. Students can choose to cut numerous stones, apply unique setting methods to finished stones, and/or focus on completing pieces of their own design as time allows.

Michael is an internationally recognized lapidary artist and master of bezel setting who has worked in the field full time since 1990. "The stone is as important as the metal. I am looking for an integration of the media, a manipulation and blending of the two: Using stone as a medium, not as an accessory." - Michael Boyd. If you'd like to see more of Michael's work, visit his website www.michaelboyd.com

Please note: This class is for students with metalsmithing skills and previous lapidary experience, who wish to further explore incorporating unique stones into finished work.

Meet the instructor

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Michael Boyd is is an internationally known artist. His unique creations in stone and metal are found in numerous private collections and have been widely exhibited at important juried shows, as well as prestigious galleries and museums including Ladyfingers Gallery in Carmel, CA, Patina Gallery in Santa FE, NM, the Aaron Faber Gallery and the Museum of Art and Design in New York.

Formally trained in painting and ceramics, for the past thirty years Michael has focused his creative work in jewelry making, a medium in which he is primarily self-taught. Michael is a generous and inspiring teacher who shares his skills in private workshops and at universities around the country, including Colorado State University, Bowling Green State University and the University of Alaska.

Michael has presented at the prestigious Society of North American Goldsmiths Conference in Denver. Active in the local arts community, Michael has served as a trustee/board member of the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center in Pueblo, the Colorado Metalsmithing Association and the Pueblo Arts Alliance.

Michael’s newest endeavor, the creation of the Colorado Center for Metal Arts, a teaching and community art center, has helped revitalize the Historic Arts District in Pueblo, Colorado.

Materials & Tools

Lapidary supplies (diamond bits, high grade epoxy, etc.) will be available for students to purchase as needed for individual work. If students wish to get a kit, it is estimated at $85. Rough stones will be available for sale as well, and are priced per gram or carat.

Students should bring

For students who wish to set stones during the workshop, please bring bezel wire in the metal they want to use. Don't hesitate to call us if you have questions (781-891-3854).

 

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