Bob Hutton
For many years now, the SaddleBrooke Silversmithing and Lapidary Club (SSLC) has been a welcoming group to offer a comfortable environment for creating and learning. Available on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Turquoise Room at the MountainView complex, this group is enjoying the arts and crafts creation lifestyle for its members. Seriously beautiful items are created on a daily basis in many different methods, styles, and ideas.
Metals of all kinds, not only sterling silver, are formed and shaped, cast and combined with other materials, then polished to perfection with many tools that few of us have access to otherwise. And this needn’t be budget-busting. Many copper pieces are designed and created at a very low material cost. Some stones you can literally pick up while out walking to finish into family mementos. Many students start there to inexpensively learn safe methods and discover their skills before moving into more precious materials.
Many of Earth’s rocks and minerals need assistance to shine out with what we consider their best face. The beauty of the third rock from the sun’s crust history is cut and shaped, then polished to show the world how amazing it can be. This can be from total reshaping to a simple nudge with polish. Many rocks, some found only in Arizona, are highly prized worldwide. Here they are cut and polished to shape. Gems, as well, are faceted and mounted to rival the most beautiful available. These are made into beautiful pieces in many styles of jewelry.
We are realizing more and more how important an active, learning lifestyle is to our well-being. Learning new skills in music or arts is a proven method of extending our brain health into our advancing years. Metal arts is a fascinating subject that includes centuries of knowledge that we can now freely discover and learn.
Beginning classes are offered as needed to get you started safely. Correct instruction alleviates danger worries. Workbenches include stools, mostly alleviating back issues.
Members regularly instruct their special techniques to their peers in scheduled classes and all on a volunteer basis. Dues and fees are low, with just the cost of materials, and many in copper, which is relatively inexpensive and easily manipulated. Many friendships are formed, as well as beautiful creations designed and made by members for themselves or for the enjoyment of friends and family.
Please look us up online at www.sslc.club. There you will find past newsletters and example photos and a link to get you more info. Stop by and visit us on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Turquoise Room at the MountainView Arts and Crafts building to see how enjoyable this can be.