Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 08/14/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
CABOCHONS I
INSTRUCTOR: JOHN WILD
This class is not just for the beginning Cabochon students but is also for those that would like to refresh their basic skills. You will learn how to choose the material to work with and how best to orient your design to maximize the beauty of your cabochon. This class will be fun and educational. Beginning with calibrated cabochon designs, the student will learn the techniques to shape, grind, and polish your designs into works of art. After mastering basic skills, you will have the opportunity to work with freeform cabochons as well. There will be plenty of time for individual instruction as well as group discussion. Class Fee includes material for the first two stones, written instructions, and other materials needed for class. Additional slabs will be available to purchase from the instructor or you can bring your own (no un-slabbed rough). For maximum enjoyment, bring an OptiVisor or another magnifier.
Class Fee: $50
Est Materials Fee: $0-25
Prerequisite: None
CABOCHONS II
This is a course for experienced cabbers. Students should have completed a Cab I course of at least 16 hours and should have mastered the basics of standard, templated forms. We will explore composite cabs, freeform and unusual templated shapes using the standard Genie as well as utilizing extra space between the wheels to accommodate hearts, large freeforms, etc. The instructor will have slabs for sale and students may bring slabs for their own use. An OptiVISOR or similar magnification is recommended.
Class Fee: $50
Est Materials Fee: $30-$100
Prerequisite: Cabochons I
John was inspired to become involved in the lapidary world by his wife Judi, also an instructor at William Holland. After several years of accompanying her to the school, he eventually took a class in cabochons and was instantly bitten by the bug. John is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Accounting. He lives In Birmingham where his company supplies nylon webbings, cords, and other components to the textile industry. In addition to cabochons, he enjoys silversmithing and learning other lapidary skills. He makes cabs for his wife to use in her wire wrapping and sells his designs at various rock, gem, and jewelry shows, as well as on Facebook at Wild River Cabochons. He is a member of the Alabama Mineral and Lapidary Society and has served as both President and Vice President. John also makes custom and unique rings from US Silver and foreign coins from size 1 to 16.
Please contact William Holland School of Lapidary Arts if you have any questions.