Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 05/29/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 06/19/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 07/31/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 08/21/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
CABOCHON I
INSTRUCTOR: PAUL ROBERTS
The basic techniques for trimming a slab into a preform, then grinding and shaping, sanding, and polishing that preform until you have a sparkling cabochon ready for mounting will be discussed and/or demonstrated. A trim saw, cabbing machine, and an intarsia grinder will be provided for your use. Safety issues, machine maintenance, sealing and stabilizing fractured or pitted stones will be covered as well as dealing with toxic material. Making a composite cabochon or intarsia will also be demonstrated. Your kit will include Paul’s comprehensive step by step manual, four slabs of varying hardness, super glue and epoxy with applicators, and a toothbrush (not for you but for your wheels).
A small notebook, a pencil, and a Sharpie will be in the kit, too. In the manual there are charts showing the comparative hardness of stones you are likely to cut, my list of toxic materials, and directions for making simple settings for your stones. Additional slabs will be available for purchase, too, or you may bring your own (no material as hard as corundum and no rough to be slabbed, please). The Class Fee will provide students with a variety of small starter slabs, an original manual of instruction, and other materials for the class. Additional slabs will be available for purchase, or students may bring their own (3/8” of an inch or less in thickness; no chunks to be slabbed).
Class Fee: $50
Est Materials Fee: $0-100
Consumables Fee: $15 (applied to WH account)
Prerequisites: None
Paul has been a “rock fan” since boyhood, although his serious cabbing did not begin until retirement twenty-four years ago. His work in cabochons has been inspired by many of William Holland’s masters through various (and repeated) courses in cabochons, opals, intarsia, channel inlay, etc. At William Holland he has taught Silver 1 and numerous classes in Cabochons (1, 1.5, and 2. In Dahlonega he has taught classes in wire-wrap, chain, and basketry.
His finished pieces are currently displayed and sold at the Annual Art and Wine Festival in Dahlonega, and the more frequent “Art in the Park” events in Dahlonega. He also takes special commissions from time to time. Eager to share his joy of working with stone, Paul has taught at William Holland for more than 20 years.
Please contact William Holland School of Lapidary Arts if you have any questions.