Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 05/22/2026
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 05/29/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
GEM TREES I/II
INSTRUCTOR: JERRI HEER
GEM TREES I
This class will start with the basic skills of gem tree making and graduate to an exploration of multiple styles and advanced designs of truly beautiful and species-specific trees. We will discuss, study, and sample a variety of construction methods, as well as how to plan and create your own versions from patterns provided. The class fee includes wire, leaf stones, bases, and materials to make a basic tree and at least two additional trees of the student's choice. All instructions, patterns, tools, and materials are provided. Students are encouraged to be creative and modify designs to make their trees their own. A large variety of additional wire, leaf and base materials will be available for purchase. No experience needed.
GEM TREE II
This class will expand on creating species-specific gem trees using the characteristics of natural trees. Students will be expected to design their own tree(s) using the techniques taught in class and should come prepared with several species in mind. A variety of designs will be studied as examples. The class fee includes wire, leaf stones, bases, and materials to make at least two trees of the student’s design. All instructions, patterns, tools, and materials are provided. A large variety of additional wire, leaf and base materials will be available for purchase. Gem Tree I experience needed.
GEM TREES I/II
Class Fee: $90
Est Materials Fee: $0-250
Consumables Fee: 0
Jerri Heer
Jerri has been making Gem Trees since 1995. She fell into rockhounding and Lapidary Arts in the process of home-schooling her four children. The family joined the Toledo Gem and Rockhound Club and learned rock collecting, cabbing, soapstone carving, gem trees and flint knapping together. She has also studied Silversmithing, Beading, Soapstone Carving, Flintknapping and Scrimshaw.
Jerri took Gem Trees to a new level, designing her own styles and patterns, as well as developing her own techniques. She specializes in “species specific” gem trees. She has taught Gem Trees for many Gem and Mineral Clubs, local schools, and scout groups, as well as William Holland and Wild Acres.
Her Gem Tree competitive exhibits have earned awards with the Rocky Mountain, Midwest and Southeast and South Central Federations, American Federation, Florida State Fair, and the Florida Strawberry Festival. She lives in Liberty Center, Ohio and is a member of several rock clubs. Her second specialty is Seed Beading & Bead Embroidery, especially with china cabs as focal points. She also teaches Cutting China Cabs, Seed Beading and Bead Embroidery at William Holland
Please contact William Holland School of Lapidary Arts if you have any questions.