Joe Schwab

The Sun Lakes Rock, Gem and Mineral shops are open. Oakwood, Sun Lakes Country Club and Cottonwood are all comfortable, air-conditioned places to spend the morning or hot afternoon, brushing up on skills and finishing that special project.

Vic Hermann brought in an array of handles on knives, letter openers, magnifying glasses and other handy utensils that he designed and made. The enjoyment of making things out of stone and then watching visitors eagerly accept them as gifts is a good feeling. Vic teaches the class throughout the year and passes on his secrets of properly fitting handles made of stone to the blank utensils. Most of the blanks can be purchased through an online provider at minimum cost.

Once the size and utilization of an implement is chosen, it is up to the individual to decide what kind of stone to use. Softer stones lend themselves to the cutting and fitting in the early stages of the learning process. Careful cutting and precise fitting are required to end up with a seamless beautiful piece of work. It takes patience, persistence and practice to achieve a professional product. Vic will provide the patience and professional instruction and it is up to the member to provide the others.

After several months of honing my own skills, I had accumulated a small collection of magnifying glasses, letter openers and deli pickle forks that quickly found their way into the souvenir collections of visiting guests. Now I have to get working on more Christmas presents for the upcoming season. Yep, it’s just around the corner! Meetings on the third Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at the Navajo Room at Sun Lakes Country Club. Come join us for refreshments, club information and description of classes and see examples of the work turned out by local artisans. Some of Vic Hermann’s fine work is on display at the Cottonwood Country Club display case near the entrance.

Sun Lakes Rock Gem and Silver Club will be up and running full swing in October even though shops are open for members all summer long. I find the summer months a quiet time to enjoy the shop equipment without the hustle and bustle that accompanies the winter months. Don’t forget the first meeting October 19 and sign up for field trips to the mountains where you can collect your own stones for projects. The list of objects you can create for your own home is endless. Stained glass windows, stone bookend sets, inlaid table tops, Ming trees, decorative baskets, jewelry, precious stone faceting, wire wrap are just a few.

See our website at www.SLRGS.com for open shops, classes and general happenings of the club.

Hope to see you all in October!