North Brisbane Lapidary Club

We Dig Rocks

Get in Touch

COVID-19 Update

Until the 1.5m social distance restrictions are relaxed numbers attending the club will be restricted, therefore bookings are essential. No new members accepted at this stage

Beginners Day March 2021

By

March saw another very successful beginners day, once again with some very promising new members.  Below are the responses from the day and photos of their work.

What did you enjoy most?

  • Everything we were shown was great
  • Good company while learning to work with metals. The sawing was quite enjoyable as well as the soldering
  • Finishing a custom made piece to even wear home

What did you enjoy least?

  • The course ending
  • Trying to get scratches out of the silver ring, but it is a good learning experience
  • What did you enjoy least?

Use one word or a short statement to describe the day

  • Great
  • Fun
  • Fascinating. Informative. Friendly. Helpful

Additional feedback

  • It would be great to learn more about the possibilities of what can be done with silversmithing at the club
  • Very comfortable environment and will feel welcome to return as soon as allowed

Spot the Difference Part 2

By

Photos supplied by Carol S

Last week we saw the difference to the outside of the club house with a picture of the original building and one from this year.

Today I have pictures of the inside, before the extension.

Look closely at the background to see where the faceting is being carried out, and can you spot the library?

You may also spots some faces you recognise.

 

Faceting - May 2005

Faceting

Silver work February 2002

Silver work Sept 2004

This was taken in Feb 2009, but can anybody tell me what they are doing?

What activity do you think this is?







Spot the Difference

By

by Pam

When I first joined the Club in 2003 Jean (Witt) was the only silversmithing instructor.  She looked after the ordering of the silver and put a lot of time in teaching people. Her husband Len was a cabbing instructor and a member of QLACCA. They were both very supportive of NBLC, helping at stalls and shows throughout, until Len passed away. Jean later gave up teaching and eventually moved to Kilcoy (where she still lives). When the extension was built on the club, the committee decided to acknowledge Jean with “Jean’s Corner”.

As you can see in the first photo the clubhouse was quite small. With only the kitchen, toilets, 2 faceting machines in a corner, saw room, a couple of cabbing wheels, silversmithing tables, a bookcase as storage and a library.  It was due to a few people that put in the time and effort to build the extension.

With a lot of hard work and effort (plus a grant), the then committee decided to extend the club. First building the cabbing area, faceting room, gemmology room (now the office), and shed. Also making the toilets into a disabled access. After a couple of years, they then built the library, kitchen storage room and the office.

As for the photo of Milton (Fox) he has been making the tea on Wednesday mornings and setting things up outside for many years. So was nicknamed the tea lady (& mouse catcher at one stage). Also cleaning the toilets and kitchen areas.

 

Original Club House building taken from front (Nudgee road side) – Photo taken in October 2005

The Club House today taken from the back – photo taken January 2021

Spot the difference!

Foundations to the extension – May 2006

On goes the roof – October 2006

Milton

Up go the walls – July 2006

Jean’s Corner – taken 2016

Disc Bracelet

By

by Mary

 

Material

  • 1mm square wire (twisted)
  • 5mm silver plate
  • Small pieces of copper
  • Disc cutting kit
  • Hole punch tool
  • Clasp (handmade toggle)

Steps

  • Using Disc cutting kit, cut 9 silver discs (varying sizes)
  • Mark and punch hole in each side of bracelet discs
  • Using Disc cutting kit, cut several small discs for decoration (silver, copper)
  • Clean and polish edges of discs
  • Sweat solder on decorative discs, stamp/hammer other discs as desired
  • Twist square silver wire, then anneal and make 18 jump ring (6mm mandrel)
  • Join discs with jump rings, and solder
  • Attach clasp
  • Clean and polish bracelet with emery paper, brass brush, polishing cloth

More than just links

By

By Katarina

For the club competition we can either make a necklace or a bracelet. In the past we have shown you the beautiful necklaces made by Mary Lancaster. I look at them and see the beauty and work and certainly appreciate them but they are not my style.

They might not represent your style either so I wasted some time on your behalf and looked for alternate styles:

For the purpose of the competition the piece has to be made of silver or gold with no more than 25% copper for accent purposes allowed (that is optional). And no stones either this year.

Necklace length definitions:

1. Collar – Collar necklaces sit flush against the skin and rest directly above the collarbone. Contemporary collar necklaces are thick and look similar to a collar on a shirt, measuring anywhere from 12 to 16-inches (30 to 40cm).

Figure 1 - Sterling Silver Collar

Figure 1 – Sterling Silver Collar

2. Choker – The choker necklace can either sit very high on the neck or just below the collarbone. The later style dangles more freely and is slightly longer in length. (16 inches/40cm)

Figure 3 - Starburst Choker

Figure 2- Sterling Silver Choker

Figure 3 - Starburst Choker

Figure 3 – Starburst Choker

3. Princess – defined either by their length or style. The length is longer than a choker but shorter than a matinee necklace. The 18-inch (45cm) length is thought to be the most universal and flattering length. Any pendant or focal piece will usually rest right below the collar bones.

4. Matinee – Matinee necklaces are great for jewellery layering because they are longer than princess length and shorter than opera length. These necklaces will fall somewhere between the collarbone and the centre of the bust. (22 inches/ 55 cm)

5. Opera – long and versatile. When they are worn as a single strand, the necklace should fall below the bust line. Some longer opera length necklaces may even reach the bellybutton. (30 inches/ 76cm)

6. Lariat – also known as a rope or Y-necklace. In terms of length, this necklace is longer than opera length; doesn’t have a clasp. The chain or beads form a long rope that is either tied or pulled through a circular finding like the one pictured here. (Ave. length: 34 inches / 86cm)

Figure 4 – Lariat Necklace

Necklace style definitions:

1.Bib – usually collar or princess length. They consist of a wide front portion that rests just below the neck. Pearls, beads, or gemstones are often sewn or set into the bib, creating fanciful designs along the circular or triangular frame.

Figure 5 – Bib Necklace

2. Lavaliere – a feminine pendant necklace that connects a dainty chain to a larger focal piece. That main pendant also has smaller embellishments dangling from it. This necklace style was popular during the Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco jewellery eras. These delicate pendants look best with light, feminine, and even bohemian fashions. They are usually princess length and will sit right below the collarbone, so any neckline will work well.

Figure 6 – Lavaliere Necklace

Figure 7 – Locket

3. Locket – a small compartment pendant that can hold a small picture or memento. These pendants are personal, sentimental, and are often passed down for generations. Lockets were popular during the Victorian era and were often engraved and filled with a loved one’s hair.  Lockets look best with opera length chains but usually come standard with an 18″ princess chain. Pair a longer locket with a minimal necklace that is choker length.

Figure 8 – Pendant

4. Pendant – can come in many shapes and styles. Pendants are focal points that dangle off a chain of any length. Popular pendant styles include lockets and lavalieres. Pendants are easily personalized. Initial pendants make great gifts and are often worn close to the heart.

There are more styles but I have left them off as they are defined by the use of stones and pearls and so not suitable for our competition.

Reference

  • Figure 1 – Sterling Silver Collar by Artie Yellowhorse
  • Figure 2 – Liquid Chain Choker – by Louise Olsen
  • Figure 3 – Starburst Choker
  • Figure 4 – Lariat Necklace
  •  Figure 5 – Bib Necklace
  • Figure 6 – Lavaliere Necklace – by Kristin Ash. Why not replace the spinner with a wire sculpture
  • Figure 7 – Locket – you would have to make the locket too.
  • Figure 8 – Pendant

We hope this will give you some ideas and inspiration to participate in the competition. If you are not sure if your idea will work, why not contact one of our instructors or talk to any of us to discuss. And remember, you still have plenty of time.

NBLC Presidents Challenge 2021

By

The Presidents Challenge is a group of four (4) competitions as follows.

  • Faceting,
  • Metal Smith Jewellery,
  • Cut a Standard Cabochon, and
  • Most Appealing Gemstone.

Individual sheets for each competition will be posted in the next week or so.

Traditionally winners are announced at the Gem Show. In 2021 we may not have a Gem Show, but we can and should still have the Challenge.

COVID  19 RESTRICTIONS

Some members like to work on their entry’s at home others like to work at the Club. Because of the limitations imposed Covid 19 My intentions are to.

  • Run day workshops starting at 9 am finishing at 4 pm. (cost $6)
  • Have no more than ten (10) member sat each workshop, 2 Faceting, 4 cabochon, 4 Jewellery.
  • Design competition so you should be able to complete your entry in two (2) workshops.
  • The number of workshops will depend on the number of members wishing to attend. Members should attend two (2) workshops they do not need to be consecutive

WORKSHOP DATES

I need some information from you so I can compile a list of workshop dates. Please send me the following as early as you can.

Presidents Challenge

Presidents Challenge







The competitions you would like to enter
*
Preferred workday
*

I urge you to enter, it could improve your skill level and hopefully you will enjoy the challenge.

Regards

Peter Smith

Your Club – North Brisbane Lapidary Club Inc.

By

by Ray Wilson for the Building Committee

About 3 years ago plans were formulated to improve safety around the soldering area, create a dedicated area for all of the hot working activities and consolidate the diamond saws into an area closer to the cabbing area and increase the power supply to 3 phase to ensure sustainable supply for the future.

In August 2019, the building committee started working on formal plans and drawings with a view to obtaining a grant to undertake the work.  In early December 2019 we were advised that we had been successful in getting a $32,000 grant from the Brisbane City Council under their Building Stronger Communities program.

The work commenced in early January with members assisting in clearing out the areas ready for the building contractor.  Around 20 members assisted in the project overall with clearing the site, painting, assembling furniture and re-establishing the work areas.  The final part of the construction work – installing 3 phase power – was completed last week.  There are still things to resolve and work out where they will finally be located ; like 24” saw and flat lap machines, but the majority of the project is now complete.

The collages below show the progress of the project with before, construction and fit out photos.

The removal of a wall has opened up the soldering area and now includes casting and enamelling equipment.  The main corridor through the building is now clear of naked flames making it a safer environment for members.

From a corner in the cabbing room a dedicated saw room has been constructed which now houses all 4 trim and slabbing saws.  This allows members who are using grinders to view the operation of the saws.  The volume of traffic  through the club has been reduced by having the saws proximate to the grinders.

We are appreciative of the support from the Brisbane City Council, our local Queensland government member and Patron Leanne Linard, our local BCC Ward Alderman Adam Allan and also of the many members who gave of their time to completing this project.

GIANT ROCK SALE

By

NBLC Club house- 574 Nudgee Rd, Albert Bishop Park, Nundah. We are very excited to announce our GIANT ROCK SALE is on Saturday the 21st of September 2019/ From 8am – 2pm.

Sausage sizzle and drinks available.

We have so many rocks from all over.  Small and Large Agate Creek agate nodules.  Prehnite rough – 1kg bag lots.  Windera/Cloyna Agate – Tumble and slabbing grade.  Petrified wood from Chinchilla.   Jasper.  Rhodonite.  Faceting rough. Garnet.  Peridot. Tourmaline.   Lots to choose from.

Contact: rocksale@nblc.com.au   for your full catcalogue of itmes for sale – one week out from 21st September 2019.

No Sales before 8am.  Material will be sold on a first come first served basis.

All we can say is Thank You – you all rock

By

The North Brisbane Lapidary Club Gem and Jewellery Festival has been a massive success. Thanks to all of our volunteers who turned up and worked hard to make another show a success for the visitors, dealers and ourselves.

We also have to say “Thank You” to local businesses who have supported us – both financial and with goods. These businesses were:

    • McDonalds Bracken Ridge who donated meals to our hardworking set-up volunteers.
    • Nathan Street Bakery – 130 Nathan St, Brighton QLD 4017. If you are in the area, don’t forget to drop in and try their yummy baking goods.

For outstanding sausages and meats go to:

  • Rode Meats – 261 Appleby Rd, Stafford Heights QLD 4053
  • Marjax Meats – 743-757 Deception Bay Rd, Rothwell QLD 4022
  • For fresh fruit & veggies and great prices check out T-Bone Fresh Fruit Market – Robinson Road Marketplace; 605 Robinson Rd W, Aspley QLD 4034
  • Nadras Eggs – 65 Muller Rd, Boondall QLD 4034
  • Woolworths Bracken Ridge – 154 Barrett Street
  • Coles Bracken Ridge – Bracken Ridge Village, Telegraph Rd, Bracken Ridge QLD 4017
  • Woolworths Aspley – 95 Albany Creek Road
  • Woolworths Albany Creek – Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek QLD 4035

And last but by no means least we are sending a massive thank you to the Sandgate Scouts and Venturers who helped us for three days. The young helpers were absolutely amazing, on the ball and always looking for more work to be done. It was a pleasure and honour working with you.