Learn about our hobby in a small group setting
Our pride and joy at the Toledo Gem and Rockhound Club are our small groups and the facilities that we are able to provide for our members to learn and work in. With an active membership, you are able to enjoy any of our groups. Join now and start to check out any or all of them!
Beaders
Beading provides members the opportunity to learn to make jewelry and other fashion items from regular beads, seed beads, and pearls. Our methods include loom weaving, embroidery, and stringing. Basic stitches that can be modified to meet individual needs are taught. Patterns are provided and project books are available. No equipment is necessary and basic supplies are provided to the novice.
GEMCRAFTERS
The Gemcrafters are a working group that allows members to develop or expand their lapidary skills. Focused mainly on the cutting and polishing of cabochons, the group also supplies information on handling of different types of cutting materials, orientation, channel inlay, carving, etc.
FACETEERS
Faceting is the process of putting many flat, highly polished surfaces on a gemstone. Members of this group meet to learn, view each other's work and to discuss new patterns.
METALCRAFTERS
The Metalcrafters make jewelry. New members are given instruction in the basic fabrication skills; soldering, sawing, and filing. After that, members may branch out and develop their own styles. Current interests include piercing, precious metal clay, woven chaining, and general silversmithing. Because members differ in their expertise and experience there is always someone who can offer a new technique or opinions on problems that arise.
FUTURE ROCKHOUNDS OF AMERICA
Future Rockhounds of America is a program for youth ages 6-18 who meet once a month, January through October at 3pm on the 1st Saturday of each month in our fully equipped Craft Center located at 2453 Tremainsville Rd, Unit B, Toledo. All FRA youth are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian during each meeting where they will learn about rocks, minerals or earth processes and participate in a related activity. In addition, we invite our Juniors to participate in several field trips each year.