Workshop: "Making a handmade and sustainable Mother's Day gift"
- Carolina Vivas-Serna
- Mar 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Are you looking for a Mother's Day gift that is different from all the others?
Do you want to make the gift with your own hands so that person knows that they are truly special in your life?
Are craftsmanship and sustainability important to you? (I'm a biologist, so I always give priority to the environment).
If you answered yes to these three questions, keep reading because I am going to invite you to participate in a workshop where you can make a handmade and sustainable Mother's Day gift with your own hands.
P.S. If you live on the Silver Coast of Portugal you will love it because we are in Marinha Grande, the city of glass!
Making a handmade and sustainable Mother's Day gift
At Oscar Bautista we are specialists in the art of Gemstone Cutting: we polish a rough gemstone (or glass) to use it in jewelry or other design projects.
And on this occasion, you will have the opportunity to become a Gem Cutter for a few hours so that you can make a Mother's Day gift with your own hands.
This workshop has three conditions:
You must choose between making a necklace and making a bracelet.
You must select a glass or a natural gemstone from those we have in stock (amethyst, smoky quartz or citrine quartz).
This workshop focuses on Cabochon cutting or irregular shapes (not faceted cuts).
These are some examples of the necklaces or bracelets you can make (please take these images only as a reference):
Do you like the idea? So, I am going to tell you the step by step that you are going to follow during this workshop.
Explanation of the workshop step by step
Before starting, you should know that this Mother's Day gift-making workshop has two phases:
First, the cut of the material which corresponds to glass or natural gemstone.
Then, the making of the necklace or bracelet according to the type of gift you have chosen to make.
That said, this are the steps you are going to follow during the workshop:
The choice between gemstone and glass, according to our stock (amethyst, smoky quartz or citrine quartz).
The roughing of the gemstone or glass.
The preforming and cutting of the material into the chosen shape (e.g. oval, triangle, irregular, etc).
The polishing of the material to obtain the best possible shine.
The drilling of the gemstone or glass (the drilling is done by Oscar Bautista).
The making of the bracelet or necklace.
The completion of the piece.
If this workshop catches your attention, I invite you to learn why this Mother's Day gift is unique, artisanal and sustainable.
Why is this Mother's Day gift unique, artisanal and sustainable?
These are the main features that make this Mother's Day gift so special:
A unique Mother's Day gift
To make this Mother's gift there are no molds or previous designs: there is only your imagination!
In addition, you can choose between different colored glass and natural gemstones depending on what we have in stock (amethyst, smoky quartz or citrine quartz).
A completely handmade piece
You will use a Gem Cutting machine to rough and shape the gemstone or the glass, but all the work requires your hands.
Furthermore, the making of the necklace or the bracelet depends entirely on you: we give you the material and you take care of the rest.
A sustainable gift for Mother's Day
We can say that this Mother's Day gift is sustainable because you can use glass as the main component.
We also have gemstones that were purchased a long time ago for previous projects (amethyst, smoky quartz and citrine quartz).
As for our facilities (and when you come you can check it), we use LED lights and we prioritize water recycling during all processes.
FAQ and more information about this workshop
Here you find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this workshop and much more information.
What is the price to participate in this workshop?
Participation in this workshop has two prices according to the material you choose:
If you want to make the piece in glass: €55 + VAT
If you want to make the piece using a natural gemstone: €75 + VAT
What is included in the price?
The price of the activity includes:
The use of machines and tools
The material you are going to cut: glass or gemstone
The materials to make the bracelet or necklace
The permanent guidance of Oscar Bautista
Where is this workshop carried out?
The workshop takes place at Rua Marquês de Pombal 72, office 16, floor 2, in the center of Marinha Grande.
What days is the workshop available?
You can come at one of the following times, with prior appointment:
Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Monday to Friday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
How long does the workshop last?
The workshop has an estimated duration of 2 to 4 hours.
How can I register for the workshop?
To register for this workshop, send us a message to oscarbautista.lapidary@gmail.com or write to us by WhatsApp at (+351) 939 914 360.
How many spots are available?
This workshop is completely personalized. However, if you want to come in a group, we can receive a maximum of three people at the same time.
Can I bring my own gemstone?
Due to the hardness, there are gemstones that we do not accept for this workshop. Please ask us first.
If you bring your own stone, the price of the workshop is €55 + VAT (instead of €75 + VAT).
Can I make faceted cuts?
In this workshop you will make a smooth Cabochon cut or an irregular shape under the guidance of Oscar Bautista (faceted cuts are not included).
Am I going to learn Gem Cutting in this workshop?
No, in this workshop you will have the necessary support to make a smooth Cabochon or an irregular shape.
If you want to learn Gem Cutting, I invite you to read about our Gem Cutting Courses.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept bank transfer, MB Way and cash payment.
Is there parking and food nearby?
As we are in the center of Marinha Grande, there are several parking lots nearby. The area also has supermarkets, cafes and restaurants serving local and vegetarian food.
Is there a bus terminal or train station?
Yes, Marinha Grande has a bus terminal next to the city center and also has a train station.
Is the place suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?
Our space is not specifically adapted for children. However, we have a secure area where they can wait for you while you participate in the workshop.
The building has an access ramp and an elevator, if necessary.
