What an amazing experience!
We’re back home and (almost) settled in after our exciting retreat last month in Tucson. We were blessed with an amazing group of students and instructors – and the venue was incredible. February weather can be a bit of a wild card, and it surely was. One moment it was sunny and warm in the eighties, and next, winter rolled … Read More
Weather Forecast during our retreat
Tucson weather ranges from daily highs of 70(ish) to overnight lows of 45 degrees. The extended forecast during our retreat looks beautiful! Picture Perfect! Here’s what Accu-Weather says about Tucson’s weather during our stay – It’s Chamber of Commerce perfect! Our classrooms are generally well-controlled, but that’s not to say it may appear a bit warm or somewhat chilly to … Read More
Not sure where to find a list of supplies you need to bring to class?
#Q – I’m coming to The Desert and need a supply list that includes to what to bring. Thanks for your help. I’m really excited! #A – Hi – so good to hear from you! Class supplies lists are located on our website – part of each class description. Click on the class for which you are registered, and scroll … Read More
A quick guide to shopping the gem shows
Wondering where to shop in Tucson? Wondering where all the gemstones are? Wondering how best to navigate Tucson gem shows? We have the answers and we’re here to help! If you want a concise online guide for many of the shows in Tucson, this is the one we recommend. <click here: Tucson Gem Shows> REMEMBER THERE ARE RETAIL AND WHOLESALE … Read More
Did you know you can ship your tools and supplies ahead of time to the hotel?
Some of our instructors have everything you need to create your project in their classes; others require you to bring your own tools and supplies. Read through each of your class descriptions and pay extra attention to the category titled, “Student Supplies.” Those are the items you will be responsible for bringing to that instructor’s class. <click here to be … Read More
Your Health and Well-Being are Important to Us
YOUR SAFETY AND HEALTH ARE OUR TOP PRIORITY To set your mind at ease, we want you to know we have been monitoring events associated with influenza, RSV and the Covid virus. Proper hand-washing technique – hand sanitizer – equipment disinfecting – masking if you feel the need are all ways to guard against the spread of any infection and … Read More
Pre-Order your supplies
Many of our students have asked us to help streamline the process of gathering supplies for classes, and we have come up with a way we think will work for you. TOOLS SHEET METAL WIRE SOLDER CABOCHONS Mario and his crew at SJ Jewelry Supply in Phoenix will have an onsite shop at THE DESERT 2025 in Tucson for the … Read More
Gemstones and Cabochons – Oh My!
We had a question from one of our beautiful Metals Week students about Susan’s workshop and specifically what gemstones and/or cabs to bring to class. Here’s our reply: Have you checked out Susan’s shop page on her website? She has many curated gemstones available there. You can purchase them, or get a good idea of what she herself uses in … Read More
