Minerama Fossicking, Gem and Jewelry Show - Field Trips & Workshops

FOSSICKING FIELD TRIPS

Thursday 12 March

Field Trip 1: Crosmaglen

Beginners can learn the basics on this guided fossicking field trip, there will be a designated guide to help beginners with their sieving technique and fossicking tips. A great opportunity for the whole family to find their very own crystals and maybe even a sapphire. All experience levels welcome on this Field Trip.

Field Trip 7: Glen Elgin

This field trip is for all levels, all wheel drive - Sapphire, Zircon, Topaz and Quartz Crystals.

Friday 13 March

Field Trip 2: Metal Detecting

Something different in 2020, learn tips on how to get the best out of your metal detector and the opportunity to find WW1 relics at an untouched site.

Field Trip 3: Junee' Wellingrove

A field trip for fossickers with intermediate experience try your luck finding the infamous blue sapphire.

Field Trip 4: Oban

Experienced fossickers and gem hunters can try their luck searching for treasure. Some things you may find at the Oban fossicking site is sapphire, quartz crystals, garnet and small fine gold.

Saturday 14 March

Field Trip 5: Three Waters (Family Field Trip)

Bring the kids along for a family fun day of fossicking at Three Waters. Guides will provide a Fossicking talk and demonstrations.

Field Trip 6: Mount Mitchell (Adults only)

Experienced gem hunters can fossick for Sapphire and Crystal with minimum guidance on this field trip.

Important Information:

*All children must be supervised by adults.

**Attendees to bring their own food & drinks/water as none will be supplied.

***Often field trip sites do not offer shade protection. Ensure you wear comfortable clothing, hats, sunscreen and sturdy shoes.

****Registration between 8am and 8.30am at the Glen Innes Showground, convoy parking along Bourke Street. Meet the team leader and briefing session. Please bring your tickets to collect your wristbands.

*****In the case of extreme weather events field trips may be cancelled, in this circumstance tickets will be refunded. Refunds will not be available for change of mind or no longer able to attend.

 

WORKSHOPS

Learn a new craft when you visit the Glen Innes Highlands for the Minerama Fossicking Gem & Jewellery show. The following workshops are on offer.

Silversmithing

Thursday 12th March - Half Day Silversmithing - The Makers Shed

Half-day cabochon bezel-setting class 1pm - 4pm. This is the workshop for those with a cabochon stone (flat backed, not faceted) which they'd like to learn how to set into a simple sterling-silver pendant only. Resident silversmith at The Makers Shed Richard Moon will assist you to design your piece then guide you through the cutting and soldering processes before he shows you how to set your stone. The cost includes enough sterling and fine silver for one pendant. (Note: working with your stone can pose a risk to it, particularly if it's set into an existing piece of jewellery)

Friday 13th March - Full Day Silversmithing - The Makers Shed

Full day sterling-silver experience. 10am - 4pm. Get across the entire silversmithing process with Richard as your guide, from designing your piece through to cutting, soldering, heating, cold-connecting, fold-forming, bezel-setting and polishing. The cost includes enough sterling silver for one ring, pendant, brooch or pair of earrings; and a limited selection of raw materials and stones: vintage linoleum, copper, leather, moonstones, freshwater pearl etc. Design and make something special!

Saturday 14th March - Half Day Silversmithing - The Makers Shed

Half-day cabochon bezel-setting class. 10am - 1pm. This is the workshop for those with a cabochon stone (flat-backed, not faceted) which they'd like to learn how to set into a simple sterling-silver pendant. Resident silversmith at The Makers Shed Richard Moon will assist you to design your piece then guide you through the cutting and soldering process before he shows you how to set your stone. The cost includes enough sterling and fine silver for one pendant (Note: working with your stone can pose a risk to it, particularly if it's set into an existing piece of jewellery)

Viking Knitting

Learn the art of Viking Knitting. In this two hour course you will receive a starter kit which includes 4 metres tarnish resistant wire to make a bracelet. You will also receive a length of dowel, starting wire, magnetic clasp, handmade drawing plate and full instructions.

Friday 13th March - 2pm-4pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Saturday 14th March - 2pm-4pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Sunday 15th March - 11am-1pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

 

Basic Silversmithing at the Showgrounds

Learn the art of Basic Silversmithing. In this 3 hour course you will receive enough silver to make a pendant or ring, the use of basic tools and tutorial. Starter kits are included.

Friday 13th March - 10am-12pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Friday 13th March - 1pm-3pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Saturday 14th March - 10am-12pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Saturday 14th March - 1pm-3pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Sunday 15th March - 12pm-2pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Gem Wrapping Workshop

Learn the art of Gem wire wrapping. In this 3 hour course you will be loaned basic tools and given tuition to wire wrap your favourite gemstones. This can be your own wonderful find throughout the many trader stalls or bring your precious stones from home.

Friday 13th March - 9am-12pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Friday 13th March - 1pm-4pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Saturday 14th March - 9am-12pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Saturday 14th March - 1pm-4pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds

Sunday 15th March - 9am-12pm - Glen Innes Showgrounds