Hidden Jewels: A New Mokume Gane Technique

If you would like a workshop like this to be offered in your area, please use this link to email me.  Request Workshop

A 2-Day, Polymer Clay Workshop

LEVEL: ALL (Beginners should have experience with basic  polymer clay techniques.)

Mokume Gane is a Japanese metalworking technique in which thin layers of variously colored metals are fused together, then distorted and ground down to reveal a beautiful pattern. We will mimic the metalworking technique by stacking thin layers of different colors of  Premo mica-clay alternating with ordinary Premo clay to form a block (or billet) which we will “distort” with impression plates we will make ourselves.  I will share the recipes for some of my favorite metallic/pearlescent jewel colors.

The block will be sliced with a special slicer to reveal the “jewels” below, producing gorgeous, paper-thin sheets of patterned clay. The results can evoke anything from patterned silk batik to fossil-filled agate.

These patterned sheets will be used to create a unique pendant which will be fired, then lightly sanded and hand buffed to accentuate the pattern. You will have the option of leaving the silky finish as it is, or machine-buffing your creation to a brilliant, glass-like shine. As a bonus, you will take home additional patterned sheets to experiment with on your own.

Most participants also complete a bracelet or brooch.

 This workshop focuses primarily on techniques including:

  • Texture plate construction
  • How to mix jewel-like colors incorporating metallic/pearlescent (mica) clay
  • How to sheet the clay, then stack and distort the billet for optimum results
  • How to handle and store the sliced patterned sheets for future use
  • How to cut and apply the sheets to a clay backing
  • Sanding and hand buffing
  • How to machine-buff the clay to a glass-like shine you won’t believe is possible
  • How to construct a pendant as well as other pieces of jewelry

My workshops are intended to teach techniques, share information and promote understanding that will help students advance to a higher level of artistry in their polymer clay endeavors. Most students leave with one or more completed projects.

 

11 Responses to Hidden Jewels: A New Mokume Gane Technique

  1. Dagmar Zachystal says:

    I live in Nanaimo and would like to register for your workshop here in August 8,and 9.

    I don’t see anywhere any registration forms. I do work with polymer clay but mostly making small sculptures, I am little familiar with mokume game techniques but not much. Please, let me know how to register.
    Thanks dagmar

  2. Liz says:

    I adore your work, a true master of the craft! Is there an available pdf tutorial version of your Hidden Jewels Mokume technique? Thank you so much for sharing, LOVE your articles!

    • Carol Simmons says:

      Thank you! I’m so busy teaching I don’t have time to write one. When i stop traveling to teach I’ll write one.

  3. Pamela Floyd says:

    Where is the mokume gane workshop and dates please…. Thanks Pam

  4. Pingback: What is Polymer?

  5. Tracey says:

    Is there a tutorial for your Hidden Jewels: A New Mokume Gane Technique
    for sale

  6. Hola yo quiero aprender. A hacer esa tecnics says:

    L

    • Carol Simmons says:

      May 4-9, 2019
      6-Day Master Cane Workshop Level 1
      Franklin, MA
      Contact: Ann Marie Donavan
      May 25-26, 2019
      Hidden Jewels Mokume
      Albuquerque, NM
      Contact: Annie Hooten
      June 3-8, 2019
      6-Day Master Cane Workshop Level 1
      Albuquerque, NM
      Contact: Annie Hooten

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