Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Mokume gane – tutorials, plus a show and tell

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Copper and mokume gane Mokume gane is a technique of layering thin sheets of contrasting clay into a stack, then distorting the stack and shaving off the resulting patterned clay with a tissue blade. There are many, many variations on this technique. Some use objects and press them in the clay. Others use the clay itself and push balls of clay into holes poked into the stack. The poking and pushing can be random, or planned, which isn’t that clear when you’re a newbie to working with polymer clay.

I’ve tried the mokume gane technique/method before. Once. It wasn’t pretty, of course this is back when I first started out with polymer clay. I had only seen a couple of tutorials on it, and I was rather confused as to why they were poking this and that this way and that way . I knew there had to be something I was missing. I really couldn’t understand what was so great about what was basically “marbled” clay. Yeah, it was pretty and all, but nothing special in my book. Until, I happened upon a one Ms. Julie Picarello’s photos of her work on Flickr.

Then, I was flabbergasted, astounded, and most of all, bewildered! How in the world did she get her things to look so awesome? It actually looked planned, not random like the tutorials had shown. HA! Little did I know that you COULD plan your poking and pushing. Go ahead, laugh so hard that you fall out of your chair. I would too if I were you, now that I’m looking back, I see how stupidly simple it actually is, lol.

Now, I’m not saying it’s so simple that Julie hasn’t worked for a long while perfecting her technique for mokume gane, because rest assured with work as gorgeous as her’s, it’s all about work by the way of practice, practice, and even more practice until you can do it with your eyes closed. Then it’s perfect. Boy, do I have a long way to go. Hey, you do too, so you can quit laughing now and go check out the tutorials that are listed below.

The first 3 are from HGTV

 Bead Embroidered Heart brooch

 Face pendant and necklace

Puff bead bracelet

Here’s the link to GlassAttic’s mokume gane information – really good stuff here 🙂

Lindley Haunani’s version of mokume gane

Lazy woman’s mokume gane

and  one on Deviant-Art

I’ll be back tomorrow with the show and tell of the pendants I made today using the mokume gane way , they turned out rather nice even if I do say so myself 🙂

[tags]polymer clay, tutorial, mokume gane, Julie Picarello, Flickr[/tags]

Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this. I am a big fan of Mokume Gane and especially the work of Julie Picarello. I have been fortunate enough to secure Julie’s presence next year at the Euro Clay Carnival France! I can’t wait to meet her and take her Dimensional Mokume Gane Workshop!
    Kylee

  3. Nope, I haven’t been fortunate enough to have classes with her, although I would love to be able to.

    I’m a big fan of Julie’s also, I am always awed by her work.

    I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.

  4. I love Julie’s work – a pair of her earrings are among my most-worn PC jewelry pieces. She achieves a wonderful depth with layers of “normal” and mica-based clays, and her shapes, color combinations, and mixed-media accents are so creative. I haven’t gotten brave enough to try mokume gane on my own, but I’d jump at the chance to take a Picarello workshop (not in France, though).

  5. I love Picarello’s work. I am just sad that she has not done any DVD’s so people that can not travel can still be blessed with her techniques and awesome work examples.I would definitely BUY the DVD if one was available.

  6. I know this was an older “Craft Gossip” article, but it’s 2011 now and good news! Julie has written her first book and it will be out this June. You can pre-order from Amazon. I’ve already ordered mine. Her work is stunning. I took her “Lizard Tails” workshop at Clay Carnival 2010. She was very generous with sharing her techniques. I’m sure her book will have the same clear instructions and beautiful photos of her work.

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building

Sometimes clay tools feel more like magic than equipment, and this Moth Pottery Template definitely falls into that category. One moment you’re working with a flat slab, and the next you’re holding a detailed, sculptural moth that looks like it could flutter right off your table.

Why This Template Caught My Eye

This design stands out because it combines structure with artistry. The template gives you the clean, symmetrical base of the moth form, but once you have that shape cut, the real fun begins—adding textures, underglazes, or even metallic accents to bring the wings to life.

It’s ideal for slab-builders who want to go beyond mugs and bowls and dive into more decorative or sculptural projects.

What Makes It Special

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Ideas for Makers

  • Use glossy glazes with shimmering metallic accents for a celestial-style moth.

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Why Makers Will Love It

Templates like this are inspiring because they bridge the gap between functional pottery and decorative art. It’s not just about making something useful—it’s about making something memorable. And let’s be honest, it’s the kind of piece guests will immediately comment on when they spot it in your home.

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This spotlight is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay templates and tools that push creativity beyond the basics. If you’re ready for a project that feels both bold and whimsical, this moth template will absolutely deliver.

Crochet Pattern – Adorable Fluttering Moth Sprite Doll [Crochet]

DIY Moth Embroidery Pattern And Kit [Needle Work]