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?

How to Make Beautiful Stamped Clay Pots with Air Dry Clay

If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into clay crafts without the fuss of a kiln, air dry clay is your new best friend. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and dries beautifully into something that looks much fancier than it really is. These DIY stamped clay pots are the perfect weekend project. They’re practical, pretty, and make wonderful handmade gifts. Think pen holders, plant pots, or even a little bathroom organizer for makeup brushes.

Why You’ll Love This Project

  • No kiln or oven required – just let the clay dry naturally.

  • Endless design possibilities with stamps, lace, or texture mats.

  • A chic way to organize your desk, vanity, or craft room.

  • Great gift idea (fill with treats, pens, or a little succulent).

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Air-dry clay (white or terracotta works best)

  • Rolling pin (or a smooth glass bottle)

  • Stamps, lace, or textured rolling pins for designs

  • Craft knife or clay cutter

  • Water and a small paintbrush (for smoothing seams)

  • Cylinder form (a glass, tin can, or jar to shape the pot)

  • Sandpaper (fine grit, for finishing)

  • Optional: acrylic paints or clear sealant

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Sprinkle a little cornstarch on your surface so the clay doesn’t stick. Roll your clay into a flat slab about ¼ inch thick. Keep it even so your pot doesn’t dry lopsided.

Step 2: Add the Texture

Now for the fun part! Press your stamp, lace, or textured roller firmly into the clay. Don’t worry about perfection—slight variations give it that handmade charm.

Step 3: Cut Your Rectangle

Measure your cylinder (jar, can, or glass) and cut a rectangle of clay that will wrap all the way around it. Cut out a circle of clay for the base.

Step 4: Build the Pot

Wrap the clay rectangle around your form and gently press the seam together. Use a little water and a paintbrush to smooth it out. Attach the circular base with the same water “glue” method, blending the edges for strength.

Step 5: Smooth & Shape

Run damp fingers along the rim and seams to soften rough edges. This is where your pot starts looking polished.

Step 6: Drying Time

Let your pot air dry for 24–48 hours (depending on the clay brand and thickness). Don’t rush this step—if the clay dries too quickly, it can crack.

Step 7: Sand & Finish

Once dry, lightly sand any rough spots. You can leave it raw white for a chic, minimal look, or paint/seal it with acrylic paints and clear varnish for extra durability.

Creative Ideas for Stamped Clay Pots

  • Boho Vibes: Use lace doilies for a soft, romantic texture.

  • Rustic Look: Try a wooden stamp or burlap fabric pressed into the clay.

  • Modern Minimalist: Leave the pot smooth and paint it matte black or terracotta.

  • Giftable Touch: Wrap with twine and tuck in a small succulent.

Tips

  • Keep unused clay wrapped tightly in plastic so it doesn’t dry out.

  • If cracks appear, fill with a little clay slip (clay mixed with water).

  • Don’t make your pots too tall or thin—the clay is stronger in compact shapes.

These DIY air dry clay pots prove that you don’t need a pottery wheel to create beautiful handmade pieces. Whether you use them for storage, décor, or gifting, each one turns out unique—just like handmade should be.