Vol-036-1 Faux Metal Mokume Gane PcT Tutorial (Intro)
Video #202: “I have read how to do the Mokume Gane technique and still couldn’t picture it!! Your tutorials make it much easier!” ~Kam-K
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** This post is an introduction to one of our paid tutorials.
With all the cool new Metallic Colors now available through the Premo Accents line, I thought it would be the perfect time to revisit the polymer clay Mokume Gane Technique. This week I will be teaching a version that looks more like the traditional Japanese Metalsmithing, for which it mimics.
Real Mokume Gane is an ancient metal technique used for making Samurai Swords. It was designed to recreate the look of wood grain. Different types of metals such as Silver, Copper, Bronze, Gold, Iron, etc., are layered and fused together in a block, which is then hammered, stamped or carved. Finally, thin sheets or veneers are sliced off, and used to make jewelry, swords and other precious artworks.
Polymer clay artists have it way easier than the traditional Mokume Gane artist. Clay is much softer and simpler to layer, and the tools aren’t expensive or complicated to use either. Now, I’m not saying that polymer clay mokume gane is anywhere near being in the same league as the real thing. But done right, the faux clay version can end up looking very realistic. It is a technique that is definitely worth adding to your polymer clay skill set.
“It’s funny – once I’d visited a blog by a jeweler. He was talking about polymer clay artists who mimic his work in doing mokume gane. He thought the work was inferior. Which intrigued me. Okay, so I went to look at his gallery. You know what? I think our mokume gane, with it’s rich variety of color, was nicer than his work. He did a fine job, don’t get me wrong. But I think polymer clay mokume gane offers a wider variety of opportunity and in my opinion, not nearly close to inferior.” ~Charlene-T
“I just started beading a couple of months ago – but I knew immediately that I wasn’t happy with what I was making and it was because it just wasn’t me. I wanted beads that ‘said something’ and it was obvious that they weren’t available. Flipping through a beading magazine one day, I came across a bracelet that a mother and daughter team had made out of mokume gane. It impressed me enough to make me stop and take a closer look. I knew right then and there that I needed to be making my own beads so that I could make my own statement.” ~Aims
“Visiting this site inspires me to try to go higher and work harder in mastering this polymer clay art form. All the pieces shown at this blog are gorgeous, but the mokume gane ones are sending me back to try the technique again, one I sort of put aside because I have never really liked my outcomes.” ~Elizabeth-S
“Love all your videos so far and have really gotten into making some simple Mokume Gane pendants. Just on the first stage of sanding, but it is making a HUGE difference in how they look as opposed to just putting varnish on them. Thank you so much for your time!” ~Dawna-M
“I was trying to practice my Mokume Gane cane for an upcoming class and wasn’t sure what to try it on, so I covered a small stainless steel utility pocket knife (only on one side) and wow… it really dressed up the knife. I gave them to my nephews and brother-in-laws for Christmas. This is why I just love polymer clay!” ~Lupe-M
“Hi, thought your first mokume gane video was really helpful. I’m new to polymer clay and I’ve wanted to have a go but found the picture instructions at other sites, quite hard to get a grasp of. Actually seeing someone do the technique in video has made a big difference. Thanks very much.” ~Debbie-G
“Just wanted to say thanks for the great video. I have read how to do the Mokume Gane technique and still couldn’t picture it!! Your tutorials make it much easier! Thanks!” ~Kam-K
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I just watched the video, that is the fastest and easiest mokume gane process I've ever seen! Thanks for another great tutorial.
Jeanne C
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Very impressive, old style mokume gane in 8 min flat!!! Very nicely done.
Jocelyn C
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This is my favorite technique! I hadn't done much work with clay, and had seen another Mokume Gane tutorial in a Polymer Clay magazine. I tried their version, but Cindy's way is so much easier. I love the new colors of the metals, so rich. Thank you for making it easy.
Theresa N
Transcript coming soon...
Transcript coming soon...
Our goal is to translate these videos into as many languages as possible. If you are interested in helping with this initiative, then please do contact us and we will figure out a way to make it worth your while :)
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Wowser ! This technique is just beautiful. The square of clay is in the freezer. It was way too soft to cut nicely. Can’t wait to try some different color waves. (Hurry up and cool -I’m ready)..
Thanks again Lietz team for an outstanding tute.
Off topic -are we going to learn how to rivet ? Hint,hint,hint……
Hi
Love this technique. Can’t wait to try it with the mew metallic colors..I have made sum using black cad red and white.the cuts are beautiful..just did not get to putting them on beads.. I’ll try to take a picture of them when I do….By the way. you were right a long time ago about not under pricing your work People who value hand made work do on questions you. Hope everyone had a Happy Easter and Healthy Passover
This is my favorite technique of all. I had never done any work with clay and when we evacuated for Hurricane katrina, I took my first ever Polymer cafe magazine with me down the road I found you. In my fema trailer I tried their version of this and this way is so much easier than theirs. I love the new colors of the metals, so rich. Thank you for making it easy.
Thanks Cindy and Phaedrakat.
Very, very cute…..both of you!
oh well I’ll try again later..
@Tantesherry: We see you! If you don’t see yourself, clear your browser’s cache. I did the same thing when I created my Gravatar…thought no one could see it, but it was there…
@Phaedrakat:
Thank you and Yay — sometimes all this computer stuff makes me wish I had a teenager…then again–HaHa
Marlene, thanks for sharing!! I have Spanish Olive from the studio by sculpey. I’m waiting impatiently for my order of metallics old and new from Polymer Clay Express. Can’t wait to try The Cindy Method and add the Marlene Patina!
Hi Cindy, Love this mokume gane technique. I also like the look of the rivet on the bead you showed. I have looked everywhere I can think of on how to do rivets in pc, but can’t find anything. Have you done a segment on this? Sure would like to know how its done.
My goodness, Cindy, this is the easiest mokume gane tutorial I’ve seen! I’ve tried a couple of different MG techniques from books in the past, but my results just weren’t great. Your technique looks foolproof. Maybe we should nickname this tutorial “Cindy’s Mokume Gane for Dummies.” And I mean that only in the most positive way!
I’ve watched the tutorial a couple of times and I’ve already identified a couple of reasons why my past attempts were failures.
I wish Michael’s would hurry up and get the new colors in. In the meantime, maybe I’ll use some pearl colors with the old metallics.
@Lynn Watts: Do know that we are all thinking of you and your daughter and sending love and prayers your way during this difficult time.
@Linda K.: So cute! Though we could name the technique, Cindy’s Mokume Gane for Smarties instead… because isn’t it smarter to do things the easy way, instead of the hard way? :)
@Marlene C: Awesome color mixing tip Marlene! Thank you for sharing!
@Cindy Lietz from Rubber Stamps for Polymer Clay – Shopping Smart: Excellent point, Cindy! I think you’re going to have to rename this whole blog to “Cindy Lietz’s Polymer Clay Tutor for Smarties!”
Thank-You Peggy 4 sending prayers 4 my Daughter whom had both breast removed cuz of breast cancer. I must have posted on a later date and was not where everyone could answer my request 4 prayer 4 her when we found out about her diagnosis of breast cancer and this was a agressive one too. We needed ALL PRAYERS. THANKS AGAIN PEGGY B.
@Lynn Watts: Lynn, I thought I had commented earlier, but I don’t see it here. Please know that I’m sending prayers your daughter’s way. I’ll check the Facebook prayer list, too…and add her if she’s not yet listed. Hugs, Kat
Thanks, Cindy, this was great just as I expected from you. Betty
Seems like you simplify things all the time! Fast and Easy Mokume gane! Love it. Just checked with Michaels as I have 25% of entire purchase but they only have the accent line in gold, translucent and blue pearl- 3 colors only!
@Cherie: I found that out when I went to Michael’s and they only had those 3 colors on the display. They did have several of the older colors marked down “Clearance” at 99 cents, so hopefully the are making room for the new ones (fingers crossed).
BTW I did figure out if you add a little of the new Wasabi to Premo Gold it does give it an antiqued gold look.
@Marlene C: WOOPS SORRY! I meant adding Spanish Olive to the Premo Accents Gold will give you an Antique Gold. Adding the Wasabi actually gives you a Light Gold. I added a quarter of a bar (1/16 of a 2 oz package) to one bar (1/4 of a 2 oz package) each of the gold.
@Marlene C: Thanks for your patina recipes! Sharing color formulas is so helpful…especially now, when so many of us are dying…awaiting the new Premo colors! With the clay aisle at Michael’s “almost empty”, the colors have GOT to be making their appearance soon… (Staff members at 2 different stores have told me “very soon.”)
@Sister Cat: What’s the inside scoop? When are we going to see the new Premo Sculpey colors at Michael’s?
@Cindy: I’ve got to agree with Linda…this Mokume Gane technique is super simple. I can’t see how you can go wrong using this tutorial…and the results look very cool. Love your riveted piece!
Oh, and I vote yea for riveting!
Wow, is it that easy? I’m going to order my metallics right now!!! Cindy, you are an angel!
Once again you’ve chosen an awesome technique to show us. I have taken a little break lately on making my polymer clay beads, but love this mokume gane method and plan to hit the ground running. I have so many visions I can do with this that I can’t wait to get started.
I just watched the video, that is the fastest and easiest mokume gane process I’ve seen! Thanks for another great tutorial.
Have a great Mothers Day everyone. XXX
Just a beautiful look. Will have to run uptown and see if they have the metals. Another inspiring tute. Thanks guys!!!
Very impressive, old style mokume gane in 8 min flat!!! Very nicely done.
Thank goodness for Michael’s coupons (they have one right now, good for 25% off entire purchase today and tomorrow). My son’s Mother’s Day gift is going to come in handy! Can’t stay on long, the store will be opening in 15 minutes, and have to be there (hoping against hope that they have them) to stock up on the new Premo Metallics. AND, if they don’t, well JoAnn’s is right down the road, and they take competitor coupons (Yeah!).
Needless to say, Cindy and Doug, you are a winning combination, and we are all blessed to have you in our lives! Happy Mother’s Day to you and all!
The New metalics rock! Your tutorial too Cindy. I havent got any of the colors yet though.
I havent felt like claying lately. Have any of you just got in one of those ruts that you just can’t get out of. ugh…
Happy Mothers Day Early to all you moms out there as well. Have a great weekend!
Ditto to all the above !!
Thank you for your informative videos. They are so easy to follow, and
you are speaking so clearly that I almost forgett it is’nt my language!
I’m – like many others in this forum – looking forwards to the Fridays and I would love to learn how to riveting too . . . .
Synnove, an entusiastic supporter
I just got my order of the discontinued pearl colors from Premo from Polymer Clay Express to try the Aurora technique. Now I’ll be hitting them for the old and new metallics to do the Mokume Gane. Absolutely gorgeous and you make everything so easy to do. Can’t wait until tomorrow!
Yea! Beautiful pieces again Cindy. Happy almost Friday everyone!
I love Mokume Gane too! Can’t wait to see it! Those earrings are lovely! Thanks, Cindy! 8D
Wish it was tomorrow. Looking forward to this. And thanks for being the person you are with the last week of offering the tutorial to everyone. I think a few more people saw what we love in your teaching style.
Hugs Karonkay
You can add my name to the ‘yes I’d like to learn riveting too’ list. Also looking forward to your MG tech.
Being new here meant I had (have) alot of homework to catch up on – the 1st lesson I did was your Aurora technique–om goodness–wow and a bunch of other happy sounds could be heard as I buffed and the beads began to shine :)
I wanted to share a sanding aha moment–the first few beads I started with 320 then 400 w/d then went thru my stack of micro pads–the colors were very bright and beautifully bold —- for the next set of beads I only used the stack of micromesh pads and wow again! Totally different and yet the subtleness of them struck me with awe. Thank you Cindy so much.
Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mom’s and Grandma’s!
Thank you everyone for your kind feedback! This is one of those cool techniques that looks harder than it is. (Wish everything in life was like that.) There is no reason things have to be complicated to look great!
Sounds like I’m going to have to do some more riveting around here and come up with a tutorial since you all asked so nicely. I’ll let you know when it comes available. Any other special tutorial requests?
@Linda K.: What a cute story! Now you have the perfect excuse to get making those earrings. Won’t take you too long either, so I expect to see some pics on the Facebook page, here lickety split! :)
@Tantesherry: That is so wonderful that you are having so much fun and success with your polymer clay bead making. I know exactly what you mean about the happiness you feel when the colors reveal themselves as you are sanding the Aurora beads. You’re right too about the differences in using the sandpaper vs micro-mesh. The effects are quite different but equally beautiful, aren’t they?
@Cherie: That’s a bummer! Seems like all the Micheal’s stores are going through a bit of a revamp and aren’t fully stocked yet. Hopefully they will be getting the full line of new Premo colors in soon.
@Cindy Lietz from Sculptural Birdhouse Beads:
This post is to see if I followed the direction from Gravitar right–hopefuly you guys can see a pic of me and my nephew :)
Well, Cindy, I’m really looking forward to this one! The reason I decided to try polymer clay in the first place many years ago was to learn faux mokume gane after seeing a gorgeous pair of earrings at a bead show, but the class was cancelled :( A year and a half ago, I saw instructions for mokume gane earrings in a beading magazine and my interest was renewed. I started searching the internet and found your blog. I still haven’t made mokume gane earrings, so maybe I will this time.
The Mokume Gane is one of my favorite techniques, I did well selling my pendants last year at our craft show using this process. I’ve used the new copper color on 2 projects so far and the color is beautiful!! I bought all the new colors so I’m ready for tomorrow! :)
Can’t wait for tomorrow. I love the Mokume gane technique and have done a couple of pieces with it; some earrings, pendant and still have some left. Does Michaels have the new clay yet? I went a couple of weeks ago and they did not have the new clay.
Cindy, would you please give us a tutorial on riveting too. I want to learn that and have been looking at a couple of videos but your teaching will definitely be way better.
How lovely – a subtle bling ! Friday seems so farrrrrrrrr ooooofff. Can’t wait to learn more
love mokume gane….another ‘can’t wait’!!!
Another slow wait ’til Friday, lol.
Cannot wait to see these techniques, Cindy.
Love the layered pendant with the saucer center. Please add me to the list of those requesting a future video on riveting.
I love your stacked riveted piece, Cindy! :D
Oh, Cindy, these are really lovely! Can’t wait until tomorrow. Also, will we be seeing a video on riveting soon, I hope?