I’ve been working with Mokume Gane for a few months now and am gradually getting a feel for this technique. I’ve had lots of failures and lots of muddy brown lumps of clay but feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are two basic types of this technique- one where you make impressions in a stack of clay and then take thin slices. I can’t do this – I’ve tried, I’ve bought tutorials, I’ve used Pinterest but basically, I can’t get this to do what I want. 

The other technique involves rolling your stacks of clay, cutting, stacking and re rolling then using a texture mat or stamp and shaving off the top layer to leave a pattern behind. 

At first this technique is hard to get to grips with as there are  lots of variables. The width of your layers of clay, the colours you put together, the actual shaving technique … but when it does work it’s just mesmerising. The beauty is you can’t predict what you are going to get, nor can you replicate it exactly so no two pieces are identical. 

I love Melanie Muir stamps, and these are my ‘go to’ designs – I think I’ve bought most of them now! Her work is inspirational and based around natural forms which as a photographer, appeals to me. 

I’d had a few ‘successes’ following tutorials but I wanted a design that was more muted than the ones I’d been making. I decided  to experiment and came up with what I call my ‘ghost technique’ as it gives me a muted feel and isn’t overpowered by the black.

It’s very simple:

Roll out a sheet of white polymer clay to 2nd thickest setting (number 2 on my machine)

Use the shavings from previous mokume gane pieces -I now save mine in a small dish especially for this purpose. These will be very thin and contain lots of white as well as colours and a touch of black. Spread these out over your white clay – if you haven’t enough then save it until you do!

Roll out another piece of white on the 3rd or 4th thickest setting and place on top of the layer of scraps

Roll  gently with a rolling pin

Cut your clay edges straight

Roll through on thickest setting

Cut in half and then stack

Repeat twice

Spritz with a water spray

Press your chosen stamp into the clay and then gently slice away the top to reveal the pattern ( I love the leaf design ones for this as they work best for me)

Save your shavings  to mix in with a future project

Place a piece of paper over your veneer and rub gently to create a smooth surface 

Your veneer is now ready to use to create whatever you decide.

I know this is a really simple technique but by using different thicknesses, different shavings you can create something unique. 

J x