Mokume Gane

With Clint Ellery and Boris Kolodny 

Sample of Mokume made by Clint Ellery

Mokume Gane is an ancient metal working technique that was used in ancient Japan to develop the wood grain look on the metals of the sword blades. Eventually, the technique was applied and used with non-ferrous metals. The final result is a very attractive, wood grain-like appearance of the metal. 

Mokume Wedding Band by Clint Elery

Traditionally, Mokume consists of laminating 2 to 50 layers of different metals. Clint Elery developed a technique of laminating up to 200 layers of various metals. This enables him to make a large quantity of Mokume and save much time in the process. He also developed a revolutionary hot Mokume rolling method. In this workshop he will share his insights and experience with you.

This workshop takes place at Clint Ellery's home studio. It is fully outfitted with a metal tool room lathe, hydraulic presses, grinders and rolling mills, burn-out ovens, forges and much more. In keeping with his creativity, he designed and made many of the machines himself. He is always in the process of designing or developing a new tool or machine.

Mokume Gane Billet by Clint

The Details

This workshop will be limited to 6-10 participants.

Participants will receive instruction as well as hands on experience in making of Mokume Gane.

The cost of the workshop is $400.00 CDN

An additional $60.00 CDN is required cover all the materials, tools and machinery.

The duration of the workshop is 2 days.

We expect to spend 8 hours each day alternating between instruction and hands on experience.

At the end of the course, each participant will have made a billet of Mokume, 24 layers, 40 mm X 50 mm X 5 mm, to take home as well as a Stainless Steel Torque-Plate for their future use. In order to avoid costly mistakes the Mokume billets will be made of copper and silver. Working with gold requires a different approach. This will be covered in advanced workshops.

The estimated value of the billet is $300.00.

Registration will close when the workshop is filled.

A deposit of $200.00 is required with the balance to be paid on the first day of the workshop.

Since the number of participants will be limited to six, please reserve your place as soon as possible.

Please contact Boris Kolodny at: 416-604-9888 or by email at: borisk@artisticjewelrydesign.com .

Checks can be made out to either one of us or you are welcome to use PayPal.

The workshop will be conducted in an informal setting. Free exchange of information and questions is highly encouraged.

Each participant will receive handouts detailing the material covered in the workshop.

The workshop will be separated into 9 modules.

Day One 

Module 1: Mechanics of Making Torque Plates

Torque Plates are used to keep the metals in the billet in close proximity to each other so that bonding may occur.

In the past, a rusted steel box was used that had a thick and heavy top plate. This was then bound in place with thick wire. A small window cut into one or more sides was used to observe the heat generated colors and sweating process of the billet. Detailed drawings for each process will be provided.

Each participant will make a Torque Plate they can take home.

Dimensions of the Plate will be: 3" X 5" X ½" complete with 4 bolts and nuts.

Module 2: Metallurgy of Making Mokume Gane. 

Metal compatibility, hardness and working characteristics will be explored. Firing methods will also be covered.

• Process of preparation of the Billet will be covered.
• Actual prep and cutting of individual metal strips
• Cleaning of the metal
• Stacking of the billet and assembly of plates with billet.
• Participants will make their own billet.
• Firing Billets.
  The firing will be done overnight after the day's session.

Day Two

The billets will finish firing as participants arrive.                          

Module 3: Working the billets

Module 4: Forging of the billets

Module 5: Pattern development.

Participants will develop individual patterns for their own Billets.

At this point, participants will decide on the final use of their Mokume billets. Do you want to make rings or a sheet of Mokume? This will determine the patterns chosen.

Module 6: Use of punches, pitch bowl, dapping blocks.

Module 7: Rolling -- Annealing.

Module 8: General Discussion and Question and Answer Session.