The Art of Mokume Gane
Featured Fine Art
This tsuba is inspired by of one of the most well-known mokume gane tsubas in history - the Yoshino River Tsuba made by Takahashi Okitsugu in the mid-late Edo period in Japan. I used different metals (copper, brass and nickel silver), and a silhouette of my own design; five-lobed rather than 8-lobed. It took me about two years to create, and is just a first draft. Next one will be made with silver, shakudo and shibuichi. From my very first billets, I always wanted to create crisp, unique mokume patterns with great control. This was different from a lot of the fairly random, all-over stuff I was seeing. It was in Masaki Takahashi's "Textbook of Mokume Gane" book that I was first introduced to the historical work of Takahashi Okitsugu - I saw it was possible to create such patterns, so I had a goal. Read more.
Featured workshops
Fuse, Forge, & Roll - In-person
June 5-7, 2026
Tuition TBD, kit fee $80 payable in class
Boulder Metalsmithing Association, Boulder CO
Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese metalworking technique in which layers of metal are fused together using time, heat, and pressure (no solder). All aspects of the billet-making process will be covered in this class, from billet design, proper cleaning and prep, to what temperatures and soak times to use for what metals, etc. We’ll be using the precise solid-state diffusion bonding method, and hot-forging our billets. After rolling the billets down to sheet and/or rod they will be ready to pattern. This workshop is a great follow on for those who have taken any of Anne’s online mokume gane patterning classes, but it is also open to those new to mokume gane. Participants can expect to create mokume gane billets and patterned samples, to be turned into finished work in their own studio or the next class. Detailed handouts including step-by-steps and equipment sources will be provided. Experience annealing and soldering silver is recommended.Kit fee covers consumables, billet materials except optional silver, and use of torque plates. Use of silver optional, bring a 3" x 3" of 20 gauge fine or sterling silver. Students also have the option to purchase a stainless steel torque plate set for $160. Register at BoulderMetalsmiths.com.
Twist & Bur: Mokume Ring Patterning - Online
Saturday & Sunday, May 16 & 17, 2026
10am-4pm Pacific Time
Tuition:
Basic $390 ($295 reg. plus $95 required kit fee)
Deluxe $490 ($295 reg. plus $195 required kit fee)
Twist patterning is the basis for most of the precious-metal mokume rings made in the US – mine included. In this online class you’ll learn exactly how I create such detailed organic patterns in my rings. I'll show two patterns created using round edge wheel burrs (3rd and 6th from left in the photo). Even if you've never patterned mokume before, you can follow the steps to create two uniquely patterned rods. Use the copper/brass mokume included in the basic kit, or spring for the deluxe kit which includes sterling silver/shibuichi rod. Each pattern will be shown step-by-step, with visuals, videos, and my live narration. You'll have lots of time to try the techniques with me right there to answer your questions as they come up. Details and registration.
Free Resources and Events
San Diego Jewelry Lab Online Sawing Circle & Hammer Yammer
Hammer Yammer: Once a month, every 1st Tuesday 5:30-7pm Pacific.
Sawing Circle: Once a month, every 3rd Tuesday 5:30-7pm Pacific.
Where: Online via Zoom - Cost: FREE
Sponsored by Anneville Studio and Mondo Bop Metal Arts Gifts & Gear
Our online gatherings are a bit like a book club but instead of reading, we work on cool stuff, help each other with problems, share ideas and provide accountability for ongoing work. If you've been looking for support for moving forward on your projects then this is for you. Join us from your studio to work in the good conversation and company of like-minded friends. Totally free, no need to RSVP, simply make yourself a snack, settle at your bench and click the button to join in. Explore our Padlet and other resources at SanDiegoJewelryLab.com.
I don't attend all the time, but when I am there, I'm happy to answer any mokume or other metals question, general or specific. Even if I'm not there, you'll still have fun, I promise!
In the middle of teaching a four day mokume gane short course at truly magical West Dean College. Working hard but taking time to soak in the atmosphere too. Great bunch of students working hard too! Tomorrow, rolling out the billets. Wish us luck!