Short Courses & Workshops
Newsflash - I am in the process of moving my studio from San Diego, CA to Havant, UK over the next few months. There may be a lag in my response time, and I will not be able to take in custom work / ring orders until I’m settled in my new studio. Please bear with me!
2027 Schedule
Chisel Patterning Mokume Gane
January 15-17, 2027 at Danaca Design, Seattle WA
Tuition $590 + kit fee $150 payable in class
Danaca Design in Seattle Washington
I love teaching here; it is my favorite studio and the one I return to most often, partly because of the great coffee and restaurants within a 2-minute walk, and actual usable public transportation. But more importantly it's friendly and well-equipped, and there is an 8 student maximum so there is plenty of space to spread out and time to ask me questions.
Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese technique that uses fused layers of different metals to form unique patterns. After a short overview of what mokume gane is and how it is made, we’ll delve into chiseling, using pre-fused mokume gane billets. Students will secure their work in pitch or use lower cost alternatives, and then learn to properly sharpen and accurately use their chisels.
After chiseling, the billet will be forged back to flat, locking the pattern into the material. Patterns can be abstract or representational and informed by the student's own aesthetic; the design possibilities are endless. Participants can expect to create multiple patterned sheets to be used later in various jewelry/metals projects. Those who wish to can focus on creating a 3" x 3" patterned sheet to be used in the next class to create a sake cup. Those not in the second class may spend the last day creating a simple finished jewelry object with their patterned mokume. Detailed handouts including fabrication/finishing tips will be provided. Open to all levels. Register at Danaca Design
Fabricating & Patinating Mokume Gane
January 18-19, 2027
Tuition $450 +kit fee $50, payable in class
Danaca Design in Seattle Washington
Working with mokume gane can be intimidating for even advanced metalsmiths. Common questions include: Can it be soldered? Formed? Sanded? What kind of patina should be used? Is etching always possible, or does it depend on the metals involved?
All these questions and more will be answered here, as participants use pre-patterned mokume to create individual finished projects. Bring your own patterned mokume from previous classes or buy some authentic Phillip Baldwin mokume in class (courtesy of Layne Goldsmith/Danaca Design). Detailed demos will show recommended soldering, forming, finishing, and patina techniques for mokume gane of all types, from base metal to precious metal. Depending on skill level and interest, participants can create a deep drawn sake cup, pendant, or work of their own design. The last day will include a thorough demonstration and chance to try the rare Japanese rokusho patina. There will be comprehensive handouts on everything covered.
Consider taking the class just prior to this (Chisel Patterning Mokume) if you’d like to learn to pattern mokume gane. Otherwise you will need to bring or purchase patterned mokume in class. Register at Danaca Design.
Fuse, Forge, and Roll: Creating a Mokume Gane Billet
January 29-31, 2027
Tuition $580, kit fee $90 payable to instructor in class
Metal Arts Guild of Georgia, near Atlanta, Georgia (Tucker)
Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese metalworking technique in which layers of non-ferrous metals are fused together using time, heat, and pressure (no solder). All aspects of the fusing process will be covered, from billet design, proper cleaning and prep, to what temperatures and soak times to use for what metals, etc. We’ll be using the more precise solid-state diffusion bonding method, but alternative methods will be discussed. Proper forging techniques, by hand and/or hydraulic press, will be shown. Finally we’ll roll the billets down to sheet and/or rod, so your material will be ready to pattern. As time allows we will cover aspects of patterning and patination, but the main focus here is fusing and working the billet into usable material. Best for intermediate-advanced jewelry students. Register at MAGG.
The Art of Mokume Gane
February 1-2, 2027
Tuition $400, kit fee $10 payable to instructor in class
Metal Arts Guild of Georgia, near Atlanta, Georgia (Tucker)
This class begins at the patterning stage - we will be using fused mokume gane blanks (copper/brass included in kit fee, other more exotic silver-containing combinations will be available for purchase in class). This allows us to focus on the most artistic part of mokume gane - unique and expressive pattern development. We will be trying a variety of techniques, from stamping to direct hammering among others. The special considerations for fabricating and finishing mokume gane work will be covered, including soldering and patination. Students can choose to focus on creating multiple patterned samples for inclusion in later work, or create one or more simple finished jewelry pieces. Beginners welcome, however some experience soldering and working with silver will be helpful. Even advanced jewelers/metalsmiths will benefit from learning these secrets of mokume gane patterning. Register at MAGG.
Mokume Gane Revealed: Fusing, Patterning, and Patinating
6-12 August, 2027
Tuition TBD
West Dean College, West Sussex, England UK
Join me for an unforgettable 6 days learning mokume gane in a retreat-style setting - the magical College of West Dean in West Sussex, England. Enjoy evening studio access, top-notch meals, world renowned gardens at your doorstep, and a community of like minded souls taking courses in everything from textiles to stone carving. We will be part of their summer short courses, which means extras like an outing to the Chichester Festival Theatre, evening lectures by all the instructors, even an afternoon ‘taster’ session where you can try your hand at a different craft.
Mokume Gane (literally "woodgrain metal") is an ancient Japanese metalworking technique in which layers of non-ferrous metals are fused together using time, heat, and pressure (no solder) to create a billet. After fusing the billet is forged down, then unique patterns are created by deforming and abrading the material. The resulting patterned sheet can be used in many types of jewellery and silversmithing projects, from earrings to box lids. All aspects of the billet-making process will be covered in this course, from billet design, proper cleaning and preparation, to what temperatures and soak times to use for what metals, etc.
On day 1 we’ll stack and fuse billets using the precise solid-state diffusion bonding method.
Day 2 we’ll forge and roll the billets down to workable material.
Days 3 and 4 will be an enticing smorgasbord of patterning techniques, including the cherry-blossom pattern.
On days 5 and 6 we'll turn to creating some simple finished jewellery with your uniquely patterned mokume, covering mokume-specific soldering and finishing techniques along the way.
You’ll leave with detailed handouts to practice and repeat the processes, an equipment list to fuse your own mokume at home, fused mokume, patterned mokume, and maybe even a finished jewellery piece or two. Two patination methods will be covered, recipes included.
Using silver in your billet is optional; otherwise it will be composed of copper and brass. This class is best for intermediate jewellers and metalsmiths, however even the quite advanced will benefit from learning the secrets of mokume gane.
Registration usually opens in December - check back, but in the meantime browse their current courses.
Patterning Mokume Gane: Traditional Japanese Metalworking Inspired by the Irish Landscape
August 16 - 23, 2027
All inclusive tuition, accommodation, meals, day tours, local transportation - €3200 (kit fee TBD)
Mulranny Arts Retreat, County Mayo Ireland
From their website - this sounds like so much fun I want to sign up myself:
“Discover the extraordinary possibilities of mokume gane in this inspiring hands-on retreat with internationally recognised jeweller and metalsmith Anne Wolf of Anneville Studio. Mokume gane is a traditional Japanese metalworking technique in which layers of contrasting metals are fused together to create a material with the appearance of wood grain. In this workshop, Anne will introduce you to the art of patterning pre-fused mokume gane, using chisels, hammers and careful manipulation to reveal flowing lines and intricate designs within the metal.
Inspired by the textures, rhythms and natural forms of the Irish landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your own patterns, from abstract marks and organic forms to designs inspired by the land, water and stone around you. This is a retreat for jewellers and metalsmiths who want to explore a distinctive and highly rewarding technique while spending time immersed in the creative atmosphere of the Irish west coast.
Set in the beautiful landscape of Mulranny, on the Wild Atlantic Way, this retreat gives you the chance to combine focused studio time with the inspiration of the Irish countryside. The landscape around us provides a natural starting point for the workshop, from the patterns and movement of water to weathered stone, fields, hedgerows and the changing colours of the land. Between time at the bench, there will be opportunities to relax, explore and enjoy the company of fellow makers. There will also be a full day and a half day tour included!”
For notices about upcoming classes:
“Received my kit yesterday and want to compliment you on your preparations that you always do for your students. I love that you send everything we need and with a list of instructions that we can follow along with you. I have a hard time taking meaningful notes while listening carefully so I don’t miss anything. You are one of the few teachers that I have taken workshops with that do this. You make it easy to be successful with a difficult process." ~ Dale in Alaska
"I really enjoyed the class and doing the sample projects we did. For me it was just the right amount of activity and time to do them. Doing the sample projects was much less stressful than doing a finished jewelry project. And I would highly recommend this class to anyone who might like to learn the patina techniques taught in the class. And the teacher is excellent and provides enough instruction to guide students to learn the techniques." ~ Karen S., Chula Vista, CA
"The Patina class was great fun and gave me new and wonderful patina techniques. I plan to put patina on as many item as I can find. Well worth the time and class fee. Highly recommend this class."
~ Karen R., San Diego, CA
“Mokume gane patterning with chisels was one of the most enjoyable courses I've ever done." ~ Helen M., Sydney, Australia
"Kit and demos were great, slides and handouts were very useful, learning to love Mokume even more if that's possible!! I will continue to tell my east coast metalsmiths about these classes with Anne."
~ Valerie Conerway, Hampton, GA