Chisel Patterning Online - May 3-4, 2025
January 28-29, 2023, 10am - 4pm Pacific time
Learn the most traditional Japanese method of patterning mokume-gane. Chisel into the surface of blank mokume-gane to create rivers of pattern that follow your chisel marks. After hammering the sheet back to flat, your unique chisel patterns are locked into the metal forever. Traditionally pitch is used to secure the metal while chiseling, but in this class Anne will also show a lower-cost easy alternative. On the first day you’ll pattern copper/brass mokume sheet, then the second day you’ll refine your skills and learn to chisel-pattern silver/copper mokume. Your patterned sheet can be used later to create pendants, earrings, box lids, etc. Handmade chisels especially designed for mokume gane are included in all the kits.
This online class is designed to work just like an in-person workshop, with demos, interactive presentations, and time to practice skills. We’ll be teaching via Zoom and you’re encouraged to work and ask questions along the way. We’ll finish each day with a group wrap up session. On the last day we’ll have our traditional raffle too! For the best experience, this class is limited to 15 students.
Equipment/supplies needed:
Torch for annealing, short section of a 2x4 or other wood chunk at least 2” wide, vise OR c-clamp to hold wood block, oil or liquid bur-life, sturdy steel forging surface, rawhide or plastic mallet, chasing hammer or light ball pein hammer (8 oz or so), planishing hammer, flat file, liver of sulphur. Optional: pitch bowl, heatgun, flexshaft, rolling mill.
Basic Kit - Sold separately: 1 copper/brass mokume blank, 1 copper/brass/nickel silver mokume blank, 1 handmade mokume gane chisel, 4 brass screws, sanding discs and mandrel, sandpaper and wax. $120.
Deluxe Kit - Sold separately: Includes all above, plus an exclusive 3-color mokume blank (silver and two other metals, varies by class) hand-made by Anne and a sample size of Baldwin’s patina. $195
Important: After buying the class, be sure to come back and purchase your kit no later than 2 weeks before class time (domestic), or 3 weeks (international).