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Mokume Gane

Learn to make mokume gane! Mokume gane is an ancient Japanese technique that bonds many layers of precious metals into a single piece that is then worked into beautiful patterns. The name literally means "wood pattern metal" which describes the organic shapes the different metals create when formed into sheet.

This course will cover various ways to laminate sheets of metal together to create billets. Students will fire billets using solid state diffusion bonding in an electric kiln, the use of the closed Thermal Expansion Mismatch System will be demonstrated and, time permitting, students will also explore torch fired mokume, a technique that is super fast for small billets.

For the first time, hot pressing, a method to quickly reduce billets to usable stock, will be given in-depth coverage.

Various patterning techniques will be demonstrated so students can create their own unique mokume gane. Students will spend time producing sheet which can be used later on in their artwork.

Please Note: We will be moving at a fast pace, and covering a lot of ground. Technical vocabulary is a must, and be prepared for lots of note taking. Proficiency with jewelry tools is a must, as well as the ability to think outside of the box.

If you'd like to see more of Chris's work, please check out his website www.chrisploof.com.

About Chris Ploof's Studio:

This renovated mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island presents a unique opportunity for students to move from working on small projects using traditional hand tools to working on a larger scale, using manufacturing tools and techniques. These classes will promote safety, allow students to see another well-equipped facility, and provide hands-on experience with tools outside of the normal jewelry realm.

Each class is limited to six students.

Meet the instructor

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Chris started creating early in life. While growing up in Massachusetts, he used to visit a local living history museum. While there, Chris spent hours watching the blacksmith and tinsmith work their craft. It was amazing to watch simple tools, hands, and hearts make complex items of beauty. He would then go home, and using whatever was at hand, re-enact what he had seen.

 

 

"Thirteen years ago, the desire to recreate some of what I had watched being hammered out was overwhelming - my head was full of ideas - and with the help of a 55 gallon drum, some fire bricks, and a hairdryer, my career in metalsmithing was launched. I felt something was missing, however. "

 

 

 

 

Chris found the missing link when he started taking jewelry making classes. He felt very at home with jewelry scale items. After becoming a full-time student, he began an apprenticeship under a master goldsmith and stone setter which continues today. Chris learns and teaches in this relationship.

 

 

 

 

"I love exploring new techniques and materials, and I especially love to push the envelope of current and accepted techniques. Challenges always seem to lead down long roads even after they have been met, and spawn many future ideas and designs for me. Impossible is only a temporary condition. My favorite materials are gold, mokume, and meteorite."

 

 

 

 

Chris maintains a studio in Worcester, Massachusetts. Here, he designs and hand crafts several lines of exclusive production jewelry, as well as many custom pieces.

 

 

 

 

Examples of his work may be viewed on his website.

 

 

Materials & Tools

A materials kit will be provided for students on the first day of the workshop. The cost is estimated at $200 but may be less, based on market at the time of the class. It includes enough metal to create 2 billets in sterling silver and copper as well as tools necessary for the process.

Students should bring
  • Notebook
  • Basic Jewelry Hand Tools
  • Safety glasses
  • Students must wear close toed shoes

Photography or other means of recording will not be permitted

 

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