Mokume Gane Chest

Polymer Clay Mokume Gane is an imitation of the traditional Japanese metal working craft. In clay, very thin layers are stacked with metal leaf sheets and thinly sliced to reveal the shimmery layers underneath. This effect on a paper mache trinket box makes a very interesting little keepsake!
Materials
Instructions
  • The small paper mache chest.
  • Using translucent clay, roll very thin layers between sheets of parchment paper by using a pasta machine or roller.
  • Lay a sheet of gold metal leaf on the translucent sheet of clay.
  • Alternate the translucent and gold leaf layers at least 6 times.
  • Cut the stacked clay in half, laying one half on top of the other. Thinly slice layers of the stacked clay, and apply them to the paper mache box. If you find that the clay pieces do not stick well, you can lightly cover the box with a tacky glue, then apply the clay.
  • Use the clay extruder to create even, flat strips of gold clay to trim the box.
  • Closeup of the Mokume Gane look.
  • The box can been finished by pressing a stamp or texture sheet into the gold clay, and adding gold twisted clay ropes to the top.