Stars are patterned into this Mokume Gane technique to create a celestial crescent. I love incorporating different surface styles of clays together when I make a Mokume Gane slab. Combining both Premo™ and Souffle™ is the perfect way to create a lot of depth to the surface.

Supplies

Polymer Clay

Clay Machine and Clay Oven

Mini Geometric Cutters

Acrylic Brayer

Clay Blades

Duel end tools

STEP 1

Getting Started:

Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Oven-Safe Work Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Uncured clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.

Start with clean hands, unwrap and knead clay until soft and smooth, or condition by running clay though a Pasta Machine. We recommend using a designated machine for clay purposes only. When working with multiple colors, clean hands with soap and water or baby wipes (we have found that baby wipes work best) before switching colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.

Baking:

Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake clay on an oven-proof surface such metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per 1/4" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking; however please note that the baking times may take longer as the glass or ceramic surfaces take longer to heat up. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME.

STEP 2

For the pattern inside the dish we are going to make a Mokume Gane slab. Start by creating a sheet of each of the colors using 1/4 bar of each one. Sheet these through the pasta machine on the thickest setting. Try to keep the little sheets sort of rectangular in shape and equal in dimension. It is okay if you have uneven or rough edges.

STEP 3

Pile the sheets up in this order from the bottom up: Peacock Pearl, White Gold Glitter, Royalty, Igloo, and Galaxy Glitter. I like to put one of the darkest colors on the top when I make a Mokume Gane stack because that is the color that will carry the pattern through the other colors.

STEP 4

Roll over the stack of colors to flatten them to twice the size.

STEP 5

Cut the stack in half with the Clay Blade and stack one half on top of the other.

STEP 6

Roll over the stack again to flatten and to increase to twice the size again.

STEP 7

Cut the sheet in half one more time and stack one half on top of the other.

STEP 8

From the edge of the striped sheet you should have four thin layers of each color. Make sure that you have a large enough slab to make the size of crescent you would like. I kept my piece rectangular so that I can get a crescent shape cut easily out of it.

STEP 9

Now for the fun part! Use your cutters and blades and tools to impress a pattern into the clay deeply. Start by using the Flexible Blade, holding it curved between your hands, cut in curved lines through the middle of the slab.

Then use the Mini Geometric star shaped cutter to push stars in randomly.

Finally, use the 2 mm Ball Tool to press little divots into the design.

STEP 10

Roll over the design with the Acrylic Clay Roller to “heal” the cuts. The design should mostly disappear but it’s okay if some of it is still visible.

STEP 11

Use the Flexible Blade to shave away the top layers of clay. The design will start to be apparent.

STEP 12

Keep shaving to remove thin slivers of clay. The varying depths that you shave away will reveal more of the colors in deeper areas and fewer colors in more shallow areas.

STEP 13

Keep shaving until you have revealed as much of the pattern and as many colors as you like. You can set the shaved pieces aside because they make great veneers for beads and other projects.

STEP 14

Use the 3” circle cutter to cut out the shape of the crescent moon. Use the 4” circle cutter to cut the inner edge of the crescent. Smooth the edges with your fingertips.

STEP 15

Sheet Galaxy Glitter through the pasta machine on the thickest setting to create an even sheet. Make the sheet double thick by folding it and rolling it smooth with the Acrylic Clay Roller. Cut out long thin strips about 1/4”-3/8” wide. This will be the sides of the dish. If you want a deeper dish, you can cut wider strips.

STEP 16

Border the crescent shape with the strips and trim to fit.

STEP 17

Border the inside curve as well and trim to fit.

STEP 18

Smooth all the edges and seams with your fingertips before baking. Bake following the baking instructions for Sculpey Premo™ in Step 1 above. Allow to cool completely before handling.