Sculpey Premo™ Mokume Gane Coasters

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.

With the Clay Conditioning Machine on the #2 setting, roll each color of clay (about 1/2 package each) into a sheet. Pair the colors up (usually a light and a dark works best) and run each pair of colors through the Clay Conditioning Machine on the #2 setting. Now put the two pairs together and run through the Clay Conditioning machine on the #2 setting.

Cut the long sheet and half and stack the two halves avoiding air bubbles by using the Acrylic roller to make sure the layers are stuck together well. Cut the stack in half again and restack avoiding air bubbles. This stack is referred to as the mokume gane stack.

Mist the Design Block pattern of your choice with water. Press the block into the stack using a firm pressure. Remove the block. Continue to pattern the clay with the same pattern or switch it up to create your own design.

With the Super Sculpey flexible blade remove thin sheets of the mokume gane stack.

Roll out the other half of Burnt Umber along with one full bar of Burnt Umber through the Clay Conditioning Machine. Once conditioned roll out a sheet about 1/8” thick. Depending on the size of your cork coasters, cut the clay to fit. The coaster pictured is about 4” x 4”. Use the circle cutter to cut a hole in the center of the clay. Lay the mokume gane slices on the clay base until the all of the Burnt Umber is covered. Lightly press the Edgy Texture Sheet into the clay randomly around the piece. Smooth any rough edges with your finger. To highlight the texture, lightly brush the Gold Mica Powder on the clay surface.

Bake the clay coasters according to the above directions. Allow the pieces to cool completely before you adhere them to the cork.