Set It and Forget It! Electric Kiln Mokume Gane
Visiting Artist - Metals | Available
Explore a Western-inspired method of creating mokume-gane using a digitally controlled electric kiln to fuse copper and sterling silver. Mokume-gane, or "wood grain metal," is a traditional Japanese metalworking technique in which multiple layers of different metals are carefully cleaned, stacked in alternating layers, compressed, and heated to fuse into a solid block, or billet. By carving through the layers and thinning the billet, a variety of intricate wood-grain patterns emerge in the sheet metal. Starting with the creation of their own billet, participants will forge and pattern it into sheet metal, ultimately fabricating a mokume-gane ring.
- Registration will close one month prior to the start of class.
- A material fee/deposit of $170 will be added at check out.
- Enrollment is open to participants aged 18 +
Supply list for participants to bring:
Closed toed shoes
6” metal ruler or calipers
Apron (optional)
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Ultra fine sharpie marker or mechanical pencil
Small note pad
Personal hand tools (optional)
Materials Kit ($170) includes:
22 gauge sterling silver (8 sheets 1” x 1”)
20 gauge copper (8 sheets 1” x 1”)
2 steel torque plates (3/8” x 2” x 2”)
4 nuts and bolts (high grade steel 5/16” x 18 x 1.75”)
Rubbermaid container with lid (9” x 6” x 2”)
Cleaning jig
2 scotch-brite pads mounted on woodblocks
2oz pumice powder
2 lint free paper towels
1oz citric acid
320 grit sandpaper ( 1 sheet)
12oz activated carbon pellets
Stainless steel foil (10” x 16” x .002”)
1” unitized wheel on 1/8” mandrel
Plywood block with 4, ¾” wood screws
Eric Burris
Eric has been working with metal and teaching others the craft for over two decades. Currently serving as the Metals Studio Coordinator at Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft in Columbia, North Carolina, he holds an MFA in Metals & Jewelry from Arizona State University. During his graduate studies, he specialized in the Japanese technique of Mokume Gane, and has since developed a low-tech method for creating diffusion-bonded Mokume Gane by blending traditional and Western techniques. Passionate about sharing his expertise, Eric travels nationwide to lead workshops. In his free time, he enjoys being with his partner, Gretchen, a printmaker, and their two dogs, Javier & Oscar.