STILL NEEDS BANNERS, IMAGES, TESTIMONIALS, PAYPAL BUTTONS
INTRODUCING MY FIRST New MasterClass OF 2026
Exploring surface, pattern, and design in polymer clay
“It started with a few small experiments in a little-known and under-explored branch of millefiori-style canework called Damascus. Before I knew it, I was pulled into this familiar yet entirely new world of canework patterns. I was really enchanted by how such a simple technique could, when you know the secrets, lead to such a diverse range of intricate pattern possibilities. Now that I’ve resurfaced, I’m ready to share the stories of that journey, and everything I discovered, with you.” —Dan
Reinventing Damascus Patterns in Polymer Clay
January 30 – March 15, 2026
This 6-week process course explores an exciting caneworking technique in polymer clay that offers a completely new take on an ancient metalworking tradition.
For centuries, metalworkers forged the shimmering, water-like patterns of Damascus steel in blades by layering and twisting iron and carbon, a dance between order and chaos, between the twist and the reveal.
In Twist Canes, we’ll reinterpret that same principle in polymer clay, where pattern arises not from alloy and anvil, but from the meeting of clay, colour, and movement.
This approach opens the door to a unique and largely unexplored realm of canework, where twisting becomes a generative tool for pattern design, transforming stacked layers of clay into flowing, organic veneers that reveal the beauty hidden inside the twist.
You’ll also get to see the colour palettes from my From Dan’s Studio email series (link to email series in Kit) put into action, exploring how these combinations behave in twisted designs.
““Super detailed, precise, and easy to follow.”
You have a unique way to make everything easy. Super detailed videos, precise explanations, and progressive lessons that build confidence. I really appreciated everything and can’t wait for the next class.
”
What You’ll Learn
• Mastering the Mechanics: Cane design and construction, twist reduction, and multiple access points that reveal hidden inner patterns.
• Exploring Iterations: How small, strategic shifts in the composition of your cane transform the flow and complexity of your designs.
• Guided Creation: Learn to shape your twist with intention and turn your discoveries into thin, usable veneers ready for jewellery, inlay, or small object design.
““Professional, well-paced, and rewarding.”
I continue to be impressed with Dan’s adherence to good technique—no shortcuts, and the results show it. A professional, well-paced, and rewarding course.”
Twist Canes is part of my series of exploratory surface courses alongside Single Slice Mokume, Matrix Canes, Blurred Lines, Five Star Colour, and MilleKume.
These courses are designed to spark discovery and confidence, helping you turn simple sheets of clay into expressive, one-of-a-kind polymer patterns.
REGISTRATION FOR TWIST CANES IS OPEN!
FAQS
HOW MY COURSES WORK
Each MasterClass is a live-event workshop, experienced in real time with a cohort of fellow students from around the world.
• Weekly content drops with new prerecorded videos and supporting text.
• No Zoom appointments — watch and work on your own schedule.
• Interactive comment threads for questions, peer-to-peer support, and in-lesson feedback.
• Mentorship from me throughout the course run.
You’ll learn at your own pace, while still being part of a vibrant, active creative community.
Do I need any special tools or materials?
The Cutting Edge Peeler is a key part of the Twist Canes system. It’s not available for general purchase, but we’re making it accessible to enrolled students as an optional registration upgrade.
Beyond that, you’ll be able to work with the usual tools and materials found in most polymer studios.
How much clay will I need?
Specific recommendations for minimum amounts, preferred colours, brands, and other details will all be provided in a dedicated Tools and Materials lesson inside the classroom.
While we’ll explore several different techniques within the Twist Canes system, this method of caning and veneer making is one of the most efficient and economical ways I know to work with clay. You won’t need large amounts, and there’s very little waste.
That said, Twist Canes open up a whole world of pattern potential and it can be a little addictive. Once you start experimenting, you may find yourself reaching for more clay just to keep exploring new possibilities.
I’m a beginner. Is this course for me?
Beginners are welcome.
If you have basic skills with this medium, a 'feel' for the clay, and you have the basic tools to go with that, that's a great start. I’m going to be covering the rest.
Will the course include instruction on how to build and finish beads or brooches?
No.
Twist Canes is not a project-based course. It is an exploration of new and little-known canework techniques for creating patterned veneers. You can use these veneers in many different ways, and we will look at ideas and examples for how to include them in finished work. The course focuses on process and discovery rather than completing a finished project.
However, the techniques I used to make the beads in my Single Slice Mokume collection are the exact same techniques I teach in one of my other online courses, Building Better Beads. It’s a great companion curriculum to the open-endedness of this course (and perfect for anyone wishing to up their technical construction and finishing skills).