What to Make with Jesmonite®: 10 Easy Ideas

1. Coasters and trays

Coasters are the classic first project, and for good reason: they’re flat, forgiving and quick to demould. Trays follow the same logic on a bigger scale. Pour a small test batch first to dial in your pigment before you commit to a full set, and give the surface a light sand with fine paper as soon as you’ve demoulded it, while the cast is still relatively soft and easy to work. Browse the coaster & tray moulds to find round, square and organic shapes that match your table. See our full guides to making coasters and trays.

2. Candle holders

A Jesmonite® candle holder adds instant warmth to a room and makes a lovely gift. Jesmonite® base is made to take the heat and won’t melt, but sealers aren’t fire-tested, so leave any surface near the flame unsealed, sealing it there is at your own risk. Using a proper glass insert or a heat-resistant tealight keeps the flame tidy too. Terrazzo effects look especially good here, so fold in a few small Jesmonite® chips you’ve made yourself before you pour. Start with a shape you love from the candle holder moulds and build a matching set for a mantel or dining table. See our full guide to casting candle holders safely. Prefer a wax-free glow that stays on? Cast a Jesmonite® lamp instead.

3. Vases

Jesmonite® isn’t waterproof on its own, so for a vase you have two easy routes. If you want to use it with water and fresh flowers, simply seal the inside first. Prefer not to seal? Use it for dried flowers, where no water is involved. Either way you get all the sculptural weight and stone-like finish. Explore the vase moulds for tall, rounded and ridged silhouettes, and see our full guide to making a Jesmonite® vase.

4. Plant pots and planters

Small planters are a satisfying next step once you’re comfortable with the mix. You don’t need a plastic liner, you can plant straight into your cast. For anything that lives on a windowsill or outdoors, choose a hard-wearing, weather-resistant variant like Jesmonite® AC730 or AC84, both cement-based and suited to indoor and outdoor use. See our full guide to making plant pots.

5. Jewellery

Earrings, pendants and rings are the ideal way to use up leftover Jesmonite® from a bigger pour, so nothing goes to waste. Work quickly, as small amounts set faster than you expect, and sand the edges smooth before adding your findings. A little pigment goes a long way at this scale, so start with the smallest pinch. The jewellery moulds cover studs, geometric shapes and statement pieces to get you started. See our full guide to making Jesmonite® jewellery.

6. Storage jars and pots

Lidded jars and little catch-all pots are endlessly useful for cotton buds, jewellery, desk clips or bathroom bits. Cast the base and lid separately, then check the fit while both are freshly demoulded so you can adjust before they fully harden. A satin sealer helps the inside wipe clean. Take a look at the storage jar moulds to build a set that keeps a shelf tidy and looking good.

7. Wall art and decorations

Flat panels, hanging shapes and relief tiles turn Jesmonite® into wall décor. Because these pieces are thin, add a hanging loop or embed a keyhole fixing while the cast is still wet rather than trying to attach one later. Marbling two tones together gives each panel a one-of-a-kind pattern. If you want a versatile, weather-resistant material for pieces that can even go outdoors, Jesmonite® AC84 is worth a look.

8. Fridge magnets

Mini magnets are the perfect way to test a new colour or effect without wasting material, and they make cheerful little gifts. Cast tiny shapes, then glue a magnet to the back once each piece is completely dry. Try a set in matching tones from a single pigment strip for a coordinated look. Our liquid pigments only need a tiny amount, so a single bottle lasts a long time across many small projects.

9. Seasonal decorations

Ornaments, place-card holders and small figures let you cast for holidays and celebrations well ahead of time. Keep them lightweight so hanging pieces don’t pull on a branch, and finish with a sealer if they’ll be handled a lot. For a festive touch, add a recycled-glass effect with GlassRoxx granulate, which brings sparkle to the surface using water-based colour. See our Christmas decorations guide for festive ideas.

10. Dishes and bowls

Trinket dishes and shallow bowls are a beautiful, practical finish to any collection: rings, keys and coins all find a home. Keep the walls an even thickness so the piece dries uniformly, and seal the inside if it will hold anything damp. A shallow, wide shape demoulds more easily than a deep one, which makes it a good confidence-builder. Whatever you’re planning, the full range of moulds has a shape to suit it.

Ready to start your first pour?

The easiest way in is a kit that pairs the Jesmonite® base powder, Jesmonite® liquid and a few essentials in one box, so you’re not guessing about quantities. Grab an AC100 starter kit, pick a mould that excites you, and you’ll have your first finished piece drying on the side within the hour. Order before 2 pm and it goes out the same day.