Creative Techniques to Elevate Your Jesmonite AC100 Projects: Terrazzo, Marbling, and More

 

Jesmonite AC100 has taken the creative world by storm, earning its reputation as a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional resins. Its water-based formula makes it ideal for makers of all skill levels, allowing endless possibilities for creating stunning and unique pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just dipping your toes into the world of DIY crafting, Jesmonite offers the perfect blend of durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. 

In this blog, we’ll explore four techniques you can use with Jesmonite AC100 to make truly one-of-a-kind creations. From terrazzo-inspired designs to marbling, stenciling, and even repurposing broken projects, these methods will help you unlock your creative potential. Ready to get inspired? Let’s dive in and see how Jesmonite can elevate your craft projects to the next level! 

1. Make and Add Terrazzo

Why Terrazzo is Perfect for Zero Waste 

Every creator knows that leftover material is inevitable, but with terrazzo, those scraps become the star of the show. Broken pieces or cured Jesmonite scraps can be crushed into chips of various sizes and colors, then incorporated into your next pour. It’s an eco-friendly solution that turns offcuts into bespoke design elements, helping you reduce waste while adding flair to your work. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Terrazzo with Jesmonite AC100 

  1. Prepare Your Chips: Gather leftover Jesmonite from previous projects. Crush it into chips using your hands. Adjust the size of the chips to suit your design—smaller for subtle texture or larger for bold statements.
  2. Mix Your Jesmonite Base: Combine Jesmonite AC100 liquid and base using the recommended 2.5:1 ratio. Mix until smooth using a high-shear mixing blade.
  3. Add the Chip: Gently fold your pre-made chips into the Jesmonite mixture. Distribute them evenly for a balanced design. 
  4. Pour Into Your Mold: Pour the mixture into your mold, ensuring the chips are fully submerged. Use a silicone spatula to smooth the surface. 
  5. Cure and Sand: Allow your piece to fully cure. Once hardened, sand the surface to reveal the colorful chips and create a smooth finish. We recommend sanding under running water to minimize dust and easily reveal where you need to sand.  

Applications of Terrazzo with Jesmonite 

Terrazzo designs are versatile and can be used in a wide range of projects, including coasters and trays for home decor, tabletops or furniture for a bold statement piece, planters and other small decor items. 

Pro Tip for Perfect Terrazzo

Use Jesmonite pigments to customize your chips for a cohesive color palette. By experimenting with different colors, sizes, and arrangements, you can create pieces that match your personal style or your project’s theme. 

2. Adding Glass, Rocks, or Natural Elements

Why Incorporate Natural Elements? 

Adding glass, rocks, or other natural elements to your Jesmonite AC100 projects is a fantastic way to elevate your designs with texture, depth, and a bespoke quality. These materials create a striking contrast to the smooth surface of Jesmonite, resulting in pieces that are both tactile and visually captivating. Plus, incorporating found or upcycled materials like sea glass or pebbles can make your projects even more meaningful and sustainable. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Natural Elements 

  1. Choose Your Materials: Select glass, rocks, or other natural elements that complement your design. Clean and dry them thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion. 
  2. Prepare Your Mold: Arrange the elements in the mold as desired. For a uniform look, lay them flat and evenly spaced; for an organic effect, cluster them in certain areas. 
  3. Mix Jesmonite AC100: Combine the Jesmonite liquid and base at the 2.5:1 ratio and mix until smooth. 
  4. Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the Jesmonite mixture into the mold, ensuring it flows around the natural elements. Use a spatula to remove air bubbles and evenly distribute the mixture. Be sure tap and jiggle your mold after pouring to reduce bubbles. See our method HERE.  
  5. Adjust the Surface: If some elements protrude, gently press them down or smooth the Jesmonite over them, depending on your desired finish. 
  6. Cure and Finish: Allow the piece to fully cure. Sand or seal as needed to enhance the appearance and protect the surface. 

Pro Tip for Natural Element Projects 

Choose materials that contrast with the Jesmonite color to make them stand out. For example, use white Jesmonite with dark stones or brightly colored glass. For an extra polished look, consider sealing the finished piece to enhance the vibrancy of the embedded elements. 

3. Marbling Mastery: Swirling with Pigments

What is Marbling? 

Marbling is a beautiful technique that creates fluid, swirling patterns, reminiscent of natural marble or abstract art. With Jesmonite AC100, marbling allows you to blend pigments in unique ways, resulting in mesmerizing, one-of-a-kind designs. The best part? There’s no right or wrong way to marble—every piece is a work of art. 

Three Ways to Marble with Jesmonite AC100 

1. Swirl Pigment Directly Into the Mix and Pour: Start with a single batch of Jesmonite AC100, mixed to the standard 2.5:1 ratio. Add a small amount of pigment directly into the mixture and swirl lightly with a stick or spatula. Avoid over-mixing to maintain distinct streaks of color. Pour the mixture directly into your mold, letting the natural flow create organic swirls. 

Effect: The more you mix the colors together, the softer swirls you’ll get. When lightly mixing the pigment directly into Jesmonite, you’ll get more stark and bold swirls.
2. Make Two Separate Mixes and Combine in One Cup Before Pouring: Prepare two batches of Jesmonite, each in a separate container, and add different pigments to each. Carefully pour one batch into a single container, followed by the other, layering them without stirring. Pour the combined mixture from the container into your mold. The layered colors will swirl as they flow, creating a dynamic marbled effect. 
Effect: This technique produces bolder contrasts and defined swirls between colors.  

3. Make Two (or More) Separate Mixes and Pour Together in the Mold: Prepare two or more batches of Jesmonite, each in its own container, and add a unique pigment to each. Pour the mixtures directly into the mold at the same time, varying the angles and areas where they meet. Allow the colors to flow and interact naturally or use a stick to lightly swirl the surface for added detail. 

Effect: This method creates softer swirls and organic color interactions. 

Pro Tip for Marbling Success

For a cohesive look, stick to a palette of 2–3 colors. Experiment with different pouring heights and directions for varied effects. Use contrasting pigments for bold designs or similar tones for a subtle, sophisticated style. 

Check out our HOW TO MARBLE video on Instagram to see how it’s done.  

4. Repurposing Broken Jesmonite Projects

Why Repurpose? 

At FTC Creative, we believe there’s beauty in giving broken projects a second chance. Repurposing Jesmonite AC100 pieces not only reduces waste but also sparks creative innovation. Whether your piece cracked during demolding or didn’t turn out as planned, repurposing allows you to transform mistakes into unique and stunning creations. 

How to Repurpose Broken Jesmonite Projects 

1. Break It Down: Take your broken Jesmonite project and break it into smaller fragments. Use a hammer or mallet to create chips or shards, adjusting the size to fit your vision. You can also break the project in half with your hands to create a half-and-half look.  

2. Use as Terrazzo Chips: One of the easiest ways to repurpose broken Jesmonite is to turn it into terrazzo chips. Incorporate these colorful pieces into your next mix to create eye-catching designs. Pro Tip: Customize the color of the chips by adding pigments before your initial pour, or layer multiple shades from different projects for a multicolored terrazzo effect. 

3. Create Mosaic Art: Arrange broken pieces in a mosaic-style pattern within a mold or on a flat surface. Pour fresh Jesmonite over the arrangement to lock the design in place, creating a visually dynamic piece. 

4. Embed as Texture: Use larger fragments as textural accents in your next pour. Place them in the mold first, then fill with Jesmonite. This technique creates depth and tactile interest in your projects. 

5. Combine with New Materials: Mix broken Jesmonite pieces with other elements like glass, stones, or metal accents to create a mixed-media masterpiece. 

Pro Tips for Repurposing Success 

  • Seal the Surface: Apply a sealer to enhance the colors and protect the finished piece. 
  • Think Ahead: Save scraps from every project to build a collection of unique chips and fragments for future designs. 
  • Experiment Freely: Repurposing is all about creativity—don’t be afraid to mix, layer, and test new ideas. 

Creating with Jesmonite AC100 is all about having fun, experimenting, and embracing the process—even the mistakes! Some of the best designs come from happy accidents, so don’t be afraid to try new techniques, mix bold colors, or repurpose old projects. Every piece you create is a chance to express your unique style and push your creative boundaries. 

Ready to take your creativity to the next level? Become a Creative Insider by signing up for our newsletter! You’ll gain exclusive access to crafting tips, product updates, and inspiring ideas to fuel your next project. Sign up HERE. 

And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @ftc.creative for more tips, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s possible with Jesmonite. Let’s create something amazing together! 

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