If you’ve been scrolling Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably spotted a new wave of soft, cement-like home décor items made from something called Jesmonite. This material is so versatile and often called "eco-friendly resin" as it doesn't have the same harmful VOCs as some resins.

So what exactly is Jesmonite, and what makes it different when you look at Jesmonite vs Resin? Let’s get into it!

So, What Is Jesmonite?

Jesmonite is a water-based, eco-friendly composite material that can be used for casting and moulding. It was originally developed as a safer, more sustainable alternative to fibreglass and traditional resins, but now it's being used by everyone from sculptors, architects and crafters.

Unlike epoxy or polyester resin (which are petroleum-based, give off strong fumes, and can be a bit fussy to work with), Jesmonite is virtually odourless, sets fast, and is incredibly forgiving. No toxic smells or harmful VOCs.

Both Jesmonite and resin come in two parts that need to be mixed together to trigger a chemical reaction and start the hardening process. The main difference is that Jesmonite comes as a powder and liquid that are weighed and mixed to specific rations, while resin comes as two liquids that are measured and combined.

What we love about it is it's setting time, unlike traditional resin that requires 24-72 hours to harden, Jesmonite sets in 20-30 minutes, meaning our customers can pour and demould in the class, taking their pieces home with them on the same day.

Jesmonite vs Traditional Resin – The Key Differences

While traditional resin is beautiful for jewellery and high-gloss art pieces, Jesmonite is often better suited to homewares like trays, coasters, trinkets, etc. It gives you an ultra-soft, matte finish that looks high-end, feels stone-like, and is very on-trend.

Why Our Customers Love It

Jesmonite has exploded in popularity in recent years. Here’s what our customers love about Jesmonite when working with it in our classes:

• It’s foolproof. People who feel they're not the creative-type are happy with the outcome and express how they feel like they've really enjoyed making something that's turned out amazing, and in their words "it's hard to mess it up".

• It’s practical. You’re not just crafting for the sake of it, you’re making something you’ll actually use or gift.

• It’s customisable. Marble colours together, or add terrazzo chips for that modern speckled look. No two pieces are ever the same.

• It’s fast. Start to finish, you’ll cast, cure, and take your piece home on the same day, giving instant gratification.

• It’s beginner-friendly. No special skills, no need to follow complex steps, and you don’t need to be the creative type to get great results.

Want to Try It?

Our Jesmonite Casting Class at Sydney Creative in Redfern lets you create your own home décor from scratch. You’ll choose your mould (trinket tray, coaster, ring holder, etc.), mix your own colours, learn terrazzo and marbling techniques, and leave with a set of beautifully cured, custom-made pieces.

It’s a relaxing, beginner-friendly experience designed for fun, whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or planning a birthday or hens party.

Check out the full class here and come see what the Jesmonite hype is all about. We’ll supply everything, you just show up and enjoy.