DIY Gifts with Jesmonite®: 8 Tips for a Beautiful Finish
What's another way to say "I love you"? How about "I made this for you."
Over the years, we've met countless people who insist they're not crafty or creative, only to sit down with Jesmonite® AC100 Eco-Resin and surprise themselves with what they can make in under an hour. There's something pretty special about watching someone go from "I'm not creative" to holding a very cute, very crafty creation of their own!
If you're looking for fresh, easy DIY gift ideas for your loved ones, Jesmonite® AC100 Eco-Resin makes it easy to create beautiful, personalized gifts right at home.
New to Jesmonite®? Welcome! It's easy to jump in and get started, but achieving that smooth, professional-looking finish takes a little know-how. A few simple techniques can make all the difference, and these eight tips will help you create handmade gifts you'll be proud to give!
And we've curated all the Jesmonite® products you'll needed into bundles for handmade gifting, so you can spend less time figuring out what you need and jump into making. Check them out HERE.
1. Use a High-Shear Mixing Blade for a Smooth Mixture
For first timers, using paper cups and popsicle sticks for mixing is a great way to start. However, if you plan on making beyond your first project and want to perfect your process, a mixing blade is a must have.
A smooth, lump-free mixture is the foundation of a beautiful Jesmonite® project. Lumps or unevenly mixed ingredients can lead to imperfections, air pockets, and inconsistent surface texture.
A high-shear mixing blade helps thoroughly combine your base and liquid for a smooth, consistent mixture. And who doesn't want to use power tools while crafting!? Our blades will fit on any ol' drill; battery powered is preferred though not required.
Pro Tip: Mix at a steady, moderate speed to avoid introducing excess air into your mixture. If you plan on making more than one project, investing in a reusable high-shear mixing blade is a great addition to your crafting toolkit.
2. Always Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
When mixing Jesmonite® AC100, measure your powder base and liquid into two separate cups. Just like baking, always add your dry powder base into the liquid (dry ingredients into wet).
Adding the base to the liquid helps ensure even hydration and prevents stubborn lumps from forming. You’ll know your mix is properly blended when it is the consistency of pancake batter.
Pro Tip: Measure your ingredients by weight using the recommended 2.5:1 base-to-liquid ratio. Gradually add your powder base to the liquid while mixing until you achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
3. Mix Pigments into Your Liquid First
One of the best parts of making handmade gifts is customizing the colors! Whether you're creating matching gifts or experimenting with different color combinations, getting your pigment mixed properly is key.
Jesmonite® liquid pigments should be mixed into the liquid component before adding the dry base. This gives you more time to achieve your desired color before the material begins to set.
Pro Tip: When making multiple gifts in the same color, measure and record your pigment amounts so you can recreate your favorite shades. Keep total pigment additions within the recommended 2% limit by weight. You can use the Jesmonite® app to keep records of all of your projects! Click HERE to download from the Apple app store and HERE to download from Google Play.
4. Start with a Clean, Dry Mold
Jesmonite® captures incredible detail, which also means it can pick up tiny specks of dust, lint, or moisture left inside your mold. Before pouring, make sure your silicone mold is completely clean and dry. Between projects, clean your molds using warm water and a little dish soap.
Pro Tip: Use a lint-free cloth to remove any debris, and inspect the mold carefully before each pour, especially when reusing it for multiple gifts.
5. Tap Out Air Bubbles After Pouring
Air bubbles happen, but a few simple steps can help minimize them! Once you've poured your Jesmonite® mixture into your mold, gently tap the sides of the mold or the work surface to encourage trapped air bubbles to rise to the surface.
This is especially helpful for molds with intricate details, corners, or narrow areas where air can become trapped. HERE is a helpful video which shows the technique.
Pro Tip: Before filling your mold completely, brush a thin layer of Jesmonite® into detailed areas to help prevent air pockets. Then fill the mold and give it a few gentle taps.
6. Don't Leave Your Project in the Mold Too Long
We know it's tempting to leave your project sitting in the mold while you work on something else, but demolding at the right time matters! Jesmonite® AC100 typically reaches demolding strength in approximately 20–40 minutes, depending on your working conditions and project size. In warmer, more humid environments projects may cure faster. Larger projects like planters may take longer to cure, whereas small projects like ornaments may cure quickly.
Leaving your project in the mold longer than necessary can trap moisture against the surface and potentially cause discoloration or surface marks.
Pro Tip: Set a timer when you finish pouring and check that your project is firm enough to safely demold. The sweet spot is to demold when your project has just finished cooling down. Always handle freshly demolded pieces with care.
7. Allow Your Project to Cure in a Dry Space
Just because your project is out of the mold doesn't mean it's fully cured!
Jesmonite® AC100 continues to gain strength as it cures and releases excess moisture. Proper curing is especially important when you're planning to finish, seal, or package your handmade gifts. While it's very tempting to admire your new work of art, take care not to overhandle or put your project into use straight out of the mold.
Pro Tip: Place your demolded project on a clean, flat surface in a dry, well-ventilated space. Allow approximately 24 hours for curing before finishing your project, with additional drying time if needed.
8. Seal Your Project for the Finishing Touch
Depending on how your handmade gift will be used, a sealer can help protect the surface from moisture, staining, and everyday handling.
Jesmonite® AC100 can be left unsealed for decorative projects, but sealing is a great option for functional pieces like trays, coasters, and oil diffusers that may come into contact with liquids. It’s also a great option for any projects exposed to sun, to ensure projects don’t fade in the sun.
Choose a finish that complements your project, such as Jesmonite® Acrylic Matte Sealer for a natural look or Acrylic Gloss Sealer for a little extra shine.
Pro Tip: Make sure your project has fully cured and dried for at least 24 hours before applying sealer. Follow the product instructions for application and drying.
Ready to Make Your Own Handmade Gifts?
Now that you've got a few tips for achieving a beautiful finish, it's time to put them to work!
Our Jesmonite® Gift-Making Bundles make it easy to get started with Jesmonite® products bundled together for a specific project, and each bundle comes with a step-by-step tutorial on Youtube so you can create with confidence.
Bundles includes the supplies selected for the project, so you can spend less time figuring out what to buy and more time creating. Plus, you'll save compared to purchasing the included items individually!
Making handmade gifts should be fun, not stressful. A little preparation, the right techniques, and a willingness to experiment can go a long way toward creating something beautiful.
As always, happy creating🌈
