Jesmonite® — Not Just Another Resin: From Construction Sites to Craft Studios Worldwide
A Material Born from a Big Idea (1978)
Back in 1978, British chemist Peter Hawkins wasn’t thinking about coasters, candle holders, or terrazzo trays. He was thinking bigger—literally. Hawkins set out to invent a material that combined the robust strength of concrete, the versatility of plastics, and the artistic freedom of clay. The result? Jesmonite®—a water-based, eco-friendly composite that could be molded into intricate shapes without sacrificing durability.
Named after the Jesmond district in Newcastle, England (where Hawkins and his partner David Penney did their early experiments), Jesmonite® quickly became a hit in the world of architecture and design. By 1984, Jesmonite Ltd. was officially born.
Before the Crafters, There Were the Architects
Since the 1990s, Jesmonite® has been the go-to material for architects and builders looking for something that could mimic stone, concrete, wood, or even metal—but without the weight, environmental impact, or fragility of those materials. From grand façades to intricate interior finishes, Jesmonite® started popping up in everything from high-end hotels, theme parks, movie sets, and public art installations.
What made it so popular? Simple:
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It’s lighter than concrete.
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It can capture exquisite surface detail.
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It’s water-based and solvent-free, making it a greener alternative.
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And it can be custom-tinted to mimic natural materials.
In short, Jesmonite® was a game-changer for those who wanted beauty and performance without the usual trade-offs.
From Skyscrapers to Studio Tables — The Craft World Discovers Jesmonite®
Fast forward to the 2020s, and Jesmonite® has found a whole new fan base: crafters, makers, and DIY enthusiasts.
The shift started during the pandemic lockdowns. While many of us were baking bread or learning TikTok dances, Jesmonite® launched its AC100 Starter Kit, making the material accessible to hobbyists for the first time. It wasn’t long before makers realized this wasn’t just another resin.
Unlike traditional epoxy resins that require careful ventilation and long cure times, Jesmonite® AC100:
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Sets in just 20-30 minutes.
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Cleans up easily with water.
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Produces virtually no odor.
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Is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
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Offers incredible detail reproduction (hello terrazzo chips and marbling effects!).
It’s no wonder Jesmonite® became a social media darling, with creators showcasing their vibrant terrazzo pots, coasters, and decor pieces.
Why Crafters Love Jesmonite® (and You Will Too)
Here’s why Jesmonite® has earned a spot in every crafter’s toolkit:
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Eco-Conscious: No harmful solvents or toxic fumes. It’s a safer choice for you and better for the planet.
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Detail Obsessed: Want sharp edges and delicate textures? Jesmonite® delivers.
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Fast Setting: Projects that would take hours with resin can be demolded in under 30 minutes.
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Water-Based Wonder: Easy cleanup, less mess, and no lingering odors.
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Versatile Finish: Paint it, polish it, seal it, or leave it raw—Jesmonite® adapts to your creative style.
What started as a solution for architects is now empowering crafters to create boutique homeware, custom art pieces, and even small-scale furniture.
From the UK to the USA — How FTC Creative is Bringing Jesmonite® to American Makers
Our founder, Jen Ross, is a maker just like you. During the pandemic, while scrolling through TikTok, she stumbled upon a video of a creator pouring vibrant terrazzo Jesmonite® pieces. Like many of us, she thought, “I need to try this!”
But there was a problem—Jesmonite® wasn’t available in the U.S.
Jen's curiosity turned into determination. With her 30 years of experience in wholesale distribution, she reached out to the Jesmonite® team directly. What started as a casual inquiry quickly evolved into a partnership. In 2023, FTC Creative became the first official U.S. distributor of Jesmonite®.
Today, FTC Creative is proud to make Jesmonite® accessible to creators across the U.S., providing:
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Starter kits for beginners,
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Bulk supplies for pros, and
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A growing community of makers passionate about eco-friendly, creative crafting.
We're here to support crafters who want to explore this incredible material, offering resources, education, and inspiration—because we believe Jesmonite® deserves a place in every creative’s toolkit.
Want to join the Jesmonite movement?
Follow us on Instagram @ftc.creative and Youtube @ftccreative for creative ideas, tutorials, and to share your projects with a like-minded community of makers!
