Fancy making an original decorative piece in Jesmonite? In this tutorial, we show you how to make a decorative marble-effect Jesmonite box, topped with a pretty raised peony. A charming piece where marbling meets the delicacy of a peony in relief. A creative project anyone can take on.
This creation can be used in many ways: as a jewellery box, a trinket dish, a small decorative storage box or simply as a decorative Jesmonite piece. And if you want to take it even further, you can also turn the box into a container for making a scented candle.
With its mineral look, marbled shades and floral lid, this DIY lets you create an object that is as practical as it is decorative, and fully customisable to suit your taste.
What you need to make your marble-effect Jesmonite flower box
To make this creation, you will need:
- DuoSet AC100
- White pigment for Jesmonite
- Coade pigment for Jesmonite
- Decorative box mould
- Small peony mould
- Spatula
- Water
- Beaker
- Precision scales
- Skewer or thin stick
- Serrated knife
- Vibrating plate (optional)
If you would like to pour a candle into it:
- Container candle wax
- Candle fragrance oil of your choice
- 27/16 or 30/18 wick
- Acrylic varnish
- Paintbrush
Step-by-step instructions for this creation
Is this your first Jesmonite creation? Before you get started, read our guide to best practices and mistakes to avoid. You will find all the essential tips to prepare your materials properly, master each step and complete your first creation with confidence.
Step 1: calculate how much Jesmonite you need
Start by getting out your precision scales and your decorative box mould. Place the mould on the scales and tare them. Then fill it with water to find out its exact capacity.
Enter the readings in our calculator. It will work out the exact quantities of liquid and powder needed to prepare your Jesmonite.
This step lets you prepare just the right amount of material and avoid waste.
Step 2: prepare the Jesmonite mix
Once you have calculated the quantities, gradually pour the powder into the liquid. Add it little by little, mixing thoroughly with a spatula. Keep going until the mix is smooth, fluid and lump-free.
Take the time to incorporate the powder fully so that you get an even mix before moving on to the marbled effect.
Step 3: create a marbled effect with pigments
To add depth and character to the box, we are going to create a marbled Jesmonite effect. Add a few drops of white pigment and Coade pigment straight into your mix. Using a skewer or thin stick, gently swirl through the mixture a few times to bring out veins of colour.
Be careful not to over-mix: the pigments need to stay partly separate to keep their different shades and give you that lovely marbled finish once demoulded.
Step 4: pour the Jesmonite into the mould
Gently pour your mix into the mould. If you have a vibrating plate, place your mould on it for a few moments. The vibrations help air bubbles trapped in the material rise to the surface and give you a smoother finish.
Then let the Jesmonite harden enough before carefully demoulding it.
Step 5: customise the box lid
To give the lid its distinctive shape and make room for our flower, carefully trim off its end with a serrated knife. Work gradually to get a clean cut that fits the shape of the peony, which will then crown the top of the box.
Step 6: make the Jesmonite peony
Prepare a fresh batch of Jesmonite, following exactly the same method as before. This time, pour your mix into the small peony mould.
Before the Jesmonite hardens, insert the trimmed piece of the lid directly into the flower. It needs to sit deep enough in the material for the two parts to bond together.
As they harden, the peony and the lid will form a single piece, creating a pretty floral lid in relief.
Step 7: protect your creation with varnish
Once the whole piece is fully demoulded and dry, apply two coats of acrylic varnish with a paintbrush. Make sure you spread the varnish evenly over every surface and allow the necessary drying time between coats.
Then leave your creation to dry for at least 48 hours before pouring your candle into it.
Step 8: turn the box into a scented candle
Your Jesmonite container is ready: all that’s left is to make the candle!
Start by placing your 27/16 or 30/18 wick in the centre of the container. Then prepare your container candle wax and add between 7 and 10% fragrance oil, making sure you follow the dosage recommendations specific to the fragrance and wax you are using. Stir thoroughly to distribute the fragrance evenly through the wax, then pour your mix straight into the Jesmonite container.
Finally, leave your candle to cool and set completely.
A Jesmonite candle as decorative as it is fragrant
Your creation is finished! You now have a marble-effect Jesmonite candle box, complete with its lid adorned with a peony in relief.
You can personalise this DIY by playing with the pigments, the intensity of the marbling or the fragrance of your candle. Natural shades for a pared-back, mineral look, deeper colours for a more original result, or a floral fragrance to echo the peony: it’s up to you to dream up your own version.
