Why I Brought JESIN Into My Art Studio
- Ashley Ellis
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
As an artist, I'm always experimenting.
It's part of the job description.
New paints. New surfaces. New techniques. New materials. If there's a creative rabbit hole to fall down, chances are I've already explored it.
Several years ago, I began noticing beautiful cast home décor appearing everywhere. Elegant trays, sculptural vessels, terrazzo-inspired pieces, and modern handmade objects that looked right at home in a boutique hotel or the pages of a design magazine.
I was intrigued.
As I researched the material behind these creations, I discovered JESIN.
There was just one problem. At the time, it wasn't available in the United States. So I followed along from afar.
I watched makers share their projects online. I admired the beautiful matte finish, the modern aesthetic, and the endless creative possibilities. Like many creatives, I initially assumed one well-known brand name represented the entire category of mineral casting materials. The deeper I researched, the more I realized there were several manufacturers creating their own unique formulations—and JESIN continued to stand out to me.
Then one day, I stumbled across a post announcing that JESIN was finally becoming available in the United States.
I immediately reached out to Mrs. Colorberry.
My intention was simple. I teach art workshops, creative experiences, and classes, and I wanted to know if there was a way to purchase larger quantities for my students and studio.
I wasn't looking to start a new business.
I wasn't thinking about importing products.
I simply wanted to get my hands on the material and see if it was everything I hoped it would be.
What started as a simple email quickly became a conversation. That conversation eventually became a partnership. And before I knew it, my love affair with JESIN had begun.
Why JESIN Felt Different
The first thing I noticed wasn't the strength, the finish, or even the versatility.
It was how approachable it felt.
As an instructor, I'm constantly thinking about the student experience.
Can a beginner be successful?
Can someone walk into a workshop with zero experience and leave feeling proud of what they created?
Can the material inspire creativity instead of creating frustration?
JESIN checked every box.
Students weren't fighting complicated processes. They weren't overwhelmed by intimidating materials or strong odors. Instead, they could focus on the fun part—the creating. And that's where the magic happens.
As an artist, I was equally impressed by the finish. The smooth, stone-like surface felt modern and elevated. The details captured beautifully. The possibilities seemed endless.
It quickly became one of my favorite materials to teach.
Then Something Unexpected Happened
I started importing small quantities for my workshops.
Then students wanted more.
Friends wanted to try it.
Other artists began asking where they could buy it.
Makers started sharing their creations online.
Word spread.
One shipment became another.
Then another.
What started as a few boxes arriving in Wisconsin slowly grew into something much larger.
As interest continued to grow, our relationship with Mrs. Colorberry grew as well. Together, we worked to make JESIN more accessible to makers throughout the United States. Eventually that growth expanded into Canada, and later Mexico.
Today, from our studio and warehouse in the small town of New London, Wisconsin, Ellis Visual Arts proudly serves makers across North America.
Sometimes I still have to stop and smile when I think about that. A material I once admired from across the ocean is now helping artists, hobbyists, educators, retailers, and creative entrepreneurs throughout North America bring their ideas to life.
The Colors Sealed the Deal
If you've spent any time around me, you know I love color. Not just any color. Beautiful color. Fashion-forward color. Color inspired by interiors, design, travel, nature, and current trends. That's one of the reasons I fell so hard for the LIQU-MENT color system.
The colors feel fresh and modern. Soft earthy neutrals. Rich organic tones. Playful seasonal palettes. Bold statement colors.
As both an artist and educator, I appreciate materials that allow people to create projects that look current and elevated—not something that feels dated the moment it's finished.
The LIQU-MENT system makes experimenting with color incredibly fun, whether you're creating home décor, gifts, artwork, or products for your own business.
Building a Creative Community
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the relationships. I love connecting with other makers, instructors, studio owners, and creative business owners who are just as passionate about teaching and creating as I am. There's something incredibly fulfilling about helping another instructor bring JESIN into their classroom.
Helping a retail shop introduce a new creative medium to their customers. Watching a small business owner launch a product line made with JESIN. Seeing artists experiment, learn, and make the material their own. Those moments are just as exciting to me as creating with the material myself. Because at the end of the day, this has never just been about a product. It's about creativity. It's about education. It's about building community.
And it's about helping people discover that they are capable of creating something beautiful.
More Than a Material
When people ask why I brought JESIN into my studio, the answer is simple. I didn't choose JESIN because I wanted another product to sell. I chose JESIN because I believed it could help more people experience the joy of making. Years later, I still believe that.
Every workshop.
Every student.
Every new maker.
Every creative business.
Every project.
It all starts with the same thing that started this journey for me: A little curiosity. And a willingness to see where creativity might lead.
What Is JESIN?
JESIN is a European-made mineral casting material developed by Mrs. Colorberry in Germany. It combines a water-based acrylic resin with a specially formulated mineral powder to create a strong, smooth, stone-like finish.
Artists and makers use JESIN to create:
Decorative trays
Candle vessels
Home décor
Terrazzo-inspired designs
Sculptural objects
Functional art pieces
Because of its ease of use and professional finish, JESIN has become popular among artists, creative businesses, and workshop instructors.