Are Our Vases 3D Printed? Here's How We Handcraft Every Shapes of Grace Vase
The clean lines of our Shapes of Grace vases often spark the same question: "Are these 3D printed?" The answer is no. Every vase is carefully handcrafted over several days, one layer at a time. Here's a look behind the scenes.
"Are These 3D Printed?"
This is one of the questions we hear most often at markets.
It's easy to see why. The smooth finish, crisp lines, and modern shapes make our vases look incredibly precise—almost as if they came straight from a 3D printer.
But there isn't a printer involved.
Every vase in our Shapes of Grace collection is made by hand, from building the mold to the final finish. While each piece follows the same process, no two are ever exactly alike.
What Is Jesin?
Jesin is a two-part casting material made from a powder and a liquid. When combined, it creates a smooth, durable material with a beautiful stone-like appearance.
In its natural state, Jesin cures to a soft, creamy white. To create our signature color palettes, we blend pigments directly into the mixture before pouring. Because the color runs throughout the material—not just on the surface—each vase has lasting depth and character.
Step 1: Building the Mold
Before we mix a single batch of Jesin, we build the mold by hand.
For our Shapes of Grace collection, we cut and score polypropylene (PP) sheets before carefully wrapping and securing them around foam board forms. Creating the mold ourselves gives us complete control over each vase's shape and proportions.
Step 2: Mixing and Pouring
Once the mold is ready, we mix the Jesin and add pigments if the design calls for color.
The mixture is poured into the mold, which is then gently rolled across the work surface for approximately 8 to 20 minutes. The exact timing depends on the temperature of the room. This process evenly distributes the material and creates smooth, consistent walls throughout the vase.
Step 3: Building Strength One Layer at a Time
Creating a sturdy vase takes more than one pour.
After the first layer hardens—usually about an hour—we repeat the process. Each vase receives three to four layers, allowing each one to harden before adding the next.
This layered construction creates a durable, substantial piece that's designed to last.
Step 4: A Full Day to Cure
Once the final layer is complete, the vase rests undisturbed for 24 hours.
This curing time allows the Jesin to fully harden and develop its strength before moving on to the next stage.
Step 5: Revealing the Vase
After curing, the PP mold is carefully removed to reveal the finished form for the first time.
The vase is then wet sanded to smooth edges, refine the surface, and prepare it for its final finish.
Step 6: Another 24 Hours
After sanding, the vase rests for another full day.
Giving the piece additional time ensures it's ready for the finishing process and helps create a durable, long-lasting result.
Step 7: Waterproofing and Finishing
The final steps transform the vase from a decorative object into a functional piece of home décor.
The interior is sealed to make it waterproof, allowing it to hold fresh flowers and water. The exterior is treated with mineral oil to enrich the color and enhance the natural beauty of the material, then finished with a protective wax for added durability and a soft, elegant sheen.
So... Are They 3D Printed?
Not even close.
Every Shapes of Grace vase represents days of careful craftsmanship—from building the mold and mixing the Jesin to pouring, layering, curing, sanding, sealing, and finishing.
The process is deliberate. The details matter. And because each piece is handcrafted, every vase has its own subtle character while maintaining the clean, modern design that defines the collection.
When you bring one home, you're not just decorating your space. You're bringing home a piece that was thoughtfully created, one step at a time.
Browse the Shapes of Grace collection →
Have another question?
If you've ever wondered how one of our products is made, we'd love to hear from you. Leave your question in the comments or send us a message—it might inspire our next behind-the-scenes blog post.