Here at shida we love a good vase and are always looking for new vessels to compliment our latest floral designs. Adele Woodward of AdeleWDesign is the talented designer-maker of the striking Jesmonite vases that you will find in our online store. We talk to Adele to find out about the versatile qualities of Jesmonite and the design process involved in making these unique and minimal vases.

Adele, can you tell us a bit about your design and production process?

I design and make contemporary homewares such as coasters, trays, vessels and clocks (to name a few), using the material Jesmonite.

My design process can start from a random lightbulb moment, from which I can just begin creating the vision I had. Or sometimes I have the thought of wanting to create a specific item such as a vase and jot down designs before picking my favourite. To figure out sizes, I'll just use good old pen and paper and make maquettes.

Sometimes after lots of deliberating, I (with the help from my incredible Dad!) create the form from wood, metal, plastic to make the silicone moulds which I cast in. I cast the jesmonite into silicone moulds. This allows me to replicate hundreds, maybe even thousands of pieces with just one mould.

For those who haven’t heard of jesmonite before, it is an acrylic modified cementitious composite. In simple terms, it is a similar material to concrete and shares characteristics such as being cold to the touch, textured and durable. Jesmonite is made up of a liquid and powder, when mixed together forms a reaction and becomes a solid form. Using pigments, I can create rich bold colours or any colour under the sun!

After the jesmonite is set, I de-mould and start the final process of hand sanding to the desired smooth texture and sealing to protect against stains and water.

It's fantastic to get such an insight into your process, Adele. We love how hands-on it is! Of course we can't officially approve of all these bright colours...!

Ok, next question... which is your favourite corner of your home (or studio), and why?

This has to be this corner in my bedroom. I’m a firm believer of making a workspace look beautiful and comfortable, to improve productivity (I’m a bit of a procrastinator). With gorgeous prints, stationery organised and everything I need to do admin, design, wrap up items, or even just read a mag with a cuppa!

P.S. My desk is never this tidy!

Print left by Charles and Ray Eames Print right by Rachel Presky

Gorgeous! Our desks are never this tidy either... might steal your pegboard idea, it looks like a great way to get organised. Fab prints too - thanks for sharing the deets!

Now here's a question close to our hearts... can you share with us a favourite homeware piece from your life and tell us about it?

This question was an easy one – my Eames house bird, a gift to me from my better half. As you probably guessed from my workspace, I’m a massive fan of Charles and Ray Eames and this bird pops up in their works, like a little mascot. Although not designed by them at all, I love the sleek and modern style of it.

Goodness me what a handsome fellow! If time and money were no object, where would you take your dream holiday?

This question was a little trickier and I would love to travel all over the world on a culture trip but haven’t had the chance yet. I would absolutely love to travel around Scandinavia. I’m very much inspired by the minimal design and forms, as well as loving their ways of life.

Interviewed by Samantha Drury Shore