Creating terrazzo magnets with Maison Charlett and the FORMART S
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- Posted in Home decor
Discover how Maison Charlett creates handmade terrazzo magnets using a vacuum former and clay moulds, blending traditional craft with modern design tools.
Emily Charlett, the creative mind behind Maison Charlett, is an artisan based in the south of France. Passionate about handmade design, Emily crafts a beautiful range of home décor pieces using terrazzo - a striking composite material known for its colourful, speckled appearance. Her shop is filled with one-of-a-kind creations, from elegant candle holders and pots to coasters and more.
Terrazzo is made by combining chips of marble, granite, quartz, glass, or other materials with a binder such as cement or resin. Once poured and cured, the surface is polished smooth to reveal a vibrant, textured pattern unique to each piece. Traditionally used for flooring and wall finishes, terrazzo has become a popular medium for smaller decorative items thanks to its durability and eye-catching design.
In this Instagram post, Emily gives us a peek behind the scenes at how she uses her MY YARD FORMART S desktop vacuum former to make charming terrazzo magnets. The process begins with clay: she sculpts small shapes and allows them to dry thoroughly. These are then placed onto the vacuum former, where a sheet of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is moulded over them to create a flexible, reusable mould.
TPU is both strong and elastic: ideal for casting materials like terrazzo. Emily pours the terrazzo mixture into the moulds and allows it time to cure. Once hardened, the shapes pop out easily. After a final polish to highlight the vibrant red speckles within the material, each piece is finished with a magnet affixed to the back. This transforms them into delightful, functional art.
Emily’s approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern tools, offering a fresh take on handmade design. Whether you're drawn to the tactile beauty of terrazzo or curious about the creative potential of vacuum forming, Maison Charlett is a lovely source of inspiration.
Find out more about Emily’s work on her Instagram or the Maison Charlett website.
Machines
Materials
- Clay
- TPU sheet
- Terrazzo mixture
- Magnets