St. George man creates one-of-a-kind resin art on everything from glassware to charcuterie boards

Written by Jessi Bang
September 10, 2023

ST. GEORGE — From resin-swirled wine glasses to wooden charcuterie boards streaked with color, this artisan is making a splash at local markets.

Kent Schlientz, owner of KC's Creations, takes a photo next to some of his hand-poured resin work and scrap metal art, St. George, Utah, Aug. 22, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Kent Schlientz, owner of KC’s Creations, takes a photo next to some of his hand-poured resin work and scrap metal art, St. George, Utah, Aug. 22, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“When it comes down to it, they’re all original, one-of-a-kind,” Kent Schlientz said. “You’ll never find another one like it.”

Schlientz, who owns KC’s Creations, has turned his home garage into a resin art studio where he creates a variety of pieces including, drinkware, pens, wine stoppers, bottle openers and seam rippers. 

He said he loves bringing others’ ideas to life in a form they can cherish forever, which is why custom-commissioned pieces are his favorite. One of his most memorable commissions included a  cutting board in the shape of Nebraska with the Platte River created out of blue mika powder and resin. He also loved a set of commissioned wedding glasses with a mixture of green and purple — a color combination he wouldn’t have normally put together.

“Glasses are one of my favorite things,” he said. “Just because they’re so unique. You just put everything on there and wait to see what it becomes. I can create two that are similar, but there will never be two that are exactly the same.”

A matching cutting board, glasses and wine stopper by KC's Creations are pictured, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kent Schlientz, St. George News
A matching cutting board, glasses and wine stopper by KC’s Creations are pictured, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kent Schlientz, St. George News

Leftover resin from each project is poured into blocks and repurposed for other items such as wine stoppers.

When it comes to his charcuterie boards and cutting boards, Schlientz said he uses teak wood obtained through a local wood supplier or home improvement store. He also purchases some of his boards from local stores. His goal is to keep costs down in order to continue selling his boards for $30-$50.

“You see some like this on places like Etsy selling for $150, $200-plus,” Schlientz said, holding a resin-poured cutting board in his hand. “And I don’t want to do that.”

First introduced to resin art by a former colleague, Schlientz said he went home excited to tell his wife all about what he planned to create. She hadn’t seen him that excited about anything in a long time and loved his enthusiasm. 

He began by trying to make resin pens, which initially turned out “horrible,” but he was determined to get them right.

“I’ve ruined a lot of stuff,” Schlientz said, laughing. “I’ve learned a lot over the years and I get better with each one.”

A custom wood board by Kent Schlientz sits on a table, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kent Schlientz, St. George News
A custom wood board by Kent Schlientz sits on a table, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Kent Schlientz, St. George News

That Christmas, he made cutting boards with poured resin for each of his kids. Shortly after, his wife suggested he try resin on glasses, and that changed everything. 

Excited about her husband’s new hobby, Schlientz’s wife volunteered to take over marketing and sign him up for local markets.

KC’s Creations made their official debut at a Mother’s Day show in Enterprise. Next, Schlientz and his wife sold at the Hurricane Farmers Market. His booth can now be seen at the Tuacahn Saturday Market.

Schlientz said the best part of the local market scene has been interacting with the community and taking design suggestions from attendees who light up when they see his work.

Outside of his various resin art projects, he also creates scrap metal art. He’s made everything from wine bottle holders to paint openers and nightlights. He loves the creativity he’s able to use with a torch and welder to create items that make others smile.

For more information on KC’s Creations, visit their Facebook page. To reach Kent Schlientz directly for custom orders or inquiries, email [email protected] or text 435-233-4821.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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