WHAT IS PREGNANCY BELLY CASTING?
Pregnancy belly casting is the process of making a plaster cast of an expecting mother's form.
The casting process is designed to allow the expectant mother to feel honored and pampered. Her comfort, well-being, and relaxation are prioritized throughout.
Only materials that are completely safe for both mother and baby/babies are used, and you can rely on the gentle hands and skill of an experienced artist and therapist. Babies seem to enjoy the massage they naturally get from the casting process also!
A professional-quality, lasting memento of the mother's beautiful, unique pregnancy shape is created, to be treasured as a lasting reminder and connection to this special time in the expectant family's lives.
The casting process is designed to allow the expectant mother to feel honored and pampered. Her comfort, well-being, and relaxation are prioritized throughout.
Only materials that are completely safe for both mother and baby/babies are used, and you can rely on the gentle hands and skill of an experienced artist and therapist. Babies seem to enjoy the massage they naturally get from the casting process also!
A professional-quality, lasting memento of the mother's beautiful, unique pregnancy shape is created, to be treasured as a lasting reminder and connection to this special time in the expectant family's lives.
TEN CREATIVE IDEAS FOR A BELLY CAST
- Line a belly-bowl shaped cast with sheepskin and take your baby/babies first photos in it
- Paint it completely gold, or a color which matches your nursery, attach an elegant ribbon, and hang it for display
- Have loved ones write messages all over it, for your baby/babies to see as they grow
- Decoupage photos, baby shower invites, newspaper announcements, or other personally meaningful symbols on it
- Mosaic it with colorful beads, tiles or mirrors
- Calligraph a prayer and gift it to someone trying to get pregnant for good luck
- Meditate as you paint a mandala on it
- Print the baby/babies’ hand and/or footprints on it, or add the baby/babies’ name(s), weight(s), and birthdate
- Let your other child(ren) paint it
- Make the cast a center piece at your baby shower
HOW IT WORKS - THE CASTING
1) You can contact me to ask any questions you have and to tell me what you're looking for. Then, when you're comfortable, we will set-up a convenient time to do the belly casting. Belly castings are advised for when you are about 8 months pregnant and typically take up to 1.5 hrs. You can do it by yourself, with a partner, with your family, or arrange a baby shower party.
2) You can relax, knowing that I will provide all the necessary supplies, and you don't need to do anything else apart from show up! I will email you some ideas to consider before our session, so you can think about what shape cast you might want.
3) When I arrive, you (and your companion(s)) will be treated with the utmost respect and care from start to finish. I will particularly honor you as a woman and as an expectant mother, and will encourage your companion(s), if you have them, to take on supportive roles also. I will clearly explain the process to all present, answering any additional questions and addressing any concerns before starting the belly casting process. You will decide if you want the process to be photographed at various stages throughout. Photographs will be emailed to you within 3 days of the casting.
4) I will work to get you feeling physically and emotionally comfortable in your space. If you decide on it, you can play music, and you can soak your feet in scented water as we do the belly casting.
5) Sit back, relax, and enjoy the nurturing feeling of having the cast gently applied to your pregnant form. Your companion(s) can participate in this process if you so choose. NB: Only natural products will be placed directly on your skin.
6) After the cast has been applied, and as we wait for it to set, you will be offered a complimentary soothing hand or foot massage!
7) We will gently pull the cast off you once it is dry. You will be able to wash off and re-dress.
8) After leaving, I will cut the edges to exactly the shape that you want, reapply plaster for smooth, professional-looking edges, and coat the cast with a formula which smooths and strengthens it, once it is fully dry. I will also prime the cast for decorating. I can add holes and a ribbon or wire for hanging it if you wish also. You will be able to pick up your completed piece within 10 days.
2) You can relax, knowing that I will provide all the necessary supplies, and you don't need to do anything else apart from show up! I will email you some ideas to consider before our session, so you can think about what shape cast you might want.
3) When I arrive, you (and your companion(s)) will be treated with the utmost respect and care from start to finish. I will particularly honor you as a woman and as an expectant mother, and will encourage your companion(s), if you have them, to take on supportive roles also. I will clearly explain the process to all present, answering any additional questions and addressing any concerns before starting the belly casting process. You will decide if you want the process to be photographed at various stages throughout. Photographs will be emailed to you within 3 days of the casting.
4) I will work to get you feeling physically and emotionally comfortable in your space. If you decide on it, you can play music, and you can soak your feet in scented water as we do the belly casting.
5) Sit back, relax, and enjoy the nurturing feeling of having the cast gently applied to your pregnant form. Your companion(s) can participate in this process if you so choose. NB: Only natural products will be placed directly on your skin.
6) After the cast has been applied, and as we wait for it to set, you will be offered a complimentary soothing hand or foot massage!
7) We will gently pull the cast off you once it is dry. You will be able to wash off and re-dress.
8) After leaving, I will cut the edges to exactly the shape that you want, reapply plaster for smooth, professional-looking edges, and coat the cast with a formula which smooths and strengthens it, once it is fully dry. I will also prime the cast for decorating. I can add holes and a ribbon or wire for hanging it if you wish also. You will be able to pick up your completed piece within 10 days.
HOW IT WORKS - THE DECORATING
Most women choose to decorate their belly cast once it is dry. It is recommended that you do this before the baby is born. You can always leave some space for the baby's name, weight, birthdate, and prints of his/her hands or feet if you choose to include this in your design!
Another option many people choose is to have me decorate their cast for them. I can bring your idea to life, or I can suggest some original designs for you to choose from.
I can also facilitate an individual or group decorating session at my studio or at a baby shower.
HOW IT WORKS - PROFESSIONAL FINISHING/ RESTORATIONIf you bought a do-it-yourself belly cast kit and are not completely happy with the results, or if your home-made cast has gotten damaged, you can bring it to me for strengthening, shaping, edging, smoothing, repairing, and preparing for decoration. I can also ready your cast for hanging (adding holes and a ribbon or wire), or turn it into a usable belly bowl, if you want.
I take great care and pleasure in restoring and/or transforming your piece into something more professional-looking - something you will be pleased with and proud of! |
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