Includes two painted plaster casts of one hand and one foot in one of our 8x8" Square frames.
Prices quoted are for a baby under 1 year and vary depending on caster, frame style and the age of the baby so please use the suggested price as a guide. You will choose your frame, paint colour and mount combination at your appointment. Engraved name-plates are extra. If your frame includes space for a photo you will need to provide it.
At your appointment, moulds are taken of your baby's hands/feet using dental alginate as the impression material. It is the same material used by dentists to make those gum shield-like dental impressions. It is completely safe to use on babies' skin and has been used by lifecasters for decades. The process to take each mould is very fast - about 2-3 mins, as the mixture sets in that time. The mould is destroyed as the cast is taken from it so each cast is unique, 1 mould = 1 cast. The impression powder must be mixed with cool water, especially in hot weather, or the mixture sets too fast. Your baby will not be in the mixture for long but it is wise to bring some toys, milk or food along for older babies to distract them.
If your child has any kind of skin problem you must seek advice from your GP before having a cast done. It would also be wise to wait until any blemishes have cleared up as they will show up in the cast as every detail is picked up. Remember, also, that sock marks will show up in the casts too so don't dress your baby in ribbed socks or take them off as soon as you arrive so the marks wear off. It is best to dress your baby in a short-sleeved vest so your caster has full access to hands and feet.
After your appointment, the moulds are cast in plaster using a high definition stone plaster. Once set, they are tidied and left to dry out thoroughly for at least 2-3 weeks. They are then painted in classic or pearl white or metallic silver, rose gold, bronze or gold paint. If your casting option includes a frame, the casts are then framed.
Choosing a frame
We have a huge selection of frames to choose from to match most homes and existing decor.
You will find it easier to choose your frame, mount and paint colours if you know where you will hang the finished frame.
To help you decide you can ask yourself a few questions, such as:
- Where will I hang my frame - do I need to match it to the decor or frames of an existing room?
- Do I want to include a landscape or portrait photo in the frame? Which photo?
- How many 3D hand and foot casts do I want?
- What layout of hands and feet do I want?
- What size frame do I want?
- What colour should the frame rim be?
- What colour should the casts be?
- What colour should the front and back mounts be?
- Do I want an engraved name-plate with my child's name and age? Which colour? Which font?
The turnaround is normally 4-8 weeks depending on your caster but this can extend at busier times or during the school summer holidays. If you have a deadline please let your caster know when you book.
