Making a pregnancy belly cast is a fun and easy project using our kit. It takes only about 45 minutes and there is no mixing of messy materials. All you need to provide is a pair of scissors and a basin of water. The casting material used in making a pregnancy belly cast is extra-fast setting premium quality plaster of paris bandage material and it sets in as quick as 2-4 minutes. The whole process really is fail-proof and the end result is a perfect 3D memento of an expecting mom's beautiful pregnant belly!

Pregnancy Belly Casting Tips

How to make a pregnancy belly cast including your hands
Some moms like to include the hands of a loved one in their pregnancy belly cast. It is very easy to do. Just put the hands right on the belly, apply the Vaseline over the back of the hands as you are coating the rest of the mom's casting area, and then simply cast right over the hands. Make sure the fingers are spread far enough apart so that it is easily distinguishable that it is a hand being cast into the pregnancy belly cast.

How to get a really smooth pregnancy belly cast
A tip to make a really smooth cast is to dip your fingers in water after you apply a couple of overlapping layers of the plaster casting strips and rub your fingers over the layers to mix the plaster of paris together among the layers. Work fairly quickly as the plaster strips will begin to dry within a few minutes after you begin applying the plaster strips. After your pregnancy belly cast has completely dried, lightly sand it with the sanding screen included in our kit. If you still want an even smoother surface, apply 1-2 layers of Gesso (acrylic priming paint) and let dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

A more advanced method of making a smoother cast is to apply a thin layer of joint compound or spackle which can be found at your local home improvement store. Apply it with your fingers and as it starts to dry, smooth it out more with your fingers. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions and then lightly sand it using our sanding screen. You may need to apply more than 1 layer of joint compound or spackle, allowing each layer to dry and lightly sanding in between each coat.

How to support your breasts during the casting
Since pregnancy belly casting is typically done with the mom unclothed from below the belly up, a common question we get asked is "just how can my breasts have some support while I'm doing the casting?" There are a few different ways to give your breasts some support during the casting:

1. My favorite is to take a long piece of saran wrap, fold it in half and wrap it around your body beginning under your breasts where your bra strap would usually rest. Continue to wrap the saran wrap around your body working your way up under your breasts until you have the amount of support you desire;

2. wear a strapless bra, but the fabric and seams will show through your cast, and don't wear your favorite bra because between the Vaseline and the casting material, even after washing it will probably never be the same again; or

3. buy those disposable "pasty" bras that are available at your local department store.

How to include your thighs in the casting
To have your pregnancy belly cast look right, you will need to do your casting while standing. Start the casting from the top and work your way down. When you get to the bottom of your belly, place a piece of saran wrap over your pubic area to keep the wet casting material from sticking to it. Slather the saran wrap with Vaseline prior to placing it over your pubic area. You will need to hold the saran wrap in place while your helper places the first wet strip over the pubic area. Thereafter, the wet casting strips will hold the saran wrap in place.

Alternatively, you can wear a pair of panties. Try to wear a more delicate pair since the seams won't show as much. Then tuck the saran wrap into the seams to hold it in place.

Vaseline removal from the inside of your pregnancy belly cast
You might wonder just how to get the excess Vaseline out of the inside of your cast. If you're a patient person (and I wasn't when I made mine!), the Vaseline will eventually dry out. If you want quicker results, first take a dry paper towel and wipe out any excess. Then, take another paper towel and dip it in rubbing alcohol and gently dab it on the Vaseline to dissolve it. Just be careful not to apply so much rubbing alcohol that it saturates your pregnancy belly cast.

Smoothing the edges of your pregnancy belly cast
Don't worry about having the edges of your pregnancy belly cast be even as you are making the cast. After your pregnancy belly cast has completely dried, you can take a pair of sharp scissors and trim the edges to make them even if you like.

Displaying Ideas

Wall hanging. To hang your pregnancy belly cast with ribbon, punch a hole in each side of the cast at the top. The easiest way to put holes in it is to use a power drill with a small bit. Think of where the strings for a halter-top would be and place your holes there. Start with 3 yards of ribbon. Fold in half and cut. Feed each piece through the front of your pregnancy belly cast and make a knot. Bring both pieces up and make a bow. These halter ties can be as long or short as you like.

Frame. You could buy a large picture frame (you don't need the glass front so try to buy just the frame) and cover the back rectangle of the frame with a pretty color velvet, black is always striking especially if you decide to leave your pregnancy belly cast its natural color. Attach your cast to the back of the frame using wire. Drill holes in the wood backing that is covered with fabric. Then run wire from the back to the front and through the sides of the cast to attach it to the frame.

Easel. If you have the space, your pregnancy belly cast could be beautifully displayed on a brass easel. You can purchase these at any local craft store.
Leaning against a wall. I have mine setting on the corner of a dresser in our master bedroom leaning against the wall. No fuss and the easiest way to display a pregnancy belly cast.

Shadow Box. A dramatic way to display your pregnancy belly cast would be to either make or buy a shadow box and display it in there.