Belly Cast Art in Pregnancy

Making a belly cast is a fun way to remember your pregnancy.

Belly cast art allows a woman to create a unique memory of her pregnancy. The process starts with making a plaster mold of either the pregnant woman's belly or her entire torso. Once the mold cures, it can be painted or even made into a bronze bowl. Belly cast art has become so popular that do-it-yourself kits can easily be found online. Some moms-to-be prefer to have a professional artist create their belly cast art to create a lasting work of visual art.

Time Frame

A belly cast can be done at any time during pregnancy, but many women wait until the third trimester. The casting process itself takes a short time and the plaster bandages dry quickly. It may take several weeks for an artist to return the finished product to you, depending on what you want to have done to your belly cast.

Features

Belly cast art can be done at home or with the help of a professional artist. The belly cast can show you what your body looked like while you were pregnant. You can also create multiple belly casts throughout your pregnancy to track the changes in your body. the belly cast can be left unfinished, or it can be sealed and painted. Some women choose to paint their bellies with abstract colors; others paint messages to their new child or use it as a central decoration in the baby's room. MamasBelly.com will take a belly cast and create an heirloom bronze bowl.

Planning Your Art

The completed belly cast is a blank canvas for artwork. In addition to paint, you can cover your belly cast in fabric, silk flower petals, beads or even candy wrappers. You don't have to decide right away, but you may want to have some supplies handy. Casting plaster can be used to smooth the surface of the belly cast. Gesso is a finishing primer that will seal the surface of your belly cast and prepare it for paint or other art materials.

Potential

Creating belly cast art for your pregnancy gives you the opportunity to create a piece of art that will be as unique as your child. If you make your own belly cast, you can engage the help of friends and family to create even more of a story behind the art. The belly cast can be a celebration of the life you will soon meet.

Considerations

Follow the directions for the belly cast kit carefully. A lubricant should be applied over the belly and torso area before applying the plaster bandages. Many kits include a lubricant. If not, a plastic barrier like press-n-seal will protect your skin during the casting process.

References

• Casting Keepsakes: Belly Casting Kit Contents
• Mama's Belly: Art Celebrating Life
• Original Belly Works: Design Gallery