DIY Belly Casting

A belly cast commemorates a special time in a woman's life.

A do-it-yourself belly cast is an artistic way to commemorate your pregnancy. Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life as your body changes and your family gets ready to welcome a new baby. While there are many ways to remember your months of pregnancy, a DIY pregnancy belly cast gives you a tangible, life-size replica of your pregnant belly.

Things You'll Need

• Roll of plaster of Paris gauze strips
• Scissors
• Dry plaster of Paris
• Measuring cups
• Bowls
• Spoon
• Petroleum jelly
• Hand towel
• Soap

Instructions

1. 

   Cut your strips ahead of time to make the process go faster.

   Cut 4- to 5-inch strips of plaster of Paris gauze, which is made of gauze embedded with plaster of Paris. Pre-cut at least one roll.

2. Mix 1/3 cup of dry plaster of Paris with warm water, then stir with a spoon. Fix two more bowls of the plaster of Paris mixture to keep on hand in case you get low during the project.

3. Smear a thin coating of petroleum jelly all over your belly to make removal of the belly cast and clean-up easier. Some belly casts include the breasts and arms so make sure to apply petroleum jelly to any skin areas that will be wrapped with the plaster of Paris gauze strips.

4. Dip one gauze strip at a time into the plaster of Paris solution, then hold the strip over the bowl and allow the excess liquid to drip back into the bowl.

5. Place the gauze strip on the belly starting at the perimeter of the belly. Continue to add more strips, one at a time, smoothing the ends together and working your way in toward the center of the belly. When you've completed the first layer of gauze strips for your belly cast, repeat the procedure to make a second layer for added strength.

6. Let the cast begin to harden on the belly for 15 minutes. Loosen the edges carefully, then slowly lift the belly cast out and away from the body.

7. Wash the skin that had plaster of Paris strips on it with soap and water to remove the plaster and petroleum jelly.

8. 

   The belly cast will harden similar to a cast on a broken bone.

   Set the belly cast in a dry place so it can completely harden. One full day is usually long enough for the plaster of Paris to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Have the mother-to-be write her name and the date inside the dried belly cast to commemorate the occasion.

• Plaster of Paris can be messy. Place a plastic drop cloth on the floor to make clean-up easier.

References

• Pregnancy and Baby: Make Your Own Belly Cast
• Art of Mask Making: How To Make a Life Mask