How to Make Baby Foot Imprints

Many parents love to take imprints of their baby's hands or feet.

A baby footprint casting kit makes a wonderful gift if you are looking for something a little different. The kit includes everything you need to take an imprint of a baby's hand or foot, which a person can then keep forever as a special memento of when a child was tiny. Alternatively, you can purchase plaster of Paris from your local craft or hardware store and follow a similar process, at a fraction of the price.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Towel
• Plaster of Paris
• 1 1/4 cups water
• Small container
• Mixing spoon
• Paper plates
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Small paintbrush
• Clear glaze
• Glue
• Picture hook

Instructions

1. Place newspaper over a flat work surface to catch any spillages.

2. Wash the baby's feet and pat them dry with a soft towel. Pass the baby to a friend to hold fairly close by, ready to make the imprints as soon as the mixture is prepared.

3. Pour the water into the small container. Add the plaster of Paris to the water, approximately 1/4 cup at a time, mixing well with a mixing spoon. Aim for a smooth mixture, with a consistency similar to pureed baby food, with no bubbles.

4. Pour the mixture onto a paper plate until it is about an inch deep. Leave it to set for a few minutes. Repeat on a second plate, so that you have a spare in case the baby squirms too much and doesn't provide a good foot imprint on the first attempt. If you want to take an imprint of both feet, prepare four plates.

5. Press the baby's foot carefully into the plaster while a friend is holding the baby firmly. Avoid pressing too deep; the foot should not reach the bottom of the paper plate. Hold the baby's foot in place for a few minutes. Hold the baby's ankles gently but firmly, to keep the foot still.

6. Remove your baby's foot from the plaster and carefully move the plate to a safe place to dry for 12 hours.

7. Push the plaster out of the paper plate. Sand down any rough spots with fine grit sandpaper. Paint the casting with a coat of clear glaze and allow it to dry. Glue a picture hook to the back for hanging on a wall.

References

• Casting Gifts: How to Make a Baby Footprint Mold or Hand Casting
• Baby Casting Kit; Baby Rice