Appointments take around 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

When we first meet to cast, we’ll have a chat about the different keepsake design options, and I’ll guide you through the decisions on the finishing options available. I’ll also explain the mold making process to you before we begin.

I will prepare a cozy area for us to cast in and for me to begin mixing up a special concoction of alginate and water. Alginate is hypo-allergenic and safe to use on the most delicate skin – it is even safe in the mouth as it is most commonly used in dentistry for taking teeth impressions. The alginate is nice and warm, has a consistency similar to thick custard, and takes less than a minute to set.

Your little one might be awake or asleep. Either is fine! I will gently moisturize their hands and feet and place them into the alginate mixture to set - which takes up to a minute. The mixture is warm, and sometimes they don’t even notice I’m doing it. I’ll take as many molds needed - it’s all part of the experience!

Once the alginate has set, the consistency becomes rubbery. I will gently wriggle your baby’s hand or foot to break the seal of the mold, and it will slip right out. Sometimes there is some alginate residue leftover on your baby’s skin which I will wipe away.

That’s your part done, now it’s over to me to finish your keepsake according to what you’ve chosen.

Each cast goes through a whole series of stages (drying, refining, sanding, priming, painting, varnishing, framing, photographing, and packaging) which takes around 9-12 weeks.

As soon as your keepsake is finished, I’ll email you to arrange collection.