Body Casting – An Extraordinary Experience That Lasts Lifetime

Body casting – the modern way to keep memories. Just like pictures do. But the 3D look makes everything so realistic, so touching and hard to resist its power. One of the best family gifts. One of the best pregnancy gifts.

If wondering what I am talking about, simply read the following lines and get the inspiration.

** This following post contains some affiliate links. Despite that, the written in here is honest and based on my own opinion or/and experience, research and wish to share my findings with you!

What is Body Casting?

Lifecasting (or also known as body casting only) is the process of creating a three-dimensional (3D) copy of a living human body or different body parts, through the use of molding and casting techniques.

The most common lifecasts are of hands, faces, and feet. Pregnant women often choose to have a belly cast of their torso made between the 35th – 38th week of pregnancy to capture their shape.

Why Body Casting?

First – Compared with other 3D representations of humans, the standout feature of lifecasts is their high level of realism and detail. Lifecasts can replicate details as small as fingerprints, wrinkles, hair and even pores.

Second – it’s possible for an inexperienced lifecasting practitioner to copy any part of the body. You only need some patience, enthusiasm and the right casting materials.

Third – lifecasting allows the creation of exact portraits and body reproduction, works which may have artistic and personal value. This makes the body casting a great memory, keepsake or a gift.

How to Make Body Casting?

There is a variety of lifecasting techniques which can differ to some degree. I can’t say the process is easy, but it generally includes the next 8 steps:

1. Model preparation – oily stuff is applied to the skin and hair (if there is any hair). It should be used a coating of Vaseline or a similar lubricant.
2. Model pose – the model takes the desired position and must remain until the end of the casting process (which is about…from 10 to 30 minutes of stationary pose, depending on the materials).
3. Mold application on the surface/skin of the model’s body. The Mold material is usually a thick liquid that takes the shape of the body.
4. Mold curing and reinforcement – to further strengthen and support the mold.
5. Demold – or simply carefully remove the reinforced mold (which strengthens enough) form the model’s body.
6. Mold reassembly and modification (if necessary)
7. Casting with a casting liquid material which is painted or poured into the mold.
8. A demold cast is a final step – once the casting material has acquired the shape of the mold and cured fully, the cast is carefully removed from the mold. Molds may survive but often do not, resulting in one-of-a-kind, “one-out” works.

 A tip: It’s a good idea for the model to use the bathroom before the casting process begins. No kidding!

Types of Body Casting: Recommended & Most Common

# 1 Hands – Telling a Story

Some of the most beautiful castings are those of hands. Because:

• they are all unique and can be arranged in different positions to express different emotions and situations;
• hand castings tell a story, especially when holding an item with special significance to someone (like occupation or hobby);
• little hands of our children don’t stay small for long! But casting captures those precious look of a newborn fist;
• a couple’s hand casting captures the stunning detail of an engagement or a wedding ring, making an unforgettable wedding or anniversary present!
• hands are also one of the quickest and cleanest parts of the body to have cast, and can take you as little as 5-10 minutes (apart from the messy work afterward…).

It is possible to cast more than one hand which make the individual, couple or a family casting perfect to celebrate, Engagements, Weddings, & Anniversaries.

# 2 Baby Casting – Tiny Toes That Last a Lifetime

It’s great to make those memories of the sweetest tiny toes, feet or fingers last a lifetime with a bespoke baby body casting. Whether you choose a professional body casting studio, or try to make by yourself at home with a Baby Casting Set, the most important thing is to make sure all the materials are completely safe for children and babies.

Always test a small amount on a small square of the kid’s skin (since your child could be allergic to some of the substances and materials). If there’s not a reaction (skin getting red), go ahead.

Baby Casting is one of the best modern gifts for a newborn or 1^st birthday (check another cute first baby birthday gift idea here). It could be a difficult process (since  babies love to wriggle their toes and fingers, and sometimes kick whilst the bodycasting process) but definitely worth trying. The parents need to be patient only and ….don’t forget to have fun no matter of the result!

And remember – IT IS MESSY, but a great memento!

# 3 Belly Casting – Capturing the Sacred Belly   – The Perfect Gift for A Mom-To-Be

The Pregnancy Belly Cast Kit a perfect keepsake of the pregnancy. The best moment is toward the end of the third trimester of pregnancy (between the 35th – 38th week).

You can find a variety of Pregnancy Belly Casting Kits that includes all the materials and instructions need to make a mess-free belly body casting.  Depending on your taste – pure white belly cast or want to smoother and decorate this piece of art, you can choose amongst a great variety of kits.

It is always better to have everything in just one set. It is actually an amazing gift for any expecting mom.  Don’t go for cheap substitutes, because a great factor here is the safety of the materials (non-toxic only), the quickness of molding (nobody wants to stay stationary for long and a mess everywhere, especially pregnant women near the due date…), and full instructions (with a lot of explanations and decoration ideas).  The complete belly cast can be painted, decorated and signed at a baby shower with special wishes!

Take a peek behind the scenes of the family body castings that looks so amazing and irresistible!

Final Thoughts