Being pregnant is a beautiful and transformative experience, and you may want to capture the memory of your growing belly. One way to do this is by making a belly cast. A belly cast is a three-dimensional mold of your pregnant belly, and it can be a wonderful keepsake to cherish for years to come.
If you are at 37+weeks of pregnancy, it is the perfect time to make a belly cast as your belly is beautifully round and prominent. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a belly cast:
Gather Your Supplies
First, gather all the necessary supplies. You will need:
- Plastic wrap or unpetroleum jelly
- floor pillows or a chair
- Plaster strips
- A bowl of warm water
- A drop cloth or newspaper to protect your floor
- Gloves
Prepare Your Space
Find a comfortable and well-lit area in your home where you can work. Lay down the drop cloth or newspaper to protect the floor from any mess. Bring bowl of warm water to the center. Sit on pillows or your chair, protected by drop cloth, or stand near the bowl. place plaster strips of different lengths near the bowl.
Wrap Your Belly
Start by wrapping your belly with plastic wrap, or lathering with unpetroleum. This will protect your skin and make it easier to remove the cast once it’s dry.
Apply the Plaster Strips
Dip one plaster strip at a time into the warm water and apply them to your belly. Make sure to overlap the strips to create a solid and sturdy cast. Have a friend or partner help you with this step.
As you finish
Once you have covered your entire belly with the plaster strips, it will start to dry and pop off.
Remove the Cast
Once the cast is thick, carefully remove it from your belly. Start by loosening the edges and gently peeling it away from your skin. Then place it carefully on a pile of towels or newspaper to support the shape as it needs to dry completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, but is best to wait overnight.
Clean up is challenging as you do not want any plaster of paris to go down the drain and clog your pipes. Pour off the bowl of water carefully and put any plaster crumbs and scraps into the trash.
Decorate and Preserve
Now comes the fun part! You can decorate your belly cast with paint, or any other materials you like. Once you are happy with the design, seal it with a clear varnish to preserve it.
A belly cast is a beautiful way to celebrate your pregnancy and create a lasting memory. It can be displayed as a piece of art or used as a prop for Baby Showers and Blessing Ways. Your belly cast will always remind you of the incredible journey of pregnancy.
