Capturing the fleeting tininess of baby hands and feet is something truly special. I recently embarked on this adorable adventure, casting the hands of my niece, Milly, and nephew, Hudson. Let me tell you, it's a heartwarming experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when dealing with the under-two crowd!
My first attempt was with Milly, a delightful ball of energy. I opted for the moulding bag method, thinking it would be easier. Oh, how wrong I was! Milly, bless her curious heart, was absolutely fascinated by the alginate. She loved the texture so much that she spent the entire time gleefully squeezing it between her fingers. The alginate, unsurprisingly, never set properly. It was a gooey mess. Lesson learned: moulding bags and enthusiastic babies don't mix!
For my second attempt with Milly, I switched tactics. I used a small pail instead, which worked perfectly! It contained the alginate, somehow kept Milly’s busy little hands from interfering, and allowed the mixture to set beautifully. Crisis averted!
My experience with her older brother Hudson was a completely different story. He was an absolute star! He cooperated beautifully, and I was able to use the moulding bag method without a hitch. It just goes to show, every baby is different, and you have to be adaptable.
Now, here’s a crucial tip, especially when using moulding bags: After the alginate has set you really need to removed the bag, so you can carefully inspect the mould. Sometimes, little fingers or the skin isn't fully submerged or they have touched the bottom of the bag, leaving tiny gaps or holes. These are usually near the fingertips. If you find any, mix a small amount of fresh alginate and patch the holes on the outside. Let it dry completely before pouring the casting stone. Trust me on this one. If you skip this step, you'll end up with stone leaking everywhere, and your precious hand cast will have some unwanted "finger growths." Not the look you're going for!
Because we all know how short a window of opportunity you have with little ones, these casting sessions were quick and efficient. We capitalized on those happy moments when Milly and Hudson were content and relatively still. Timing is everything!
Casting baby and toddler hands is a truly rewarding experience. It's a way to freeze a moment in time and preserve those precious little details that change so quickly. Just be prepared for a little bit of mess, a dash of patience, and maybe a few giggles along the way. And definitely have a backup plan if your little one decides the alginate is the best hand cream ever!
- Mel
