Pregnancy is a very special time for a mother and her unborn child. In fact, many mothers look back fondly on their pregnancy, recalling the intimate time spent with their child while the loving bond between them first began. These moments are just as special as they are fleeting.
So, I could understand when I was approached by a friend of mine a few years ago who was in her third trimester of her first pregnancy. She was excited for her little one to arrive, but a part of her knew that she would miss this prenatal time that she spent with her baby.
Knowing that I was an artist, she asked if I would be willing to decorate a cast of her belly so that she could always remember these special moments that they shared together. I thought that it was a great idea and we soon got together to discuss ideas and to look at the already decorated nursery where she planned to hang the finished artwork.
She and her husband then made the cast together, which seemed a little intimidating to them at first, but it actually is quite simple and there are many packaged kits offered that provide everything you need to get started.
First, the area to be casted is lubricated and then applied with layers of pre-cut plaster strips. After the entire area is covered with multiple layers, the mother sits back and relaxes for about 10-15 minutes until the plaster has set. Then the cast is removed and left to dry for a few days. After being treated properly, the cast can then be painted and decorated in the designs, colors and materials of choice.
It was such a delight to present my friend with the finished cast, and I delivered it just in time for the arrival of her new little girl! Violet now is a rambunctious toddler, but with their cast, she and her mother can always go back to those precious early moments which they shared together.
I have continued to create these decorative belly casts for other expecting mothers who have experienced similar joy through these unique works of art. Much of my artwork is inspired by nature, and so the casts are called Mother Nature Belly Casts to celebrate the life-giving properties not only of nature, but also of a mother as she nourishes and loves her growing unborn child during pregnancy.
What better way to preserve these moments than with a custom made belly cast. Physically they capture the shape of the mother’s growing pregnant belly, while the colors and designs chosen for the outer decoration can represent meaningful memories experienced during that time, or perhaps future dreams for their child. Once complete, these one-of-a-kind works of art can be treasured for years to come.
The actual casts can be created either by the mother or by myself upon request. A consultation will then be arranged to discuss different design ideas for the piece. Colors and designs can be matched to the baby’s nursery, reflect their names or characteristics during pregnancy, or simply be something that the mother finds beautiful to look at. The finished pieces can be hung in the nursery or other area of the home for the rest of the family to enjoy.
Congratulations on your soon to arrive little ones. I look forward to creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake for you and your child!
Jill Lena Ford is a world traveling artist best known for her self developed style of abstract art called “Organic Mixed Media”. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native earned a Bachelor of Fine Art in 2001 and a Masters degree in Art Education in 2006 from Northern Arizona University.
Her works have been shown in galleries and exhibitions held throughout the country, and her murals have been featured internationally in places such as India, Morocco, Thailand and Belize. She also has shared her talents by teaching and developing community art programs at various art schools and non-profit centers. Jill spends her time near her hometown of Pittsburgh, where she continues to create her artwork and embrace the beauty of nature. If
you can’t find her there, she is probably out trekking the globe gathering new inspiration.
If you are interested in getting more information or would like to set up a consultation please contact Jill, or visit her website.
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