Ok. I've been looking around for a belly cast kit. however they're pretty pricey and so I decided to just buy the stuff seperate. Hopefully I can get this done soon.
Here's my idea of after its done. I would really love to take all of my pregnancy photo's from this pregnancy and from my previous pregnancies and some how glue them to the belly and then glaze over the pictures.
Like a collage. But I'm not sure how to do this. I haven't seen it done. Any Idea's? I'm thinking that printing the pictures in black and white on regular paper will be more moldable. do any of you know if this will work?

that sounds so cool! I know you can get pics onto cloth too with an iron-on transfer...maybe do that then put the cloth onto your cast? then it would be totally moldable!

Oh you can TOTALLY do that Es! Super easy!

Get plaster strips from Michael's (or the like), cut them into varying length strips, dip into warm water (just as you are about to apply, one at a time) and smooth it on.

Enlist hubby ;) Use plenty of Vaseline. Protect the floor.

As for smoothing the cast...um, what was that stuff called ?? There's a product 'they' use as a finish coat, you can sand it down for a smooth finish. I don't know about printing the pics on regular paper though. I understand it being more moldable, but, hmm I would think I'd want the better finish of photo paper. Even cheap, low grade stuff, kwim? A satin or matte finish, but just that wee bit of weight and depth of photo paper. Then mod podge over it. Or I think that product I can't think of can do that too ?? I'll post back as soon as I remember/figure out what that's called. I never did manage to get any for either of my casts. They remain untouched. :~p

ok, well, scratch my photo paper idea...I see recs to use regular printing paper and thinner stuff like magazines :p

Hey, I never claimed to be an expert ;) hehe

Gesso! That's what I was looking for :: Before painting or decorating, smooth the surface of the cast by dry-walling it with a pasty mixture of plaster of Paris or paint it with gesso. (Gesso is a white, durable paint-like mixture of plaster used to prepare and smooth the surface of a sculpture before painting).

Ok, that's all.

Go for it girl...have fun! I've wanted to do a collage on mine as well...it just hasn't happened. I'm queen of unfinished projects :p

We so need a Belly Cast stick here in the PG forum! I'd love to know more about it... I'd love to do one for this pregnancy... ya never know, we may never have another boy. ;) I think they are really pretty~

Thanks everyone!!!

So T' after I glue the pics down, what do I seal it with??? Mod Podge? or that Gesso stuff?

okay, I found this on YouTube!
seems simple enough. it's call decoupage!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAZGG2SgBMI

Esther, I'm glad you asked this. Rachel & Valorie are looking into this :-D They want to get working on one too.

Esther, have you tried yet? Your so close! I'm so excited :-D