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The Process
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO YOUR UNIQUE CASTING
The casting process at Kieative Keepsakes
STEP 1
Consultation
We always begin by discussing your vision and any specific preferences you have to find out exactly what you want to cast and how you would like to display your sculpture. During our consultations, we can help you select your desired style of casting and its finish!
STEP 2
Casting Sessions
Casting sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes depending on the style of casting. On this day, we take the moulds, and the finishing process is completed by us afterwards. We ensure that you are comfortable throughout this process providing a safe and relaxing experience for everyone. Once the mould is set (within 1-2 minutes) we gently remove it. The mould will have captured detailed impressions of your skin textures.
The material we use for creating the mould is called Alginate. Alginate is a quick-setting, seaweed-derived substance, commonly used by dentists, capable of capturing true-to-life intricate details while remaining gentle on sensitive skin. We prepare the skin-safe alginate for moulding simply by adding water.
STEP 3
Refining & Filing Your Moulds
After the moulds have been refined and prepared it is then filled with plaster. ‘It's all in the mix’ of the plaster. Once we have captured the perfect mould using the alginate, we mix premium plaster to bring your cast to life. This is done with precision to create a durable lifelike cast. Each piece is tailored to your chosen style, however, the plaster used achieves the desired texture, strength and finish. The right mix ensures every detail - whether it's the delicate lines of a newborn's hand or the natural contours of the body - is beautifully preserved. This meticulous process transforms your moulds into a stunning durable keepsake!
STEP 4
Finishing Touches
After the cast is set, we carefully refine and finish off your casts once they have completed the drying stage which takes up to 4 weeks. This process ensures your casting looks perfect. If needed, the casting can be hung in your home safely and securely. We use expert sculpting skills to refine each casting to perfection. By enhancing depth and character we bring your casts to life. Our finishing process creates a timeless piece that captures not only the form but also the essence of the moment, leaving you with a lasting work of art.
STEP 5
Collection
Your bespoke casting will be ready for collection between 8-12 weeks from your casting session. We ensure each piece meets our high standard of quality before it is returned to you. This timeline ensures we have time to refine every detail, allowing us to deliver stunning finished pieces that meet your expectations. We’ll notify you as soon as your casting is ready via email, then we look forward to presenting you with a timeless keepsake to cherish forever!
Our Materials
PLASTER
NON TOXIC
Non toxic high strength powder that hardens on drying. A casting compound has exceptional surface hardness used to fill moulds creating stone sculptures.
ALGINATE
SEAWEED DERIVED
Biodegradable, Eco-Friendly non toxic moulding material naturally derived from seaweed used to create moulds
PLASTER BANDAGE
QUALITY PLASTER
Special woven cloth impregnated in quality plaster.
Simply soaked in water to help strengthen and support alginate moulds or layered to create shapes